Construct Inc. Receives Grants Toward Food, Housing Needs

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Construct announced that they have received a grant award of $3,500 from the Jewish Women's Foundation of the Berkshires to provide micro-grants to women living with low income or in poverty in the Southern Berkshires.
 
One of 12 local organizations to receive funding, Construct was amongst the recipients who demonstrated an ability to maintain their programming during the pandemic and/or respond to newly identified needs created by the epidemic. 
 
"By partnering with the Jewish Women's Foundation of the Berkshires, Construct participates in the tradition of Tikkun Olam," Jane Ralph, executive director of Construct said. “Together we are repairing the world by meeting the basic needs of women as they seek homes they can afford in the Southern Berkshires."
 
The Jewish Women's Foundation of the Berkshires grants range from $2,000 to $3,500 and run for one year. Funded programs fall into three of the Foundation's priority areas: increasing access to food, housing, and other essentials for Berkshire residents; promoting self-sufficiency; and empowering youth and young adults. The grant award to Construct is funded in the Foundation's program category of increasing access to food, housing, and other essentials for Berkshire residents.
 
Construct is a housing stability organization that addresses homelessness and housing insecurity in south county.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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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