BHS Announces Medical Arts Complex Construction

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) announced plans for work on the mechanical infrastructure of the Medical Arts Complex (MAC) to ensure the building's longstanding sustainability as a center for outpatient care. 
 
This work is a demonstration of BHS's continued investment in the health of Berkshire County, as part of its vision to be the region's trusted healthcare partner and community advocate for improving overall quality of life.
 
"Here at Berkshire Health Systems, we take pride in not only being the leading healthcare provider in Berkshire County but also investing in the health of our community," said Darlene Rodowicz, BHS president and CEO. "Taking this step to preserve the MAC's future sustainability is one of many investments we're proud to make in the system as a whole."
 
Construction at the MAC will begin on Sept. 5, 2023, following the Labor Day Holiday and is expected to last for 12 months. Work on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, (HVAC) systems will impact the way that people enter the building.
 
The front, upper-level entrance of the MAC Building that is typically accessed from the parking lot will be closed. All patients, visitors, and staff should plan to access the building from the rear (West) using either the ground floor entrance or the second-floor walkway from the parking garage. 
 
The patient parking lot at the front of the building will remain open with a modified driveway entrance. BHS will offer valet parking, extensive shuttle service to the rear door, and a modified sidewalk to allow access to the rear of the building to help patients and visitors adapt to the entry changes. Additional accessible parking will also be available near the rear entrance. Visit berkshirehealthsystems.org/MACProject to view a walking guide and map.
 
"The current MAC building was constructed in 1990. In the 33 years since, the building has welcomed thousands of patients through its doors," said Chris Camillo, Vice President of Physician Services and leader of the BHS medical group of clinics, many of which are housed in the MAC. "By taking this step, we are ensuring that the MAC remains positioned to serve our patients, today and for years to come."
 
 
 

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Pittsfield School Committee OKs $82M Budget, $1.5M Cuts

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The school budget is less grim than the original proposal but still requires more than $1.5 million in cuts.

On Thursday, the School Committee approved an $82.8 million spending plan for fiscal year 2025, including a city appropriation of $80.4 million and $2.4 million in Chapter 70 funds.

The cuts made to balance the budget include about 50 staff reductions — some due to the sunsetting of federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds.

"The final version does not answer all needs. It will be unacceptable to some or to many but I must say that tonight's final proposal is very different than where we started when we believed we would have a $3,600,000 reduction. I want to assure everyone that every effort has been made to minimize the impact on both students, families, and staff members while also ensuring that our district has the necessary resources to progress forward," Superintendent Joseph Curtis said.

"Nevertheless, there are incredibly passionate, dedicated staff members who will not be with us next year. This pains me as I've been a part of this organization for now 30 years so I want to assure everyone that our team, this has weighed very heavily in our hearts, this entire process. This is not a group of people that is looking at a spreadsheet saying ‘Well that can go and this can go’ and take that lightly."

Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance Kristen Behnke and other officials worked with the state Department of Secondary and Elementary Education to rectify an error in the Chapter 70 funding formula, recognized 11 more low-income students in the district, and added an additional $2.4 million to the FY25 budget.

Curtis commented that when he first saw the governor’s FY25 budget, he was "rather stunned."

"The extraordinary circumstances we face this budget season by the conclusion of the substantial ESSER federal grant and a significant reduction in Chapter 70 allotment caused challenges for this team and our school principals and our educators and our staff that have been nothing short of all-consuming," he said.

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