BRPC Seeks Input On Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

11:00AM / Wednesday, October 19, 2022Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) is seeking public comment on a draft Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Berkshire County, which will be in effect from 2023 through 2027.

The CEDS is a coordinated regional planning process that documents current economic conditions, identifies priority economic development projects, and sets goals and strategies for the upcoming 5-year period. Two previous CEDS have been published for Berkshire County, in 2011 and 2017. The 2023 edition will include an expanded Resiliency Planning chapter, as well as an overview of COVID-19 impacts on unemployment rates and labor force statistics.

The Berkshire County CEDS is developed by BRPC staff in partnership with a regional CEDS committee, made up of representatives from local government, priority industries, non-profits, and regional agencies involved with economic development. After the public comment period completes on November 12th, 2022, and the CEDS document is endorsed by the BRPC Commission, it will be submitted to the US Economic Development Administration for approval. Implementation occurs over the course of the next five years, with annual progress reports filed each year.

The draft document can be found on BRPC’s website at berkshireplanning.org/initiatives/berkshire-comprehensive-economic-development-strategy-ceds/ or at bit.ly/BerkshireCEDS, along with more information about the initiative and copies of former CEDS documents and annual reports.

The PDF document includes links to online forms for members of the public to suggest additions to the Action Plan and Resiliency Recommendations included in the draft. General comments can be emailed to BRPC Economic Development Program Manager, Laura Brennan, at lbrennan@berkshireplanning.org, with the subject line "CEDS draft."

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The Grand Coming to North Street, Bousquet Under New Food Management

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
01:06PM / Sunday, August 30, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Grand has secured its liquor license, and the McNinch Restaurant Group now operates Bousquet Mountain’s restaurant, its third eatery in the city.

On Monday, the Licensing Board approved the transfer of all alcohol-seven-day liquor licenses for The Grand on North Street and the ski area at 101 Dan Fox Drive.

The former Iztac Mexican Restaurant has given way to a more subdued, moody facade as local Gordon Hebler prepares to open as an oyster bar and piano lounge with seafood options. Its liquor license was transferred to Chesnut Catering doing business as The Grand, owned and managed by Hebler.

He envisions following the theater and music programs in the county, closing for a couple of months at the beginning of each year. Seating was also reduced from accommodating around 100 patrons to 60.

"We're going to be pretty busy. I have that feeling anyway," Hebler said. "…If the foot traffic is any indication of what we're going to see, I'm very excited."

An entertainment license was also approved for The Grand. A piano and vocalist are planned for Wednesday through Sunday evenings; an opening date has not yet been set.

"It’s not just a run in and grab a quick bite and run out," Hebler said. "It's a little bit more involved."

The board also approved an all-alcohol seven-day liquor license transfer from Fresh Powder LLC to the McNinch Restaurant Group for Drifters Bar and Restaurant, located in Bousquet’s ski lodge, and the ski area.

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