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Pizzeria to Open in Former Daddyo's Diner on East Street

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The License Board approved a seasonal wine and malt for a new East Street pizzeria.
 
The board approved license last Wednesday for the "Crust" moving into 505 East St., site of the former Daddyo's Diner.
 
"I really thought the application was thorough and I didn't see any issues with it," board member Kathleen Amuso said.
 
"Everything will be made on the premise from the dough to the sauces," owner James Cervone said. "Everything."
 
Cervone said he currently owns the frozen yogurt shop Ayelada next to the proposed pizzeria and he and his wife look to expand their business.
 
They plan to be able to sit 40 people for casual dining and will only serve pizza.
 
Cervone said they do not plan to hire waitstaff but rely on an assembly line where patrons can pick out what they want to eat and then grab a bottle of beer or wine. 
 
"I don't expect it to even be a high-volume item. We thought we might as well apply for the license as we are doing our buildout so we have the option," he said. "We are not even 100 percent if we are going to do this but it is highly likely we will"
 
He said they plan to be open every day from 11 to 9.
 
Chairman Thomas Campoli pointed out that there only a certain amount of seasonal package stores allowed in the city according to the city charter but this quota limitation does not apply to seasonal pouring licenses for which Cervone is applying.
 
"We still have to determine if it is the overall public interest and the overall public good and that is the same analysis we do in respect to any license application," he said. "We consider the nature of the business, the location of the business, the background of the applicant and form that we make a decision."
 
The vote was unanimous.

Tags: license board,   alcohol license,   pizza,   

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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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