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 Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'
DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 
 
The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.
 
"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.
 
"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 
 
Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 
 
Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 
 
Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories