Lever and BIC Awarded Climatetech Startup Grants from MassCEC

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BOSTON — Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) today announced $1.4 million in funding for 12 organizations through its Innovation Ecosystem Program, which provides critical funding to support Massachusetts’ growing network of climatetech Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs). These grants will empower ESOs to expand services, strengthen infrastructure, and increase support for early-stage climatetech startups.
 
"The world looks to Massachusetts for innovative solutions to our planet's toughest challenges,” said Governor Maura Healey. That’s because we value the groundbreaking work and the significant economic impact of entrepreneurs and researchers. We’re going to continue to invest in the innovators and companies who are leading new discoveries in climatetech."
 
In Berkshire County: 
  • Berkshire Innovation Center – Pittsfield: $139,800
  • Lever, Inc. - North Adams: $100,100
 
Since 2016, MassCEC has awarded more than $6 million to 22 ESOs through this program—indirectly supporting over 1,300 climatetech startups. The Innovation Ecosystem Program enables a wide range of ESO activities, including:
  • Operations and management expenses
  • Facility and infrastructure build-out
  • Equipment purchases
  • Networking and workshop events
 
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Pittsfield Traffic Commission OKs Stop Signs, Parking Requests

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Traffic Commission granted stop signs and downtown parking requests during its recent regular meeting. 

A petition from Ward 7 Councilor Kathy Moody to install stop signs at the corner of Thomas Road and Thomas Island Road was approved. One sign will be installed at Thomas Road and Thomas Island Road, and one at the corner of Thomas Island Road and Pecks Road. 

Moody said for some reason, people don't understand they need to stop at the "very clear" intersection into the neighborhood alongside Onota Lake off Peck's Road. 

"It's really difficult to see right there. Because of the corners, people are not stopping, and I have several phone calls from constituents that live on Thomas Island who have nearly been in very bad accidents there," she explained about the corner of Thomas Road and Thomas Island Road. 

"If we could put a stop sign there, that would be terrific. It would help improve the safety of the neighborhood. It's a very small neighborhood. The roads are narrow. There are pedestrians everywhere. Having a stop sign to protect people at that almost blind corner would be very useful." 

Police Sgt. David Hallas couldn't recall any significant vehicle accidents in that area, but said that speeding on that section of Peck's Road is "quite an issue." 

Other commissioners commented that the roads on the island are very narrow, and it is one of the few places with mirrors so that drivers can see around corners. 

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren's request for a stop sign at the intersection of Partridge Road and Oak Hill Road was also approved. He said it is a similar situation to Thomas Island. 

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