1Berkshire “Build it in the Berkshires” Information Exchange
There will be an MBTA Rail Car Information Exchange Meeting. They will be discussing the endeavor to position the Berkshires as the best place to assemble the rail cars for the MBTA. Berkshire Community College, Room K111, Koussevitzky Arts Center @ Tuesday, January 28th at 8:00AM If you plan to attend, 1Berkshire would ask that you register by 4:00PM on Friday, January 24 by emailing kquinn@berkshirechamber.com
Berkshire Community College (BCC) Strategic Planning Listening Session
As part of the strategic planning process, BCC is hosting Listening Sessions at which local leaders can share their thoughts on the emerging trends and opportunities that will shape our region and our lives together. The overall goal of these sessions is to identify the ways and means through which the College might support and promote the overall vitality of the region and its residents. Wednesday, January 29, 2014 from 8:00 – 9:30 am in the General Bartlett Room in the Susan B. Anthony Building. Please RSVP if you plan to attend to Mary Martin, Logistics Coordinator at mmartin@berkshirecc.edu (413-236-1602); They will then send confirmation of your participation along with some useful information about the college, students, programs and services.
Wind Turbines in Peru
Debate in Peru is building over the proposed siting of wind turbines. Local residents have formed a Concern Citizens group affiliated with Green Berkshires, Inc. While the local, state and national association of REALTORS have not taken a position on the pros/cons of wind turbines, the National Association has compiled a lot of information that you can review to understand the issues raised and the research done related to inpacts on housing. To learn more, http://www.realtor.org/field-guides/field-guide-to-wind-farms-their-effect-on-property-values
Great Barrington & Sheffield Going for Grant for Housing Rehabilitation Program
The towns of Great Barrington and Sheffield are jointly applying for a Community Development Block Grant to be used for infrastructure projects in both towns, and also to establish a Housing Rehabilitation Program in both towns. To ensure the grant application for this program is as competitive as possible, they need to show there is interest in this program. Here is the link to how your support: http://tinyurl.com/CDBG2014 . For more information, see our full post.
Bring Back the Trains In Budget
We’ve touted the hopes and dreams to bring passenger service from Grand Central Terminal to Pittsfield in order to help promote sustainable economic development and make the Berkshires a vibrant model for the kind of rural-urban connections needed in the 21st century. The MAR staff has just informed us that Governor Deval Patrick’s proposed Transportation Bond Bill includes $175 million! These funds would be earmarked for the purpose of implementing rail improvements for initiatives including Springfield to Worcester service, Boston to Cape Cod service and Pittsfield to New York City service. Please support rail restoration underway by signing the petition (on Change.org), and forward it to friends, family, and colleagues!
Issues Mobilization
Are you interested in community, legislative and/or environmental issues that affect our way of life and our Berkshire real estate housing market? We’re forming an Issues Mobilization Work-group to stay on top of the local happenings throughout the county, make suggestions for our involvement if needed and learn about resources and grant funds available that our communities might be able to take advantage of in these areas. Please either email Sandy@BerkshireRealtors.org or fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch with a meeting scheduler asap! It’s important that we get REALTORS from all parts of the county, so please step up!