Vibe North Street Storefront Recruitment Grant

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PITTSFIELD, Mass — The Berkshire Black Economic Council (BBEC) will lead the "Vibe North Street" storefront recruitment grant program in collaboration with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. (DPI).
 
The grant, which is funded by Mass Development's Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), will offer businesses the opportunity to receive TDI Local funds in amounts between $7,500 and $25,000 to help cover the costs of relocating to currently vacant storefronts in the North Street district.
 
On March 15, businesses interested in moving to the North Street district can apply for the grant, which will be awarded to businesses that demonstrate the passion and capability to revitalize downtown Pittsfield.
 
"We're excited to launch the Vibe North Street grant program in collaboration with DPI," said A.J. Enchill, Executive Director of BBEC. "Covid has forced many businesses in our downtown to close. We believe that by recruiting new businesses to North Street, we can create a vibrant downtown with diverse businesses that bring a new vibe to Pittsfield."
 
Vibe North Street is part of a broader effort to fit out vacant storefronts with the proper equipment, fixtures, and furniture so storefronts are "move-in-ready." With the program's focus on attracting new businesses to the North Street district, BBEC and DPI are working to inspire new seasonal activities in order to work toward a downtown with businesses that complement one another throughout the year.
 
For more info on the Vibe North Street storefront recruitment grant program, visit:
For more info about TDI Local visit: https://www.massdevelopment.com/what-we-offer/key-

Tags: downtown,   grants,   

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Parks Commission OKs Lessons at Pittsfield Pickleball Facility

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's pickleball culture is ramping up with classes at the Benedict Road courts.  

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission approved Michael Latini's request to offer pickleball lessons at the facility, which opened a couple of years ago

Certified instructor Michael Latini plans to offer one-hour lessons to beginner-to-advanced level players from August to November on Tuesdays.  

Latini has been a member of Berkshire Mountain Pickleball for eight years and was on the committee that helped erect the courts. He has seen the organization grow from around 100 people to about 400 people, and lives nearby, playing up to five times a week. 

"So I'm very passionate about pickleball," he explained. 

He traveled to Nashville, Tenn., to become a certified pickleball teacher, and is Berkshire County's USA Pickleball ambassador, which entails getting pickleball to grow and teaching people how to play. 

The sport has also positively impacted his health. 

"One of the benefits that I've had out of pickleball is I'm a Type 2 diabetic, and through pickleball, I've been able to get off insulin, which my doctor was thrilled about," Latini said. 

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