BRPC Seeks Input On Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

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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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Pittsfield Schedules Fireworks on July 8

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Fireworks are back on. 

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, a fireworks display is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, at 9:15 p.m. in the area of Wahconah Park. 

The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and George Haddad made "significant" donations toward the display, according to a Thursday press release.  The city could not secure a vendor for the Fourth of July, but one was available a few days later due to a cancellation in another state. 

"I am grateful for the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and George Haddad who have offered their support to allow this beloved community tradition to return," Mayor Peter Marchetti said. 

"This announcement is the perfect example of how this community comes together to create possibilities."
 
While there will be no city-sponsored fireworks show on the Fourth of July this year, the historic parade and race will still kick off on the morning of July 4, and other events will take place over the holiday weekend. 

Those attending the fireworks display on July 8 will not have access to Wahconah Park, as the site is a construction zone while the grandstand is being demolished.  Fireworks can be viewed from the surrounding neighborhood and other locations throughout Pittsfield. 

It is important to note that every firework show requires a licensed and certified professional, the press release states.  Pittsfield was able to hire a licensed vendor for this display because the company had a show cancellation in another state, opening its availability for Pittsfield on July 8.

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