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Downtown Ambassadors Melvin Wright and Amarie Starr pose in front of a parking meter downtown. The two returning ambassadors are trained to assist visitors with directions and resources, including parking, and keep an eye out for public safety. They will be joined this year by Alex Desrochers and Liam Tremlett.

Downtown Pittsfield's Ambassadors Ready to Assist

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Melvin Wright and Amarie Starr visit Lee Bank, one of the program sponsors, last year.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Friendly pairs of downtown ambassadors have been in Pittsfield since July 1, offering approachable sources of directions, information, and assistance for residents, visitors, business owners, and the general public during the summer.
 
This year, thanks to the sponsorship of the program by the City of Pittsfield, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, Lee Bank, and Pittsfield Garden Tour, Downtown Pittsfield Inc.'s ambassadors will be on the streets at peak times for visitors, through Labor Day.
 
The Downtown Pittsfield Ambassador Program is a partnership between the business group and the Pittsfield Police Department. The program addresses increased visitor presence during the summer and helps to relieve the demand on police presence downtown. It is based on similar models implemented in other cities around the country. This year, the program will focus on downtown's response to COVID-19 by providing masks to people that do not have them, picking up trash, and helping guide foot traffic to places to eat and shop.
 
This summer, there will be four ambassadors: two returning are returning, Melvin Wright and Amarie Starr, and two are new, Alex Desrochers and Liam Tremlett.
 
Their job is twofold focusing on concierge service and safety. The ambassadors are walking concierges. They are a welcoming, information sharing resource helping visitors and residents find parking, offering directions and wayfinding, and providing information on dining and shopping.
 
The ambassadors are also trained and certified by the Pittsfield Police in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillator use, first aid, and public safety protocol. Ambassadors observe street activity and, when needed, call for assistance via police radios, with which they are equipped.
 
Downtown Ambassadors walk in pairs along the downtown loop donning distinctive uniforms identifying them as official representatives of Pittsfield and greet everyone with a friendly hello.
 
The goal of the Downtown Pittsfield Ambassador Program is to create a welcoming downtown environment for all by delivering on DPI's mission to maintain a clean, safe, and friendly district. Their primary focus will be on hospitality – giving directions and parking information, as well as information on things to do, places to eat, and where to shop. Ambassadors will also act as eyes and ears for public safety, social service partners, and public works by educating, assisting, and reporting on various needs and issues.
 
The mission of Downtown Pittsfield Inc. is to foster the ongoing growth and vitality of downtown Pittsfield through vision, leadership, and advocacy and to position downtown as the creative and business hub of the Berkshires for the benefit of all.

Tags: ambassadors,   Downtown Pittsfield,   tourism,   

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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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