State Extends and Expands WiFi and Connectivity Programs in Berkshire County

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WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — The Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) at MassTech Collaborative announced the extension of several digital equity programs launched through the "Partnerships for Recovery" efforts earlier this year.
 
Supported with $9.2 million in economic recovery funds, the MBI launched public wireless hotspots in unserved towns in western and central Massachusetts and provided digital support for job seekers provided through the Mass. 
 
In Berkshire County availability will be extended through June 30 at Becket Town Hall, Florida Senior Center, Sandisfield Town Hall, and Savoy Town Hall. 
 
In addition, the MBI has expanded the reach of its digital equity programs, developing regional partnerships to address internet connectivity gaps, including new digital equity projects around the North Shore and Greater Boston. 
 
Initially launched in April 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WiFi Hotspot program provided outdoor, high-speed wireless access points in Last Mile municipalities that still lacked broadband access. Built off of the state-owned MassBroadband 123 network, the service was expanded to include indoor hotspots, and reached a peak of WiFi sites in 26 communities. As Last Mile projects have completed, state support for the hotspots has sunset, as homes, businesses, and additional public facilities gain access to high-speed connections.
 
Through the MBI, the Commonwealth has extended WiFi sites in 11 Last Mile communities that are awaiting completion of their state-supported high-speed internet projects. 
 
Work continues through the Last Mile program to support the expansion of high-speed internet projects in the remaining unserved communities. Since the re-launch of the Last Mile program in May 2016, over $57 million in state grants have been awarded to support broadband projects in 53 communities. Today, 35 of the 53 Last Mile communities (66 percent) have completed networks and an additional 15 towns have partially-completed projects that have connected some homes and businesses.
 
Announced in January 2021 by the Baker-Polito Administration, the Mass. Internet Connect program to support unemployed job seekers with digital resources will be extended until June 30, 2022. Through the program, over 4,000 unemployed job seekers in the MassHire system have been assisted with direct subsidies or referrals for internet subsidies, devices, and/or digital literacy services. Subsidies were initially provided by the state, while MassHire customers after June 2021 have been referred to the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit program. 
 
Job seekers in the MassHire system who are interested in these services should contact their nearest MassHire Career Center 
 
In addition to the project extensions, the MBI's digital equity programs have expanded to other parts of the Commonwealth, building on the success of the current programs to bring connectivity to more citizens statewide and help close the digital divide. 

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Friday Front Porch Feature: Allendale Pines North

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for an inexpensive home to raise your family in? Then this might be the home for you. And if not, there's a couple other options.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week we are showcasing model homes at Allendale Pines North.

Teton Management is opening its new manufactured housing development next Allendale Pines at 395 Cheshire Road, and has three different model homes to choose from.

The Monroe with a full porch and with a half-porch, and The Aspire are available to move into in March. 

All the models have three bedrooms and two baths in 1,280 square feet, and include two parking spaces. The Monroe full-porch is on the market for $194,900, Monroe half-porch $189,900, and The Aspire for $204,900. View a video tour here.

The lot rent is $550 a month and it includes trash removal and recycling, as well as water and sewer. Tenants are responsible for their own utilities and lawn care/snow removal. Dogs and cats are allowed, for up to two pets.

We spoke with Val Whaling from Teton Management about the new homes.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market? 

The three models — Monroe Full- Porch, Monroe Half -Porch, and The Aspire — are Titan Home products manufactured by Champion Homes and stand out in the current market because:

  • The purchase price of these homes is well below current market rate single-family homes in Berkshire County.

  • The 5 Star Energy-Efficient rating (featuring energy-efficient windows and high- performance insulation) and one-year warranty on the home, sets these homes apart from older, stick-built homes.

  • These homes are built to strict HUD standards and include structural integrity in order to meet federal standards for durability, safety and wind resistance.

Are there any stand-out design features? 

Stand out features include: open concept floorplan, covered porches, stainless steel appliances, large laundry room /mudrooms, and large glass walk-in showers.

What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for? 

First time homebuyers/ professionals preferring home ownership vs. renting, empty nesters wanting to downsize, and cost-conscious individuals preferring the affordability of these homes.

What's the neighborhood like? 

Allendale Pines North will be comprised of 22 brand-new homes, on individual lots, set on beautiful property, neighboring the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. The property is located at 395 Cheshire Road, Pittsfield, offering proximity to retail shopping and dining. Additionally, Allendale Pines North property is well managed by a reputable owner/operator. (All adult community residents are approved via community application approval process.).

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space? 

"Imagine the cost savings of owning a brand-new, energy-efficient home, easy to maintain and allowing the convenience of modern day and easy living, in a quiet, well-managed community."

What does the home come with? 

Included are: Stainless steel Whirlpool appliances (refrigerator with icemaker, dishwasher, and gas stove/oven), and closets equipped with shelf/hanging rod. Plus an 8-by-10-foot Amish built shed, two wooden entrance stairs with wooden handrails and black wrought iron spindles, two-car driveway, sidewalks and brand-new water/sewer infrastructure.

You can find out more about these homes on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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