Pittsfield Council Accepts $2.3M to Support Housing Projects
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city is making inroads with affordable and supportive housing, and planning for more units.
City Council has accepted a total of $2.3 million in state funds to support upcoming housing developments as the permanent supportive apartments on West Housatonic Street are preparing to open next month.
And last week, The First's housing resource center had a soft opening at Zion Lutheran Church. ServiceNet, which operates the center, had planned to be open Tuesday through Saturday for the next few weeks to onboard staff, but that has since changed.
"I'm happy to report that as of today, The First is now open seven days a week, from 8:30 to 4:30 each day," Mayor Peter Marchetti told the council during public comment on Tuesday.
The warming center at The Pearl will remain open overnight for the winter season, and Marchetti said he is working with service providers, community organizations, and members of the faith-based community to address the gap in warming center availability during certain times of the day.
"More information will be shared and those plans as they are finalized," he said.
Tenants who have been selected for the nine housing units at Zion Lutheran Church will be receiving their keys this week, he reported, and the tenants moving into the new units at 111 West Housatonic St. should receive their keys in early March.
"I know some of you may say that we're not doing enough, but we are making progress and continue to take steps forward. I know that we have more work ahead, but let's not forget that ideas that have been brought to reality and the community who is working together to get it done," Marchetti said.
"This work is not easy, and the city cannot do this work alone. I thank every partner who has joined us in this effort, willing to do whatever they can to find a helping hand, especially in our greatest time in need."
Sophie Tannenbaum, who works at the Wildflower Alliance on North Street, thanked those who got The First open and said what she loved most about it, aside from people happy they were just able to have a shower, was how spacious the housing resource center is.
"I do think that it was an unusual act of cruelty that Sunday wasn't prioritized during this soft opening," she added.
The City Council accepted two grants from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities: $500,000 for the fiscal year 2026 Housing Choice Grant Program and $1,800,000 MassWorks Infrastructure Program.
The $500,000 will be used for site preparation work, including grading, filling, and excavation work to support Westside Legends Project Legacy, which will create 16 affordable homes for first-time homebuyers on the vacant lot at the corner of Columbus Ave. and South John St.
There will also be a new pocket park between 24 North St. and 27 East Church St., according to meeting materials.
Director of Community Development Justine Dodds explained that, similar to the Wright Building down the street, the city was approved for grant for pedestrian improvements around the block that will make it more accessible.
Dodds reported that there have been issues with water and stormwater in that area over the years, and this project will also benefit neighboring properties and create a "walkable feel" from North Street to School Street.
"I think this is really important, when we can get somebody else to pay for this kind of work," Councilor at Large Alisa Costa said.
"So it really will help develop that corner, and make sure we're going to get, hopefully, some additional housing and other opportunities there."
Next month, a proposed tax increment exemption for the project will go before the Community and Economic Development subcommittee. The assessment for historic 24 North St. is about $1.3 million, and 34-38 North St. is $408,200, according to the city's online records.
Tags: affordable housing,
