PITTSFIELD, Mass.  — The Pittsfield Economic Development Authority board unanimously approved last week two motions to bring marijuana cultivators Berkshire Kind to the William Stanley Business Park.

 

One year ago, PEDA voted to support the project and authorize the program director to sign the option-to-purchase agreement.

 

PEDA first renewed Berkshire Kind's option agreement to purchase Lot 4 in the park. This agreement had expired on Oct. 1 and would require Berkshire Kind to put down a non-refundable $10,000 payment. This payment would apply to the purchase price of the lot.

 

The board also agreed on funding a site assessment grant for Berkshire Kind, similarly to how it funded Mountain One Financial's site in 2012. This grant will go toward beautification of Berkshire Kind's exterior and property so it could be made uniform with the rest of the park.

 

Berkshire Kind intends on erecting a 20,000-square-foot grow facility in the park. The building's construction is designed to have a phased approach, building only the frame and half of the facility first and building the rest in Phase 2. The two-tier building will be right across the street from Berkshire Innovation Center.

 

Initially, Berkshire Kind will hire 12 full-time employees and welcome another eight to 10 employees in Phase 2.

 

Founder and chief executive officer of Berkshire Kind, Philip Silverman, and his brother Jeremy have been in touch with PEDA since May. They were intrigued by the area before deciding to build a cultivation facility.

 

Philip and Jeremy will only be growing craft cannabis, as they feel dispensaries lack supply.

 

The brothers recently received a provisional license from the state Cannabis Control Commission, which regulates the marijuana industry in the commonwealth.

 

Before construction begins, they will be doing geotech and environmental testing to find out what foundation is needed for the building. Following this, a building design will be drafted and appear before the PEDA Design Review Committee.