Vibe North Street Storefront Recruitment Grant

08:17AM / Thursday, March 16, 2023Print Story | Email Story

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:

https://berkshirebec.org/opportunities/bbec-grants/

For more info about TDI Local visit: https://www.massdevelopment.com/what-we-offer/key-

initiatives/tdi/tdi-local

Tags: downtown, grants,

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Berkshire Law Enforcement Officials Endorse Fenton for Governor's Council

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:11PM / Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Michael Fenton, a Springfield attorney, ran unsuccessfully for the 8th District seat on the council in 2022. He is challenging incumbent Tara Jacobs of North Adams.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ranking Berkshire law enforcement officials are putting their weight behind a Springfield lawyer for Governor's Council in the September Democratic primary over North Adams incumbent Tara Jacobs.

The Berkshires' District Attorney Timothy Shugrue, Sheriff Thomas Bowler, and Clerk of Courts Lisa Denault-Viale touted Michael Fenton's experience and approach over Jacobs, who bested him and two other attorneys in 2022.

The Governor's Council advises the governor on matters relating to judicial appointments, treasury warrants, pardons and commutations, and a number of other important executive functions. The winner of the primary will represent the 8th District, which covers more than 100 cities and towns including North Adams, Adams, Pittsfield, Greenfield, Northampton and Springfield, as there is no other candidate on the November ballot.

Gathering at Park Square on Wednesday morning, Shugrue said Jacobs does not provide the representation Berkshire County requires and deserves.

"This individual [Fenton] would conduct himself with a great deal of common sense and confidence," Bowler said.

Fenton said there are only 11 Superior Court judges assigned to Western Mass, and that too few of them are from Berkshire County.

"At one time there were four vacancies. That left only seven judges serving the entire 102 cities and towns of the western region. Seven judges serving 102 cities and towns at a time when you add Hampden County, Springfield, Holyoke, and Chicopee in, at a time when there were over 100 pending murder cases. Seven judges for 100 pending murder cases," he said.

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