Pittsfield Glow Up! Business Improvement Applications Available

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) and the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation (PERC) are co-facilitating The Pittsfield Glow Up! Business Improvement Grant Program made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
 
The program's purpose is to provide grants of up to $10,000 to eligible businesses affected by COVID-19 within ARPA's disproportionately impacted district of Pittsfield. The grant funds are to be used for physical improvements that will enhance the experience of foot traffic and create a visual vibrancy in the district. 
 
Applicants must be a for-profit business in operation since January 2021, be in good standing with the state and city, and be within ARPA's disproportionately impacted district. A map of the district is located at https://downtownpittsfield.com/2023/01/pittsfield-glow-up-business-improvement-grants. 
 
"Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. is pleased to be working with the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation (PERC) on The Pittsfield Glow Up! Business Improvement Grant Program," says Rebecca Brien, Managing Director of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. "Thanks to ARPA funding provided by the City of Pittsfield, we are able to help small businesses on projects that the struggles of the past few years made impossible. This program can help with that fresh coat of paint; a new, easy to see sign; or lighting in a spruced-up entryway. We want to see our city become the bright, beautiful, and vibrant district we know it can be!" 
 
Eligible uses of grant funding include Painting (interior and exterior), Signage (building or blade), Lighting Improvements (exterior or window), Flooring Replacement, Entryway Upgrades, Windows (replacement, washing), Awnings (new or replacements), Accessibility Improvements, and Select Interior Improvements or Repairs (note that furniture, fixtures, and equipment are not eligible). 
 
The first-round application of intent for The Pittsfield Glow Up! Business Improvement Grant is due by Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, at 11:59 pm.
 
To view the full criteria and access the online application, visit https://downtownpittsfield.com/2023/01/pittsfield-glow-up-business-improvement-grants. Paper copies of the application are available at the Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. office at 33 Dunham Mall. 
 
Any grant-related questions may be directed to Rebecca Brien, Managing Director of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., at 413-443-6501 or businessdevelopment@downtownpittsfield.com

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Pittsfield Sets Early Voting Dates

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 3, and voters must register by Oct. 24 if they want to participate. 

Massachusetts voters will determine the offices of governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. senator, U.S. representative, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, state auditor, governor's council, state senator, state representative, district attorney, and register of probate. 

Nine state election ballot questions will also be on the ballot, including questions on recreational cannabis and gun laws. 

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day.  A primary election in September narrowed the races. 

Residents can also vote by absentee ballot, which are currently available for those who will be away from Pittsfield during polling hours, have a physical disability preventing them from going to the polls, and for religious beliefs. Absentee ballots are due by noon on Nov. 2, and can be mailed in or cast in person.  

Saturday, Oct. 24, is the deadline to register to vote or to make changes to voter registration. City Hall, located at 70 Allen St., will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on this day. 

Vote by mail applications are also available and can be requested until Tuesday, Oct. 27, by 5 p.m. There is also early voting in the Registrar of Voters' Office. 

Democrats Maura Healey is running for re-election as governor and Kim Driscoll for re-election as lieutenant governor. Michael Minogue is the gubernatorial candidate for the Republican Party, and Shawn Oliver its lieutenant governor candidate. 

Andrea Campbell is running for re-election as attorney general, and is being challenged by Republican Michael Walsh. 

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