Free Training Program Leading to BHS July 4th Road Race

PITTSFIELD, Mass — As the Berkshire Health Systems July 4th 5K Road Race nears, a free six-week training program is being offered by the Berkshire Running Foundation for walkers and runners at all levels and abilities.

The program begins on Saturday, May 27 and ends on July 1.

Participants can use their training to run in the July 4th Road Race or take advantage of the program without participating.

Training program participants will gather Saturday mornings at 8 am at the Crane Avenue entrance to the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and on Tuesdays at 5 am and 6 pm, there will be speed workouts at the Taconic High School track.

Berkshire County students who are interested in running in the BHS July 4th Road Race can also register for the race for free if registered by June 15th. To register, visit berkshirerun.org and click on Events.

BHS and the Berkshire Running Foundation are collaborating on the 2023 July 4th Road Race, being held just before the start of the Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade.

Pittsfield Rent Board OKs $30 Rent Increase for Lake Onota Village

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:21PM / Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Lake Onota Village owner Richard Baldwin answers a question for resident Amy Booth.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Rent Control Board last week approved a $30 per month rent increase for Lake Onota Village following a public hearing that spanned two meetings. 

 

A number of residents from the mobile home park attended the meeting expressing their disapproval of owner M.H. Communities request for a hefty rent hike citing issues with the lots maintenance.

 

The owner's application to the board requested a 63 percent rent hike, or more than $200 per month, spread out over three years, but before the first meeting, it was revised to 29 percent, or $153 per month. 

 

After the first Rent Control Board meeting in March, co-owner Richard Baldwin said the company worked to "shave" its operating expenses down.

 

During the board's meeting on Wednesday, the owners again revised its request, dropping it to a $33 per month rent increase year-over-year over three years. 

 

The board approved a $30 increase.

 

M.H. Communities reviewed its operating expenses and removed revenue and some nonrecurring expenses, such as advertising, Baldwin said.