Pittsfield's Boost North Street Cohort Celebrates Program Launch

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) and the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation (PERC)  announced the launch of the 2024 Boost! North Street Cohort. 
 
This program is supported with funding from TDI Local Funds, provided by MassDevelopment's Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), and matched with additional funding from the Pittsfield Economic Development Revitalization Corporation. The partnership aims to empower and support local businesses on North Street through competitive grants and professional consulting, said a press release.
 
Professional consulting services will be provided by Revby LLC., a technical assistance grant provided by MassDevelopment's Transformative Development Initiative.
 
Twelve downtown Pittsfield businesses have been selected to join the 2024 Boost North Street Cohort through a competitive process that considered applicant's initiative, proposed feasibility, purpose, and collaboration efforts. Participation in the Boost North Street Cohort is designed to enhance various aspects of business operations, including sales, marketing, digital presence, financial organization, growth strategy, website development, and operations workflow. 
 
Businesses will receive grant funding upon completion of program requirements which include one-on-one business consulting sessions.

The 2024 Boost North Street cohort participants are:

  • ASTScuba/Aquatic Roots
  • Berkshire International Market
  • Clark Vintage Lighting
  • Dottie's Coffee Lounge/Dorothy's Estaminet
  • Empire Pizza
  • Espetinho Carioca
  • Methuselah Bar and Lounge
  • Otto's Kitchen and Comfort
  • Placita Latina Restaurant and Market
  • Steven Valenti Clothing
  • Tito's Mexican Bar and Grill
  • Witch Slapped
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Signs Negotiating Rights Agreement With Suns Baseball Team

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Suns will call Wahconah Park home again. 

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission accepted a negotiating rights agreement between the city and longtime summer collegiate baseball team, the Pittsfield Suns. It solidifies that the two will work together when the historic ballpark is renovated. 

It remains in effect until the end of 2027, or when a license or lease agreement is signed. Terms will be automatically extended to the end of 2028 if it appears the facility won't be complete by then. 

"It certainly looks like it lays out kind of both what the Suns and Pittsfield would like to see over the next year or so during this construction plan, to be able to work together and work exclusively with each other in this time," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said. 

Owner Jeff Goldklang, joining virtually, said he shared those thoughts, and the team looks forward to starting negotiations. After this approval, it will need a signature from Mayor Peter Marchetti and the baseball team. 

The negotiating rights agreement recognizes the long-standing relationship between Pittsfield and the team dating back to 2012, and the Suns' ownership group's historical ties to Wahconah Park and the city dating to the 1980s. The team skipped the 2024 and 2025 seasons after the historic grandstand was deemed unsafe in 2022.  

The Suns were granted the exclusive right to negotiate in good faith with the city for a license or lease agreement where the Suns will be the primary tenant. During the terms of the agreement, the city can't negotiate or enter into an agreement with another party for leniency, licensing, or operation of Wahconah Park for professional or collegiate summer baseball. 

"The Parties acknowledge the historic and cultural importance of Wahconah park to the residents of Berkshire County and share a mutual goal of providing community access, engagement, and programming on a broad and inclusive scale," it reads. 

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