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Downing to Give Keynote Address at 56th BCC Commencement

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — State Sen. Benjamin Downing, D-Pittsfield, will be the keynote speaker at Berkshire Community College's 56th Commencement Exercises to be held June 3 at Tanglewood in Lenox.

Downing was first elected in 2006 at the age of 24. During his decade of service, Downing, who recently announced that he will not seek a sixth term, has represented 52 communities of the Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden District, the largest Senate district in the commonwealth.

"Throughout his decade of service, Senator Downing has been a familiar face at our institution — always supportive and willing to help. He has been a true friend not only to BCC, but to so many important institutions and causes in the communities he represents," said BCC President Ellen Kennedy. "He's a shining example for our students of the best qualities of public service — integrity, compassion and the clarity of purpose and commitment. We are thrilled that he will serve as our keynote speaker during his last term."

Downing's priorities have included clean energy, the environment, expanding broadband Internet access, the expansion of transgender rights and mitigating poverty. An advocate for higher education, he has worked to secure investments in higher education – including the multimillion dollar Center for Science and Innovation at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

He chairs the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy and the Senate Committee on Redistricting; vice chairs committees on tourism and on audit and oversight; and is a member of the influential Ways and Means Committee.

Before his election to the Senate, Downing worked for U.S. Reps. William Delahunt, Richard Neal and John Olver. A Pittsfield native, his family has a long history of public service. He is the son of Pamela Downing and the late Berkshire District Attorney Gerard D. Downing.



He has earned numerous awards, including twice being selected Legislator of the Year by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (2007, 2014). Most recently he was named the 2016 Public Advocate of the Year by the Food Bank Coalition of Massachusetts for his successful efforts to increase state funding for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program. He also was honored this year at BCC's 40 Under Forty Awards as part of the inaugural group of young professionals who are excelling in their industries through their leadership roles.

Downing received his bachelor's degree in political science from Providence College in 2003 and his master's from Tufts University's Department of Urban and Environment Policy & Planning in 2008.

He is married to Micaelah B. Morrill.

BCC's 56th Commencement will be held Fridray, June 3 at 4:30 p.m. at Tanglewood in Lenox. The event is open to the public. Tickets are not required; more information can be found at www.berkshirecc.edu/commencement.
 


Tags: BCC,   commencement,   graduation 2016,   speaker,   

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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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