Mayor Peter Marchetti says housing has been a topic in his administration as he and Sen. Warren visited Soldier On.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren ended her visit to Pittsfield on Thursday on the scenic grounds of Soldier On's housing developments where more 50 former service members are supported with the tools they need to thrive.
She had earlier spoken with Volunteers in Medicine and held a roundtable with local entrepreneurs of the Berkshire Black Economic Council.
The 39-unit Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Community has served 95 veterans since 2010 and the 14-unit Katie Doherty Veterans Village has served 20 in four years.
"My administration has been talking about housing since the day that I took office so what a perfect way to end your visit of talking about housing and how we can be creative to add more housing," Mayor Peter Marchetti said.
The permanent housing communities include an array of supportive services to ensure that veterans maintain successful occupancy including a life skills program, individual case management, furnishings, transportation, technology, daily meals, legal assistance, and end-of-life services.
"We are their family," Executive Director of Field Services Sarah Polidore said, as many don't have loved ones to provide care.
Warren said her day in Pittsfield had been seeing what it means when the federal government is a good partner with community organizations.
"The one overwhelming message from today is that each of these partners strengthens the community for everyone else," she said. "We treat our veterans well when we provide the kind of stable housing support services they need, it's not only good for our veterans, it's good for our whole community. Same thing is true on health care, same thing is true on small businesses."
Chief Executive Director Bruce Buckley explained the difficulties in piecing together funding for housing developments, noting there is a mortgage on the property. He said funding for supportive services is also essential.
Warren emphasized the importance of all types of housing and new developments, saying, "housing is one of the top priorities for what we need to be doing in coordination. Federal, state, and local."
The Supportive Services for Veteran Families program was also discussed. This mobile service model operates in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, offering case management, referral services, and temporary financial assistance.
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Friday Front Porch: Luxurious Lakefront Property
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for a lakefront estate to spend your days? Then this might be the home for you.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 140 Hancock Road.
This house was built in 2015 and has eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It is 6,986 square feet on a little over an acre.
The house sits on Pontoosuc Lake and includes private lake access and a pool with an expansive deck.
The kitchen is equipped with Wolf and SubZero appliances and there is a full outdoor kitchen as well. The property has three additional separated living quarters, each with a kitchen and its own living room.
The house also includes a big garage for multiple cars or more.
It is on the market for $4,900,000.
We spoke with Elisha Poirier from Stone House Properties LLC, which has the listing.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
What truly sets this property apart is the incredible scale combined with its premier lakefront setting. With over 7,400 square feet of space, eight bedrooms, multiple independent living quarters, and extensive garage capacity, it offers a level of versatility that is very rare in the Berkshires. The sweeping views of Pontoosuc Lake and Mount Greylock, along with private lake access, a pool, and exceptional indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, create a lifestyle that feels more like a private resort than a traditional home.
What was your first impression when you walked into this home?
My first impression was the sense of openness and how immediately your eye is drawn to the water. The layout was clearly designed to highlight the views, and the natural light combined with the scale of the space makes the home feel both grand and welcoming at the same time.
How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?
The atmosphere is both luxurious and relaxed. It has the presence and amenities of a high-end estate, but the lakefront setting and thoughtfully designed living spaces make it feel comfortable and inviting. It's a home that works just as well for quiet mornings by the water as it does for hosting large gatherings.
What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?
This home would be ideal for someone who loves to entertain and host family and friends, or for a multi-generational family looking for both shared space and private living areas. It could also appeal to someone looking for a true retreat in the Berkshires, whether as a primary residence or a luxury getaway.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
It's easy to picture spending your mornings looking out over the lake, afternoons enjoying the pool or taking the boat out from your private dock, and evenings gathered around the outdoor kitchen or fire pit with friends and family. The property is designed so that everyday life feels like a vacation.
What do the current owners love most about this home?
What they love most is the incredible connection to the lake and the views. The property offers privacy while still feeling open to the natural beauty around it. They've also enjoyed the ability to host large gatherings while still offering guests their own comfortable and private spaces.
Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?
Some of the standout features include the chef's kitchen with high-end Wolf and SubZero appliances, multiple private living quarters with their own kitchens and entrances, and expansive outdoor entertaining areas with a built-in kitchen, pool, and fire pit. The home also includes a whole-house audio system, five laundry units, and premium Pella iron-clad windows and doors, all thoughtfully designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind. The property is insulated with spray foam throughout, maximizing energy efficiency while also providing superior protection from the strong winds often experienced on the lake.
You can find out more about this home on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 140 Hancock Road.
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