So I see the story about the ground breaking for a new building for the [Berkshire] Humane Society and I can't help but wonder, 'Why are funds and news articles always going to/about the Humane Society?'
Why isn't the Sonsini Shelter given the same funds and publicity? Am I missing something? Sonsini needs a new facility, Sonsini needs funds!
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Lenox Applying for Housing Rehab Program
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LENOX, Mass. — The town is applying for a federal Housing Rehabilitation Program to help low- and moderate-income residents fix their homes.
The Select Board last Wednesday voted to authorize Bailey Boyd Associates to apply for the Community Development Block Grant funding for fiscal 2026.
The grant is up to $1,150,000 and will help with the renovation of 13 homes with zero-percent interest, deferred-payment forgivable loans.
Cassie Boyd Marsh, president of Bailey Boyd Associates, a community development consultant, explained how the program will work.
"The program prioritizes health and safety, including weather, vacant and other health and safety issues, septic, repair and replacement, roofs, windows, insulation, siding," she said. "We kind of work from the most demanding things in and so we're looking to apply for the next round, because the wait list is so long, we think we could keep applying year on year. That's the goal for as long as there's a need in Lenox."
Marsh said Lenox and Sandisfield have the option to apply together for upwards of $1.25 million, which would help about 13 units with repairs of up to $70,000.
"We can spend up to $70,000 per home. That's a 15-year, zero percent deferred forgivable loan, meaning that if you stay in your home, you don't pay it back. And with each year that passes, 1/15 of your loan is forgiven if you do happen to move and sell your home, the remaining loan comes back to the town of Lenox, which can be put toward programs like this," Marsh said.
The First's opening was announced on Facebook by Mayor Peter Marchetti, writing that it wouldn't have been possible without the city's ARPA funds, committed in 2022, and all of the partners who stepped up.
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In the worst-case scenario, the town could be forced to reduce staff if projected increases in the school budget, health insurance, and other uncontrollable costs occur. click for more
