PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Downtown Pittsfield Inc.'s annual Community Award recognized the collaborative efforts toward finding solutions to homelessness in the city.

 

The award was presented to the Housing Resource Center that opened earlier this year through the efforts of the city, The First, ServiceNet, Zion Lutheran Church, and Hearthway.

 

In recognition, the downtown business association's annual meeting was held at Zion Lutheran, which is also home to the housing center. 

 

"One of the things that comes through clearly in DPI's work year through year is that progress downtown is never the result of one person or one organization acting alone," said Chair Charles "Chuck" Leach. "It comes from collaboration, from businesses, nonprofits, cultural organizations, residents, property owners, city leadership and community partners working together with purpose. Spoiler alert, but this year's community award captures that beautifully."

 

The recognition of The First and its partners, said Leach, reflected what can happen "when collaboration, compassion and a shared commitment come together in service of our neighborhoods and our downtown."

 

That's the spirit that runs through all of DPI's work, he continued, and this was one manifestation.

 

"It's hard to find anybody that wouldn't acknowledge just what a resounding success this has been ... kind of coming forward with a solution that I think gives people a lot of optimism and hope, as opposed to just continuing to scream about a problem."

 

The Robert K. Quattrochi Downtown Person of the Year Award went to Jay Santangelo of Wander Bekshires, a cafe, retail and event space on Depot Street.

 

DPI Managing Director Rebecca Brien said Santangelo breaks down walls and creates space for everyone with authenticity, openness and acceptance at her business.

 

"I feel deeply honored, definitely unexpected, but much appreciated and looking forward to continuing to help build and create a  more vibrant downtown, where we all can come together and just have fun," Santangelo said. 

 

Santangelo thought DPI had been a great supporter of his business and helped bring his dreams and vision to fruition.

 

The Presidents Award was presented in memory of Marshall Raser, who purchased Carr Hardware in 1962 and helped the business — and the downtown — grow. His son, Bart, accepted the award for his late father. Raser was one of the founding members of DPI.

 

Raser, who died March 14 at age 97, was commended for being a visionary and financial supporter of nonprofits and programs in the city, including helping start the trades program at Taconic High School, leaving a lasting impact.

 

Carr Hardware's Chief Financial Officer Michael Willson, presented the award and spoke about Raser.

 

"He was generous with his time and his wisdom and his financial guidance, but he had one guiding principle for business and life that he emphasized to me on a daily basis," Willson said. "He would always say to me, it's all about relationships, relationships with your co workers, your customers, your family, your community, and if you take care of those, for us to take care of itself, I believe you live this principle every day, which is evidenced by the legacy he has left behind."

 

Brien also highlighted DPI's 2025 accomplishments including space activation of Reimagine Dunham Mall, The Pitt, Rhythmscape, and Depot After Dark. She also highlighted the cigarette receptacles DPI placed downtown that have helped pick up more than 500,000 cigarettes throughout the city, all achieved through state and local grants. She mentioned other great initiatives as well as the new app, the wayfinding map that was installed in downtown and much much more. 

 

Mayor Peter Marchetti gave remarks through a recorded video on his thanks to those at DPI and the many businesses that helped shape the downtown. He reminded everyone that the city is there to help anyone who wants to start or needs help with their business.

 

"It is important that I remind all businesses and future entrepreneurs that the city is a resource for you," he said. "We have programs to offer grants and loans that can help you with developing a business plan, purchasing a point of sale system or other technical assistance, the team, the Community Development Office is available to help you and connect you with the right resources, no matter if you're in the initial stage of creating your business plan or you're already established."

 

Marchetti also spoke on a new outreach program in the works with the Health Department to support the city and vulnerable residents.

 

"Over the past several months, the Health Department has been actively working to create planning framework and evaluating measures to review data system options. We are now developing the staffing structure needed to support implementation," the mayor said. "This program will be funded through the city's Opioid Settlement Trust Funds. In the meantime, the staff from the Health Department have been doing routine walks in the downtown area picking up discarded needles and other drug paraphernalia. 

 

"We are taking steps forward towards a stronger public health response that will support both vulnerable residents and the broader downtown community."