Pittsfield Licensing Board OKs New Classic Car Business

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
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Terrance Gates Jr. got the license he needs to start his own used car dealership.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Terrance Gates Jr. has worked on classic cars his whole life.

Now, he is taking all of that experience and turning it into a business. 

Gates is opening T's Kustom Auto on Dalton Avenue this summer and is specializing in buying and selling classic cars. He received the auto dealer license from the city on Tuesday and hopes to have his shop open this summer.
 
"I am really familiar with classic cars. It'll be cars that they don't offer on everyday lots," Gates said. "I want a niche."
 
Gates spent a lot of time working on and selling used cars and he's even helped former employers start businesses. Now he wants to go out on his own. He is looking to be open from 9 until 5, Monday through Friday.
 
"I worked in the used car business for many years. I know what needs to be done," Gates told the Licensing Board when asked about warranties and legal paperwork. 
 
While his specialty will be classic cars, he said he'll be selling some modern vehicles as well, but with a custom flair. He says currently there aren't many options for the car enthusiast.
 
In other business, the board issued a change in manager for the Beacon Cinema's liquor license. General Manager John Valente is passing the license to assistant manager Lydia Shulman.
 
"I am retiring and we want to change the manager in charge from myself to Lydia," Valente said. 
 
The board said there have been no problems with the liquor license since it was issued to the cinema but still reaffirmed to Shulman what her responsibilities are as manager. 
 
"As long as I've been on the board, there have been no problems," Board member Thomas Campoli said.
 
Also on Tuesday, the board issued two entertainment permits for Barrington Stage: one for the main stage at 30 Union St. and another for the Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center at 36 Linden St.

Tags: new business,   license board,   liquor license,   used cars,   

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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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