CDCSB Launches Small Business Economic Development Revitalization Program

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire (CDCSB) is now offering technical assistance free of charge to small businesses throughout the Berkshire region.
 
This program was made possible by a grant awarded to the CDCSB by Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The grant funds will enable CDCSB to provide small businesses, at various stages of development, customized, one-on-one professional business consultation.
 
"This is a truly outstanding opportunity for the CDCSB to directly support small businesses seeking to pivot during the COVID-19 crisis," said CDCSB Executive Director Allison Marchese. 
 
Since launching the new program in January, the CDCSB has helped a local food service business, a Main Street retail shop, and several personal service businesses.
 
"Along with being the leader in providing affordable homes in the southern Berkshires, the CDCSB's mission is fully focused on creating economic development opportunity and jobs," said Marchese. "Small business technical assistance is one of many initiatives we have planned to strengthen the Berkshire economy."
 
The Small Business Technical Assistance program allows the CDCSB to assist area businesses at various stages of development, from pre-start up to existing businesses planning for growth. Consultations are customized to each business's needs and can range from building business skills, identifying new customers or creating a pathway to financing. The program is open to all small businesses in the Berkshires with special consideration for minority and women-owned businesses.
 
This opportunity is available to small businesses through June 30, 2021. Small businesses in the Berkshires can apply at http://bit.ly/sbtaform.
 
For more information about the program or questions contact Emmalyn Gaertner at emmalyn@cdcsb.org.

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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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