PITTSFIELD, Mass. — State Sen. Paul Mark and state Sen. Robyn Kennedy of Worcester, chair for the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, recently spent time visiting Berkshire County Arc's programs. Mark is also a member of the joint committee.
During their visit, they spent time discussing short- and long-term plans for human services in Massachusetts.
BCArc offers a broad range of community-based services to individuals with developmental disabilities, brain injuries and autism.
In the photo above, from left: Pam Kight, director of employment and community-based day services; Cybele Kilby, vice president of day & employment services; state Sen. Paul Mark; state Sen. Robyn Kennedy; President & CEO Maryann Hyatt; Erin Manson, Department of Developmental Services residential services director; CFO Blanca Durant; Jessica Russo, director of family support & advocacy; and Scott Barschdorf, director of brain injury services.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Pittsfield Announces a New Program to Help Fill Vacant Storefronts
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield announced the availability of refundable state tax credits for businesses through the Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program (MVSP).
These credits are offered to companies that choose to occupy commercial spaces that have been vacant for at least six to twelve months.
The MVSP was established to support municipalities in revitalizing their downtown and commercial districts. By encouraging businesses to move into long-term vacant storefronts, the program aims to foster economic development and invigorate community spaces. Refundable tax credits serve as an incentive for businesses to fill key vacancies within a city's downtown or commercial area.
To further these efforts, the City of Pittsfield is collaborating with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. and the Berkshire Black Economic Council. These organizations are working alongside the city to assist businesses interested in occupying vacant storefronts, particularly in the downtown area and along the Tyler Street corridor.
For more details about the Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program and how to participate, reach out to Justine Dodds at the City's Department of Community Development at jdodds@pittsfieldma.gov or 413-499-9368.
Site 9 in the William Stanley Business Park has been cleared for more uses — but small businesses can't afford the development and contamination could be scaring big ones off. click for more
Downtown Pittsfield Inc.'s annual Community Award recognized the collaborative efforts toward finding solutions to homelessness in the city. click for more
Drivers traveling along Route 8 in Cheshire and Adams should expect delays, lane restrictions, and intermittent closures on Sunday, May 17, due to the MountainOne Steel Rail Races. click for more
In five years, the city has dispersed almost all of the $40.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds awarded to help recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. click for more