GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The town is using its latest round of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to inject more than $1 million into local affordable housing initiatives, food security and community health care organizations.

 

Combined with funding allocated earlier this year, the town has awarded more than $2.075 million in federal ARPA funds to local organizations.

 

"In considering how to distribute ARPA funds during the last year, the Selectboard has decided that investing in affordable housing options in town will have a lasting, long-term impact on our community," said Town Manager Mark Pruhenski. "Access to affordable and workforce housing options is a high priority for our residents who work and live here full-time."

 

The Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire (CDCSB) was awarded the organization nearly $700,000 toward its affordable housing initiatives. The awards include $199,610 for improvements at the Hillside Apartment Complex and $500,000 to acquire the Marble Block building on Main Street. Another $650,000 is designated for the Windflower Inn redevelopment as a workforce housing residence, a project of Construct Inc.

 

"We are so thankful to the town of Great Barrington, to the Selectboard, to Town Manager Mark Pruhenski, and to Assistant Town Manager Christopher Rembold for this generous allotment of ARPA funds," said Carol Bosco Baumann, CDCSB executive director. "As I've said before, CDCSB is determined to produce and preserve housing that is affordable to all. These awards couldn't have come at a more necessary time. Although housing is a fundamental human right, too many people have been forced to leave our community and too many struggle to make ends meet, all because they can’t afford to live here — or work here. 

 

"Without locally based workers, our local businesses struggle to succeed. This funding will have a profound impact on our ability to serve individuals and families in our community — and it will help local businesses as well. We are grateful for the town's support in helping us achieve our mission."

 

As part of the funding agreement, four residential units in the Marble Block building will be restricted to 65 percent Area Median Income for 20 years. 

 

In addition to acquiring the Marble Block, CDCSB projects include Windrush Commons, a 49-unit affordable housing complex under construction at 910 Main St., and the Small Business Technical Assistance program, which to date has mentored and assisted nearly 50 small business owners and entrepreneurs in Berkshire County.

 

Health care, food security and household assistance comprise the remaining ARPA distribution.

 

Community Health Programs will receive $150,000 for its expansion and reconfiguration of dental care services; VIM Berkshires $100,000, and Rural Recovery $50,000. People's Pantry will receive $73,500; Berkshire Bounty $20,000, and Berkshire Agricultural Ventures $20,000.

 

The federal ARPA initiative of 2021 provided approximately $8.7 billion to Massachusetts, of which municipalities received $3.4 billion to offset impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.