Pittsfield Designated BioReady Community

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council has certified the Pittsfield as a "BioReady Community," one that has the siting and permitting infrastructure to support biotechnology businesses.

"This certification is an endorsement of the accomplishments of PEDA in bringing several parcels to shovel ready status as well as recognition that the city is open for business and has the assets biotechnology companies are looking for when siting new businesses in the commonwealth," said Mayor James M. Ruberto.

Through the Department of Community Development and the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority, the city met the criteria to receive a Gold Rating from the Massachusetts Biotechnological Council.

Along with Pittsfield, both Fitchburg and Leominster received a Gold Rating at the BioReady Gateway Cities event held earlier Wednesday in Boston, bringing the total BioReady Communities achieving a Gold Rating to an even dozen.

Criteria include designated priority development site that is pre-permitted for biotechnology development, streamlined permitting practices, including convening interdepartmental coordination meetings prior to or during the local permitting process, zoning which allows biotech companies to develop by right, and adequate existing water and sewer infrastructure serving available commercial and industrial properties. The city also benefited in the certification process from its prior designation as a Massachusetts Growth District.

For more information about the rating, contact Peter Abair, director of economic cevelopment at the Mass Biotechnology Council, 617-674-5100, for information about this designation.
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Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.

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