 2022 State of the County Report ReleasedThis report summarizes data and trends which help identify the region's successes and challenges. Berkshire Planning Commission Plans In-Person Annual MeetingThe meeting was held virtually last year and took a hiatus the year before, both because of the COVID-19 pandemic that significantly impacted towns and businesses. Berkshire Planning Commission FY23 Budget Sees Growth From New GrantsBRPC's finance committee on Thursday gave the $5,379,584 budget a positive recommendation. Berkshire Planning Commission Not in Favor of Bus Route ChangesIn the comment letter, BRPC asserted that adjustments should not be strictly based on low ridership on a route and that there are different reasons for low ridership including infrequent service, not connecting with other routes and long travel time. 1Berkshire, BRPC Launch A Housing Vision for the BerkshiresThe regional strategy, which was developed with the support of a working group comprising housing practitioners from throughout Berkshire County, is intended to lead more intentional efforts to address the current housing crisis.  Berkshire Planning Commission Preparing for Electric Vehicle MovementThe state’s decarbonization roadmap, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 85 percent by 2050, outlines steps to require 100 percent zero-emissions light-duty vehicle (LDV) sales by 2035.  BRPC Comments on Proposed Stretch Energy CodeThe Berkshire Regional Planning Commission says its supportive of the state's proposed stretch code update to integrate electric heating systems but feels that the proposal does not go far enough with what is needed for the Green Communities Act. Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Gets Economic Development District DesignationThe designation is also meant to aid communities in economic success, providing increased access to regional economic development funds and public works assistance grants.  BRPC, 1Berkshire to Release Regional Housing StrategyThe effort began almost two years ago when the entities partnered to address the countywide housing crisis they were hearing about from businesses and communities. A practitioners group consisting of local planners, realtors, bankers, developers, and nonprofit employees was assembled and got to work. Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Plans to Query Gubernatorial CandidatesBerkshire Regional Planning Commission wants to communicate with candidates of the 2022 gubernatorial election to see where they stand on issues in Western Massachusetts.  Greenagers Youth Crew to Assess County Bridges and CulvertsThe environmentally interested teens will be determining what improvements are needed for the infrastructure to support increased precipitation and flooding, wildlife crossings, and stormwater management.  Berkshire Planning Commission Looks to Build Housing CoalitionThis is part of this regional housing strategy BRPC has been working on with housing practitioners. It was suggested that the planners become more inclusive by trying a broader outreach to different population groups and then build a coalition that wants to advance housing of all types.  BRPC Submitting Letter in Support of Auditor Bump's Rural Rescue PlanBRPC Executive Director Thomas Matuszko highlighted the importance of supporting Bump's rural rescue plan and the need to do it quickly, as American Rescue Act (ARPA) Funds — which she proposed as a source to fund the initiative — will soon be allocated by the legislature.  BRPC, County Selectmen Hear About Baker-Polito Plans for ARPA FundsUndersecretary of Community Development Ashley Stolba was the guest speaker on economic recovery at the annual meeting on Thursday that was held in conjunction with the Berkshire County Selectman's Association.  BRPC's Kusik Award Goes to Vaccine Collaborative, COVID-19 FundThe Berkshire Vaccine Collaborative and the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund for Berkshire County were recognized for providing vital services to the county throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.  BRPC Advocates for Rural Areas in Transportation Climate InitiativeThe Berkshire Regional Planning Commission last week approved a comment letter to the Legislature in regard to the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program launched by Gov. Charlie Baker in late 2020.  Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Chooses Hybrid Meeting FormatThe Executive Committee decided to continue Zoom meetings. BRPC has a setup that allows members to participate remotely from its offices with the help of BRPC employees if need be.  Berkshire Planning Commission Approves $4.5M FY22 BudgetThe Berkshire Regional Planning Commission on Thursday approved a $4,493,869 fiscal year 2022 budget without debate.  Regional Planning Commission Gives Feedback on 2020 Census ChangeBRPC's Executive Committee unanimously approved the document on Thursday, which includes concerns for proposals that will eliminate Great Barrington and Lee/Lenox as urban clusters and reclassify the urban area of Pittsfield.  1Berkshire and BRPC Launch Business Needs SurveyAll businesses and non-profits in the Berkshires are encouraged to provide their feedback to this short survey, which will help inform a comprehensive technical assistance program being organized by the two agencies  BRPC Favors Pittsfield Location, Reduces In-Office Requirements Post-PandemicMembers of the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission believe that the agency' s offices should remain in downtown Pittsfield.  Census Change Will Determine How Rural, Urban Berkshires IsData from the 2020 Census will be coming out in late September or early October and the new version of the "urbanized" Berkshire County will be released in the winter, which is why comments are being solicited at this time.  Pittsfield Aims to Make Lower-Income Neighborhoods GreenerStudies have shown that low-income neighborhoods are more concrete or "gray" than higher-income neighborhoods, which can have a deleterious effect on the health of residents, Senior Planner Allison Egan told the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission on Thursday.  BRPC Supporting Measure to Create Comprehensive Health DistrictsLaura Kittross, public health program manager for the commission, explained at Thursday's meeting of the Executive Commission that the bill if passed would accelerate the recommendations released last year after a two-year study of local and regional public health. |
