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Pittsfield Licensing Board Get Barcelona Tapas Update

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Licensing Board received an update on the renovation of the former Johnny's Beach Club, which is still on schedule.
 
During a brief Licensing Board meeting Tuesday the board reviewed a letter from attorney Jeffrey Lynch, representing the owners of Barcelona Tapas and Bar Inc., outlining some of the progress they have made on the 87 Wahconah St. property. 
 
"He predicts operation would start sometime in March or April assuming all the work gets done and the certificate of occupancy is awarded," Chairman Thomas Campoli said.
 
The owners indicated this summer that instead of opening the former Johnny's Beach Club as a tapas bar, they planned to improve the site in hopes of selling it. 
 
Last month, the owners also indicated they would like to hold onto their license and if they are unable to sell the business they will open when renovations are complete.
 
This worried the Licensing Board, which was wary of the delayed project that has been ongoing since 2017. They asked for firmer dates and regular updates. 
 
Campoli said Lynch wrote in his letter that exterior and interior work has been done and they are on schedule for completion this spring. He also included architectural plans for the board to consider.
 
He said Lynch will provide another update in December. 
 
"Then we can really interrogate him about what they have in mind for that place," he said. "It has been out of operation for a long period of time."
 
Board member Denis Powell said he was impressed with the "ambitious" project.
 
"I will say it is quite an aggressive plan and I was quite impressed by it," he said. "I just hope they can get their money back it is a major renovation."
 
In other business, the board extended a seasonal all-alcohol package store license for Peaslee's Package & Variety and approved a change of hours for the Tamarack Room. 

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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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