PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The newly renovated First Street municipal parking lot reopened Tuesday.
The parking lot holds 241 vehicles and is available for both permit and metered parking. There are several marked spaces near the Fenn Street entrance (by MyCom) identified for metered parking only.
As with other municipal lots in the city, metered parking at the First Street Lot is in effect 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there are several kiosks stationed around the lot to assist patrons. There is free parking after 5 p.m. on weekdays and parking is free all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
The reconfigured lot features new paving, additional lighting and landscaping. Contractor Maxymilian began work on the project this past spring on the $847,000 project
Commissioner David Turocy, of the Department of Public Service and Utilities, said that in addition to the look of the lot, the renovations addressed persistent infrastructure issues.
"We are very pleased with the results of this parking lot reconstruction project. It includes several improvements that people have long requested -- including improved drivability with no potholes or standing water, additional handicap spaces with better accessibility to the sidewalk, and new overhead lighting that improves public safety in the lot and nearby surroundings," Turocy said.
Mayor Linda Tyer said the First Street Lot's new amenities will help to better serve the needs of the public.
"I am thrilled because this is a project that the city has had on its radar for some time, and I'm glad that this work is now complete. We have a newly reconfigured parking lot that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. I look forward to the First Street Lot serving as a great asset to our downtown," Tyer said.
A color map of the First Street Lot featuring parking designations is available on the city's homepage at www.cityofpittsfield.org.
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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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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.
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