Construct Opens Affordable Housing Lottery

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Construct, a nonprofit provider of affordable housing and supportive services to south Berkshire County residents in need, is now accepting applications for a three-bedroom, two-bath house on 2.9 acres in Becket for $250,000.
 
"Affordable housing throughout south Berkshire County is a vital part of Construct's vision for an inclusive community in which all people are welcomed and allowed to succeed," said Jane Ralph, Executive Director of Construct. "I congratulate the work of our development team and look forward to welcoming the future resident of 2442 Main Street, Becket." 
Construct is administering the lottery, which is limited to first-time homebuyers at 80 percent or less of area median income. 
 
Applications are due by April 1, 2022, and the lottery will be held on April 5. The project developer is Construct, with support from the Community Preservation Committee of Becket and a Small-Town Housing Initiative Grant.
 
"Thanks to the Community Preservation Committee of Becket and a Small-Town Housing Initiative Grant, we can sell this house for less than what it cost to build,"  Housing Director June Wolfe said. "It takes a village, and we are very grateful for everyone's support."
 
The 1,344 sq ft house at 2442 Main Street in Becket, has three bedrooms and two full bathrooms on the main floor. The ground level is a plumbed, unfinished, full walk-out basement. The property includes a two-car detached garage with an attic above it that is in need of work.
 
Applicants must be pre-approved for a mortgage before submitting their applications.
 
Information sessions are on Jan. 31 at 1 pm and Feb. 2 at 7 pm. Please visit the "Becket Lottery" page on Construct's website at https://constructinc.org for more information about the lottery and how to apply. Applications and questions can be directed to applications@constructberkshire.org, or call (413) 528-1985.
 

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Great Barrington Unveils 9/11 Memorial Featuring World Trade Center Steel

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — A piece of history will now stand in front of the Great Barrington Fire Department, serving as a lasting reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and heroism of those who rushed in, stepped forward, and answered the call on Sept. 11, 2001.
 
Hundreds of community members gathered outside the Fire Department for the unveiling of a 9/11 memorial featuring a steel I-beam salvaged from the wreckage of the World Trade Center.
 
The monument marks the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, and its effect reached far and wide beyond New York, said Deputy Fire Chief James Mead.
 
"There are moments in our lives that become markers of time. Moments when we remember not only what happened, but where we were, who was beside us, and how the world somehow felt different afterwards," Town Manager Liz Hartsgrove said. 
 
"For those of us who experienced September 11, 2001 — it is one of those moments for us to share."
 
The acquisition of the beam was a multi-year effort initiated by the late Andy Moro, former commander of American Legion Post 298 in Housatonic, and was carried on by the Legion's second vice commander, John Morris. 
 
Morris said he was able to obtain the warped steel I-beam through connections he made during his time as a New York City firefighter.
 
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