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

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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.
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Sunday Fire on Dalton Division Rd. Fire Damages Home, Closes Road

Staff reportsiBerkshires

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Firefighters knocked down a kitchen fire on Dalton Division Road in less than an hour Sunday night. 

Around 8:55 p.m., the Fire Department responded to a possible structure fire at 622 Dalton Division. The building's owner had reportedly notified a neighbor that his house was on fire, and the neighbor called 911. 

Fire crews saw smoke coming from the structure; the blaze was under control in 45 minutes, and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries, according to a report by Deputy Chief Daniel Garner.

The home, though, suffered significant damage. 

"The building owner was the only occupant. The owner had alternative lodging for the night as the house, although salvageable, is not fit for occupancy at this time. There is no damage estimate at the time of this writing," Garner wrote on Monday. 

"The first-floor kitchen and second-floor bedroom sustained fire and heat damage. The remainder of the home sustained various amounts of smoke and water damage.

Police closed Dalton Division Road to through traffic for some time during the incident. A provided picture shows broken windows on the home and signs of internal fire. 

PFD responded with Engines 6, 3, 2, and 5, Tower-1, and Car-2. 

Upon arrival, E3 assisted the Ladder company with ventilation and overhaul/salvage. E5 responded as a Rapid Intervention Crew, and E1 responded briefly as a precaution, but the fire was ultimately declared under control in 45 minutes.

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