Public Meeting Set on Berkshire Transportation Plan

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A public meeting on the proposed 2020 Regional Transportation Plan will be held on Wednesday, June 12, at 4 p.m. at the Berkshire Regional Planning commission's offices at 1 Fenn St., Suite 201.
 
The draft update is a long-range comprehensive document for the next 25 years that will provide the basis for future transportation investment and planning in the region. The plan looks ahead at potential changes in modes of transportation such as the use of shared scooters and bicycles, walking paths and driverless vehicles. 
 
"This RTP update focuses on providing a safe and efficient transportation system for Berkshire County that works in all our land use contexts. This RTP specifically emphasizes the preservation and maintenance of the existing transportation system, providing nonmotorized and public transit options and alternatives to personal vehicles; strengthening our local economy; and improving our overall quality of life," it draft plan states in the introduction. "Engaging in this process allows BRPC to address gaps, anticipate existing and future needs, and consider alternative solutions that best improve the transportation system." 
 
The regional transportation is updated every four years to remain abreast developments and challenges that affect the area's employment, quality of life, priorities, mobility and environment.
 
Among the priorities of the updated draft is transportation accessibility to ensure an age-friendly system, creating a transportation management association to aid workers in getting to their jobs, expanding passenger rail and regional connectivity, completing the north-south Berkshire Bike Path across the county, preparing and facilitating technological changes in transportation modes, developing resilience to climate change, and gaining more control over local transportation funding. 
 
As the overarching transportation planning document countywide, the RTP employs a systematic approach to evaluate the performance of the transportation system, to identify "needs" or deficiencies in the system, and to develop solutions that best address any existing gaps. Once in place, the plan makes our region eligible to receive federal transportation funding. It also serves as a wish list for major infrastructure projects in the region.
 
 
The draft was completed by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and the Berkshire Metropolitan Planning
Organization. The MPO voted in May release the document for a 21-day public comment period that ends on June 18. 
 
In addition to the public meeting, comments can be sent to Berkshire Metropolitan Planning Organization/BRPC, 1 Fenn Street, Suite 201, Pittsfield MA 01201 or to info@berkshireplanning.org.
 
Following the public meeting and comment period, the draft will be revised into the final document. The MPO will need to formally adopt the document at its June meeting. After the document is adopted, it is sent to the Federal Highway Administration for final approval.
 

Tags: MPO,   public hearing,   transportation,   

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Pittsfield CPA Committee Funds Half of FY24 Requests

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A few projects are not getting funded by the Community Preservation Committee because of a tight budget.

The projects not making the cut were in the historic preservation and open space and recreation categories and though they were seen as interesting and valuable projects, the urgency was not prevalent enough for this cycle.

"It's a tough year," Chair Danielle Steinmann said.

The panel made its recommendations on Monday after several meetings of presentations from applications. They will advance to the City Council for final approval.  

Two cemetery projects were scored low by the committee and not funded: A $9,500 request from the city for fencing at the West Part Cemetery as outlined in a preservation plan created in 2021 and a $39,500 request from the St. Joseph Cemetery Commission for tombstone restorations.

"I feel personally that they could be pushed back a year," Elizabeth Herland said. "And I think they're both good projects but they don't have the urgency."

It was also decided that George B. Crane Memorial Center's $73,465 application for the creation of a recreational space would not be funded. Herland said the main reason she scored the project low was because it didn't appear to benefit the larger community as much as other projects do.

There was conversation about not funding The Christian Center's $34,100 request for heating system repairs but the committee ended up voting to give it $21,341 when monies were left over.

The total funding request was more than $1.6 million for FY24 and with a budget of $808,547, only about half could be funded. The panel allocated all of the available monies, breaking down into $107,206 for open space and recreation, $276,341 for historic preservation, and $425,000 for community housing.

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