Holiday Cards Support CATA Artists With Disabilities

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Holiday cards and 2016 calendars are now available from Community Access to the Arts (CATA), a nonprofit that provides arts programs for 600 people with disabilities in Berkshire County.

The cards and calendars feature images created in CATA’s visual arts workshops. The artists earn a design fee if their image is used.  Proceeds from the sale of cards and calendars help fund CATA programs taking place in 37 settings across Berkshire County and in CATA’s studio on Railroad Street in Great Barrington.

CATA’s jewelry, cards and accessories are available in local retail stores, in the CATA boutique on the second floor of 40 Railroad St. and online at www.communityaccesstothearts.org.


Tags: artists,   disabilities,   

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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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