Pittsfield's Affordable Housing Trust Notice of Funding Availability for Housing Projects

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield's Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) is seeking applications for Community Preservation (CPA) funds that have been allocated to the Trust for the purpose of creating affordable housing opportunities for Pittsfield residents. 
 
The AHT has $365,000 in funding that it is seeking to award to affordable housing projects in Pittsfield that are eligible to receive Community Preservation Funds.
 
The application process is a two-part process. Interested parties should submit a letter of interest to the Board to be reviewed at a meeting of the Trust. The initial review will determine the project's eligibility. If the Board determines the project is eligible, a full application for funding must be completed.
 
The Letter of Interest should provide a brief description of the proposed affordable housing project, how the project will meet the Community Preservation requirements, and a timeline for completion.
 
Funds can be used for new construction and the preservation of affordable units. Either non-profit or for-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must demonstrate a capacity to create or preserve affordable housing opportunities for low to moderate income households. Eligible projects must be located in the City of Pittsfield Proposals that address priority needs, as described in the Affordable Housing Needs Assessment, will be given a strong preference. Other considerations include projects that demonstrate community support, capacity of the development team to complete the project within the proposed timeline, projects that leverage other sources of funding and projects that address an identified need in the City of Pittsfield. 
 
Projects that incorporate sustainable development principles and design that match the character of the neighborhood are strongly encouraged.
 
The Trust is accepting Letters of Interest beginning August 1 until August 29. These proposals will be reviewed at a meeting of the Trust. If the Board determines that the project meets both the requirements of the CP funds and priorities for the Trust, applicants will be invited to submit a full application to the Board. Full Applications will be reviewed at the Boards's monthly meeting and applicants may be invited to present their project to the Board.
 
Letters of Interest should be submitted to housing@cityofpittsfield.org. For more information about the Trust, please see the City of Pittsfield's website Pittsfield, MA | Official Website under the Community Development and Housing tab.
 
For questions or further information, contact the Community Development Office at (413) 499-9368 or by email to housing@cityofpittsfield.org.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Becomes Purple Heart Community

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town has been home to many veterans and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service — a new proclamation honors their service and sacrifice.
 
The Select Board signed a proclamation declaring the town a Purple Heart Community, joining communities across the commonwealth to adopt this as a way to honor their local Purple Heart recipients. 
 
"This designation is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a public affirmation of Dalton's respect, gratitude, and enduring commitment to the men and women who have been wounded or killed in combat while serving in the United States Armed Forces," Historical Commission co-Chair Deborah Kovacs said at the Select Board meeting Monday night. 
 
The Purple Heart is the oldest military decoration that is still awarded to service members, recognizing their sacrifice, courage, and an unwavering devotion to the nation.
 
The Purple Heart originated on Aug. 7, 1782, when Gen. George Washington created the Badge of Military Merit to recognize enlisted soldiers and noncommissioned officers for exceptional service during the Revolutionary War. 
 
It fell out of use after the war but was revived in 1932 on Washington's 200th birthday under the leadership of Gen. Douglas MacArthur.  
 
Under the revival, it was still awarded for meritorious service or for combat wounds but during World War II this narrowed to service members wounded or killed as a direct or indirect result of enemy action. That wounds-only standard has remained in place ever since.
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories