Pittsfield Seeks Public Input on CDBG Plans

03:19PM / Monday, January 27, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's Office of Community Development is preparing to write its 2025 annual action plan and 2025-2029, five-year consolidated plan, which will determine how the city allocates its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds next year and over the next five years.

CDBG funds are provided annually to Pittsfield through an entitlement grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.

The required plans are designed to help states and local jurisdictions assess their affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions to make data-driven, place-based investment decisions. The consolidated planning process serves as the framework for a communitywide dialogue to identify housing and community development priorities that align and focus funding from the CDBG formula block grant program.

To engage the entire community in this critical conversation, the city is holding a public hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. at the Berkshire Athenaeum at 1 Wendell Ave. to gather input on the city's greatest priority needs that can be addressed with CDBG funds.

Additionally, an online survey here is available now through Feb. 27. The information provided will assist in the development of both plans. This survey should take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Under Federal guidelines, at least 70 percent of CDBG funds must be used to benefit low- and moderate- income individuals. Each funded activity must meet one of three national objectives: 1) benefits low- and moderate-income individuals, 2) aids in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight, or 3) addresses an urgent need that poses a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community which occurred within the last 18 months and for which other funding is not available.

For questions related to the plans or the survey, or to request accommodations at the public hearing, contact Nate Joyner in the Pittsfield Department of Community Development at njoyner@cityofpittsfield.org or 413-499-9358.

Tags: CDBG, public hearing,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

Breathing Room

0% APY for 12 months balance transfer offer. Apply today! Click to learn more. Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Duplex Fire Displaces Six, Kills 2 Cats

Staff Reports09:37AM / Tuesday, November 10, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Six people were displaced, and two cats died in a duplex fire Monday night.

Just before 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 9, the Pittsfield Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 54-56 Worthington Place.

Firefighters quickly arrived on the scene and saw smoke showing from the first and second floors of the three-story wood-frame home.

The main body of fire on the first floor was knocked down within a few minutes, allowing companies to quickly check the remainder of the apartment and complete searches. The remaining fire and hot spots were deemed under control within 30 minutes.

All occupants were accounted for by Pittsfield Police upon PFD's arrival. Three cats were found in the apartment with the fire, one alive and two deceased. Two dogs made it out of the blaze.

Four engine companies, a ladder company, and the deputy chief responded.

"Thanks to quick decisions of the fire apartment occupants to call 911 right away certainly aided in a rapid PFD response from our two closest stations on Columbus Ave and West Housatonic St and saving the structure from severe damage," PFD wrote in a press release.

"The occupants were upstairs when this fire started and were able to quickly make their way downstairs, past the fire and out the front door safely with no injuries. Three adults, three children, two dogs and a cat were displaced from the two apartments. Red Cross responded and assisted with housing and

View Full Story