Pittsfield Awarded Third Consecutive Grant To Combat Youth Violence

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city has once again received a state grant to combat youth violence.
 
The city has been awarded an $133,000 Senator Charles E. Shannon Jr. Community Safety Initiative grant. The funds will continue the city's efforts to reduce youth and gang violence.
 
"The Shannon Grant is making a huge difference in our community. It has allowed us to coordinate community conversation and develop programs to reach out to young people who might otherwise choose a less desirable path. Last year we took on two mentors who have been in our schools, on our playgrounds, and have had meaningful connections with young people in the city. The process of affecting change in the lives of children that might be considered ‘at-risk’ is one that takes time and commitment. The Shannon Grant is allowing us to do that and we are appreciative of the State’s initiative," said Mayor Daniel Bianchi in a press release on Wednesday.
 
"We are fortunate to have been able to recruit Adam Hinds to coordinate these efforts. In years to come we will recognize the establishment of a Shannon Grant program in the city as having been a significant milestone for us."
 
This is the third year the city has reeled in the grant. It started with a $60,000 grant in which the city opened community centers and organized programming at Dower Square and Francis Plaza. Last year, the city was awarded $100,000, which brought on Adam Hinds as a coordinator. The Police Department has also received some of the funds from the grant for the anti-crime unit.
 
"The allocation is one-third larger than last year, reflecting continued growth. In fact, our program is expanding to such a degree that we continue to look for partnerships in the community. During 2014 we witnessed several violent events involving youth that drove elevated community involvement. Our work in 2015 will utilize that strong community involvement to directly lift youth and caregivers facing difficult circumstances," Hinds said.
 
The additional funds are eyed to be used to continue the Pittsfield Community Connection program. That includes working with outreach workers to mentor high-risk youth and neighborhood programs - such as mothers support groups.

Tags: Crime,   gangs,   Pittsfield,   

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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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