Office of Climate Innovation and Resiliency Welcomes Director of Strategic Initiatives

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BOSTON — Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer welcomed Nick Black as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience. 
 
In this role, Black will work directly with Chief Hoffer on special initiatives like the Healey-Driscoll Administration's Corporate Climate Challenge and develop and execute Massachusetts' long-term climate initiatives, including implementing key EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant deliverables.
 
"I created the Climate Office on my very first day as Governor and ever since, Chief Hoffer and her team have consistently delivered results that advance Massachusetts' whole-of-government approach to climate policy," said Governor Healey. "Now, we're excited to welcome Nick Black to the team. He has a proven track record of advocating for climate resiliency and we're confident that his skills will make the team even stronger, strengthen our partnerships, and continue to ensure Massachusetts is at the forefront of addressing the climate crisis."  
 
 Prior to this role, Nick Black was the Managing Director of the Boston Waterfront Initiative for the Trustees of Reservations. There, Black led a team to create a network of public open spaces along Boston's shoreline. With over 15 years of experience in government, political campaigns, non-profits and strategic consulting, he has the skills and knowledge to navigate complex challenges and deliver impactful solutions. He has previous experience working for Hillary for America and Senator Elizabeth Warren.  
 
"I have dedicated my career to thinking about new and innovative ways to approach the climate crisis and I am thrilled to bring those skills to the Massachusetts Climate Office," said Nick Black. "I am passionate about advancing social and environmental causes that make a difference in people's lives. In this role, I hope to approach climate and environmental issues on a larger scale and bring forth new ideas that make Massachusetts more equitable, resilient and sustainable. I look forward to working with Chief Hoffer, the Climate Office and the Healey-Driscoll Administration." 
 
The Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience is charged with harnessing all of the resources and authority available to the Governor and the executive department to advance Massachusetts' climate innovation, mitigation, adaptation and resilience policies. The Office is led by Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer, who is appointed by and reports to the Governor and serves as an officer within the Governor's cabinet. Chief Hoffer is the principal policy advisor to the Governor on all matters relating to climate and leads the development and implementation of climate policy across executive department agencies and offices.   
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Pittsfield Cannabis Cultivator Plans Dispensary

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD. Mass. — A cannabis cultivator and manufacturer has opted to sell its products on site in Downing Parkway. 

The Zoning Board of Appeals this month approved a special permit for J-B.A.M. Inc. to operate a dispensary out of its existing grow facility. There will only be changes to the interior of 71 Downing Parkway, as there will be less than 500 square feet of retail space in the 20,000-square-foot building. 

"My only concern would be the impact, and really would be traffic, which I don't think is excessive, the odor, if there was one, but that doesn't seem to be an issue, and I think it's a good location for a marijuana facility," board member Thomas Goggins said. 

The company's indoor cultivation site plan was approved in 2019, an amendment to add manufacturing and processing in 2021, and on the prior day, a new site plan to add a retail dispensary was approved by the Community Development Board. 

J-B.A.M. cannabis products are available in local dispensaries. 

The interior of the facility will be divided to accommodate an enclosed check-in area, front entrance, retail lobby, secure storage room, offices, and two bathrooms. There are 27 parking spaces for the facility, which is sufficient for the use. 

No medical or recreational cannabis uses are permitted within 500 feet of a school or daycare, a setback that is met, and the space is within an industrial park at the end of a cul-de-sac. 

"The applicant desires the restructuring of the business to be more competitive in the industry with the ability to grow and sell their own cannabis products so they have more financial stability," Chair Albert Ingegni III, read from the application. 

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