Pittsfield Historical Commission Sets 2015 Priorities

By Joe DurwinPittsfield Correspondent
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The HIstorical Commission is looking to beef up its mission of preservation.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For the first time since its formation, the city's Historical Commission is pursuing funding to undertake more tangible goals in local history and preservation.
 
The commission has received pre-authorization to apply for a state grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission that could enable it to conduct survey and planning activities surrounding some historic structures ideal for preserving.
 
Commission members hope that the up to $25,000 sought would allow for a full inventory of "at risk" buildings in the city, and potentially allow them to pick three important sites for more in-depth structural assessments.
 
"That way, if a company were interested in looking at one of these properties, it would already be done," Chaimanr John Dickson said at a meeting of the commission this week.
 
The grant application, due in early February, is being prepared in part with an eye toward examining possibilities for the former St. Mary the Morningstar church, Dickson said, though proper cataloging of a number of other local buildings is also intended.
 
"From a percentage point of view, the number of buildings that have been inventoried is rather small," said Kathy Reilly,
 
Other possible properties that may be considered for further assessment include the vacant William Russell Allen House on East Street, currently owned by the state.  
 
Also on the commission's radar is the city's Masonic Lodge on South Street, which is due to be sold in the near future. Commission member Thomas Martin suggested that this large building might be an ideal future site for either a new police station, or a replacement site for the Juvenile Court facilities currently housed on North Street.
 
If successful in receiving the grant, the commission hopes to capitalize on that momentum going into a second "Historic Preservation Summit," following up on one which it put on in November with another tentatively slated for March.
 
"That may be a way to attract some more public participation," said Dickson.
 
The commission is also adding its voice in support of historic tax credit applications for the planned Hotel On North, slated to open later this spring, and will also be engaged in the process of vetting more downtown buildings for commemoration in the plaques installed as part of the next phase of streetscape reconstruction on North Street this Summer.
 
In the coming year the commission is also exploring ways it can support and collaborate with the fledgling Berkshire History Network, a growing alliance of local historical commissions and other relevant organizations. It is also looking at ways to beef up the commission's own web presence on the city website with more information and resources. 
 
"Some of these goals are just low hanging fruit," said Eileen Myers.

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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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