Beacon Cinema Construction

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PITTSFIELD – Over the next few weeks, construction activity will be increasing on the Beacon Cinema project. This means Allegrone Construction and the City will be implementing the traffic changes approved last fall by the Traffic Commission. A diagram, illustrating the temporary changes, is attached. The anticipated time frame for each change is also shown on the diagram.

As a reminder, at various times during construction these changes will include:

North bound traffic on McKay Street being diverted through the McKay Street parking garage;

South bound traffic on McKay Street dead ending at the Central Block;

The open short term parking area on McKay Street, directly in front of the parking garage, being closed.

The City is working to provide:


Temporary parking along West Street, east of McKay Street;

A temporary loading zone along West Street, west of McKay Street; and

Relocate 2 handicap parking spaces – one into the garage and one on to West Street.

As with any major construction project, these changes will cause short term disruptions in pedestrian and vehicle access in the area of the cinema construction project. Steps have been taken to limit the duration of changes, while recognizing that public safety on and in the vicinity of the construction site is the first priority.

The City appreciates the cooperation being given by all affected by these changes. When completed, the cinema center will bring 200,000 plus people downtown each year, continuing the renaissance of downtown Pittsfield, the urban center of the Berkshires. For more information, please contact Matt Dindio in the Mayor’s office, 413 499-9322
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Scenic Vistas, Open Spaces Central to Berkshire's Rural Character

By John TownesSpecial to iBerkshires
This is the first of a two-part series looking at types of land trusts, their missions and their place within the Berkshires.
 
Land is an essential resource for life. We all spend the vast majority of our lives directly connected to the land or in structures built on it. Land is also a central core of the global ecosystem that makes the earth sustainable for all lifeforms.
 
The landscape has special significance in the Berkshires. It is a central element in the region's scenic rural character and quality of life, as well an economic resource that is a basis of tourism.
 
Access to land, and control of its use, is largely based on ownership. This system enables people to own homes, build businesses, establish communities, and pursue other goals and activities.
 
However, the private use and control of land can also be a source of contention and conflict — from debates about development at local planning boards to international wars over territory.
 
Traditionally, local and regional planning policies and regulations such as zoning have been used to balance the concepts of private ownership with shared public goals and needs. In addition government ownership provides land for schools, roads, infrastructure, parks and nature preserves, and other public purposes.
 
In recent decades another form of land ownership and control has gained increasing visibility and prominence. This concept is often known as land trusts.
 
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