BRPC Invites Applications for Home Modification Loan Program

PITTSFIELD, Mass — The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) is now accepting applications for the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP).

This state-funded, no-interest loan program assists homeowners and landlords (with fewer than 10 units) in making necessary accessibility modifications to keep disabled or elderly family members in their homes.

Eligible modifications include bathroom and kitchen adjustments, ramps, stair lifts, platform lifts, sensory/therapy spaces, hard-wired alarm systems, fences, and accessory dwelling units. However, this program does not cover general home repairs such as roofing, window replacements, or heating system repairs. All work must be completed by licensed and insured contractors.

Property owners may qualify for 0 percent interest loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, with repayment required only when the property is sold or transferred. For owners of manufactured or mobile homes, loan amounts range from $1,000 to $30,000.

All applications are subject to HMLP eligibility requirements. For more information, visit www.cedac.org/hmlp or contact Brett Roberts at HMLP@berkshireplanning.org.

Dalton Fire District Faces Major Decision on Future of Station

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:36AM / Monday, September 07, 2026

Select Board Chair Robert Bishop brings up the potential of collaborating with the Fire District on a combined public safety building, which would solve both the fire and police station problems.

DALTON, Mass. — For several years, the Dalton Fire District has emphasized the fire station's space limitations, and a recent community and space needs analysis further demonstrated that significant decisions need to be made about the facility's future.

 

The district was established in 1884 after rapid growth strained the town's limited water supply for drinking and fire protection. After a fire destroyed seven paper mills, local leaders began searching for new water sources. Check out our story on the district's charter. 

 

MissionCIT (Critical Immersive Training) LLC was contracted by the district to conduct the needs assessment, with its findings presented during last Tuesday's Board of Water Commissioners meeting. View the full report here. 

 

Over the last century, the department has evolved alongside advances in firefighting technology and practices, with changes in staffing, training, equipment requirements, and call volume and types ultimately causing it to outgrow its facility, Mark Waters of Mission CIT said. 

 

The most recent change came in 2022, when the district assumed control of the ambulance service following the closure of the Dalton Ambulance and Rescue Association and added Advanced Life Support to its services.

 

The department now provides both Advanced and Basic Life Support services.

 

"The bottom line is that this building is being used for something today that it wasn't built for almost 70 years ago," Waters said.