BHS Announces Medical Arts Complex Construction

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) announced plans for work on the mechanical infrastructure of the Medical Arts Complex (MAC) to ensure the building's longstanding sustainability as a center for outpatient care. 
 
This work is a demonstration of BHS's continued investment in the health of Berkshire County, as part of its vision to be the region's trusted healthcare partner and community advocate for improving overall quality of life.
 
"Here at Berkshire Health Systems, we take pride in not only being the leading healthcare provider in Berkshire County but also investing in the health of our community," said Darlene Rodowicz, BHS president and CEO. "Taking this step to preserve the MAC's future sustainability is one of many investments we're proud to make in the system as a whole."
 
Construction at the MAC will begin on Sept. 5, 2023, following the Labor Day Holiday and is expected to last for 12 months. Work on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, (HVAC) systems will impact the way that people enter the building.
 
The front, upper-level entrance of the MAC Building that is typically accessed from the parking lot will be closed. All patients, visitors, and staff should plan to access the building from the rear (West) using either the ground floor entrance or the second-floor walkway from the parking garage. 
 
The patient parking lot at the front of the building will remain open with a modified driveway entrance. BHS will offer valet parking, extensive shuttle service to the rear door, and a modified sidewalk to allow access to the rear of the building to help patients and visitors adapt to the entry changes. Additional accessible parking will also be available near the rear entrance. Visit berkshirehealthsystems.org/MACProject to view a walking guide and map.
 
"The current MAC building was constructed in 1990. In the 33 years since, the building has welcomed thousands of patients through its doors," said Chris Camillo, Vice President of Physician Services and leader of the BHS medical group of clinics, many of which are housed in the MAC. "By taking this step, we are ensuring that the MAC remains positioned to serve our patients, today and for years to come."
 
 
 

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Lanesborough to Vote on 34 Articles at ATM

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Voters will decide 34 warrant articles at the annual town meeting on June 11.

The Select Board endorsed a long list of articles during its regular meeting on Monday, most without discussion. 

A $11,846,607 spending plan has been proposed for fiscal year 2025, a 4.3 percent increase from the this year. The budget includes a net increase of $237,129 in education costs for the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School, less than the $271,478 increase in FY24. 

Three articles are related to short-term rentals, or Airbnbs: To impose a local excise tax of up to 6 percent of the total amount of rent for each occupancy, a 3 percent impact fee on "professionally managed" short-term rentals, and a 3 percent impact fee on short-term rentals in two- or three-family dwellings.

"These are the proposed language as provided by town counsel," Town Administrator Gina Dario explained.

Included in the 34 articles is one citizen's petition, which the board was not required to endorse. If passed, this petition would increase the Select Board from three to five members with an annual election of the chair. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes in that election would serve a three-year term, the candidate receiving the second highest number of votes would serve a two-year term, and the candidate receiving the third highest number of votes would serve a one-year term, with three-year terms to follow.

Two articles needed clearance from the Planning Board before coming to the Select Board, one being a request to amend the town's zoning bylaw to raise the cap on accessory dwelling units from 900 to 2,500 square feet.  

The proposal is in response to the lack of housing availability in the community and is the second go-around.

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