Downing Plans Appearances for Veterans Day

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PITTSFIELD - In recognizing Veterans Day, state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D–Pittsfield, joins citizens of the commonwealth and across the nation in honoring the heroes who have committed their lives to preserve and protect this great nation. This Veterans Day, Downing will honor our veterans by participating in several local parades and events in North Adams, Lenox and Pittsfield. "Whether attending a memorial celebration or setting aside a few moments to remember the gravity of each soldier’s sacrifice, Veterans Day is a time to reflect upon our brave soldiers and their families who dedicate their lives to protecting the freedoms our founding fathers envisioned," said Downing. From the earliest days of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, Massachusetts has led by example in ensuring that the needs of our veterans were met and the benefits they earned are administered, he said. Approximately 476,000 veterans currently live in Massachusetts. This week, the Senate unanimously passed a bill 38-0 that seeks to improve communication between the Massachusetts Department of Veterans' Services and the state's veterans. Co-sponsored by Downing, the bill establishes a check-off box on income tax forms for veterans to mark, alerting state officials to their eligibility for bonuses ranging from $500 to $1,000 through the Welcome Home Act. This measure now awaits approval by the House of Representatives.
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Former Harry's Supermarket Under Construction for Restaurant

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Construction is underway to transform the former Harry's Supermarket into a restaurant

Late last month, the Conservation Commission greenlit some tree pruning on the property. New windows and a new door can be seen in the front of the building. 

"It's a substantial renovation that's currently underway here," Brent White of White Engineering said, speaking on behalf of the applicant and owner, Huajie Zhu. 

A fire gutted the longtime Wahconah Street supermarket in 2023, and the following year, Zhu purchased the property for $460,000 two years ago to build a restaurant with hibachi in the existing footprint of the more than 100-year-old building. 

White explained that the project has been ongoing for over a year, and the Community Development Board granted the property a waiver to reduce the minimum required number of parking spaces so that additional spaces aren't needed.  

He noted that, looking at the site plan, there is very little room to do so. A mirror will be installed near the sharp turn on Bel Air Avenue to alleviate traffic concerns. 

Pruning will be done on trees in the southeast corner of the existing paved parking lot, as a number of branches are hanging over. The new owners also intend to patch, sealcoat, and re-stripe the parking lot. 

A fire tore through the building less than an hour after the supermarket closed for the day three years ago. An automatic sprinkler system is required for the new use. 

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