BJ's Wholesale Club Coming to Pittsfield

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
01:20PM / Friday, October 30, 2009Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Braintree developer has announced plans to construct a BJ's Wholesale Club on Hubbard Avenue. It would be the first BJ's in Berkshire County.

Robert MacPherson, president of Cape Breton Corp., said Friday morning that his company would develop the BJ's. Cape Breton will begin the formal permitting process in the next couple of months with the goal of breaking ground in 2010.

Deana Ruffer, the city's community development director, said the city's known for some time that BJ's had been considering a location in Pittsfield. Cape Breton was focusing on the large parcel behind Stop & Shop Supermarket owned by J.W. Kelly Enterprises Inc.

"We were aware they were in negotiation with the Kellys," she said, but Cape Breton was also looking at site provisions and get approvals through BJ's internal processes. "I was thrilled that they were comfortable enough in their plans to make a public announcement this morning."

Cape Breton Corp. specializes in site acquisition and local permitting of retail buildings and shopping centers. This new development will bring 120 new jobs to the city, according to a press release from City Hall.

"We are thrilled that during these challenging times, BJ's has confidence in Pittsfield's future. The citizens of Pittsfield as well as all of Berkshire County will benefit from having another shopping choice," said Mayor James Ruberto in the press release. "I also want to thank the city's economic development team for the work they have done to bring this new investment to Pittsfield."

Headquartered in Natick, BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. is a leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the East. The company, now in its 25th year, currently employees more than 20,000 team members and operates 180 clubs in 15 states from Maine to Florida.

The closest BJ's clubs to Berkshire County are in Greenfield, Springfield and Albany, N.Y. Rumors have swirled for years that Walmart was seeking to build a Sam's Club in either Pittsfield or North Adams but the plans haven't materialized; there'd also been some talk about a BJ's in North Adams.

Ruffer said her office is working with the company to take advantage of the city's streamlined permitting process. The Office of Community Development has provided information for developers working with brand-name retailers, she said.

"It's very gratifying to me that the behind-the-scenes work with developers can result with a win for Pittsfield and new jobs."

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Awesome!!!
from: cs pitts	on: 10-30-2009 12:00AM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (1)

I hope they pay more than Walmart, maybe even offer health insurance... Dream on.
from: Need a Job	on: 10-30-2009 12:00AM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (1)

YEAH!!!!!!!!!
from: EAM	on: 10-30-2009 12:00AM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

This is sooo awesome!!!!!!!
from: Heather	on: 10-30-2009 12:00AM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (0)

looks like pittsfield landed this business because it's doing everything North Adams is not doing--using its Office of Community Development to streamline approval processes for businesses. maybe a new mayor will be smarter about business.
from: disappointed in north adams	on: 10-30-2009 12:00AM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

So long Wohrle's Cash & Carry, it was nice knowing you! We'll see where loyality to quality, local service takes you after BJ's is built.
from: Pittsfieldtude	on: 10-30-2009 12:00AM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (0)

We love BJ's. I think they will do well here. Maybe give the other markets more competition to lower their prices. I hope its true!
from: Maureen	on: 10-30-2009 12:00AM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

On the produce side, Wohrle's has little to worry bout. This is great news, BJ's is a quality operation. Too bad they can't make use of some large, vacant building, the traffic won't be a welcome addition to the Hubbard Ave. area. But net-net, a good deal for the people of Pittsfield.
from: Ed Bride	on: 10-31-2009 12:00AM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (0)

I can't wait! This is so exciting...more jobs and great deals AND I don't have to drive an hour!
from: Meg	on: 11-01-2009 12:00AM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (0)

I agree, so long Wohrle's Cash and Carry & Specialty too! Maybe that so called "queen" who runs those places will get a new attitude and stop taking advatnage of her customers and employees. New competition to deal with, how will they do it? I doubt they can....welcome to the real world sweetheart! Hooorrayyy for BJ's! It's about time!
from:	on: 11-02-2009 12:00AM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (1)

Behind Stop and Shop on Merril Road or is it Price Chopper on Hubbard Ave? The BJ isn't in Springfield it's in Chicopee. Editor: The Hubbard/Merrill thing is confusing, but I was told its part of a large 44-acre plot behind Stop & Shop that has a Hubbard address. Yes, you're right. BJ's is in Chicopee. I've been there and should have been more precise.
from: Milo	on: 11-02-2009 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

I am so excited about BJ's coming to Pittsfield!!!Thank u, Thank u
from: Marian	on: 11-02-2009 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

That sounds Great!!! But we need something bad in the great barrington/Sheffield Area. We have nothing here and have to travel to get to anything.
from: Sheffield	on: 11-04-2009 12:00AM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (0)

It all sounds great but there's a BJ's in Greenfield and one in Albany....Boy.... Costco would have been my choice. It also would have attracted shoppers from Albany and everywhere else!!!
from: F.G	on: 11-04-2009 12:00AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Cosco, BJ's does it really matter? We are finally getting a great store in this area. Something to look forward to. It's a start.
from: Hanna	on: 11-06-2009 12:00AM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (0)

are they going to have a BJ's gas station?
from: nadams	on: 11-06-2009 12:00AM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (0)

Where does one apply to work there before the store opens? Bev
from: Hireing	on: 04-19-2011 07:25PM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

please tell me when you OPEN thank you
from: patti	on: 08-01-2011 05:58PM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)
Editor: Patti, I took out your email address because I'm not sure you want it on a public forum and I don't think BJ's is going to email you.
I Agree (0) - I Disagree (1)

Lanesborough Town Meeting to Vote Budget, Bylaws & Vehicle Purchases

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
04:21PM / Monday, June 08, 2026

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Tuesday's annual town meeting includes a $14 million operating budget, new short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units and sign bylaws, and free cash article appropriations.

Voters will gather at Lanesborough Elementary School on June 9 at 6 p.m. to decide on 20 warrant articles.

The fiscal 2027 budget is up a little over 10 percent. Some of the main increases are the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School: the McCann assessment is up more than 30 percent based on factors including enrollment and the school renovation project, and Mount Greylock's is up 11 percent.

Article 11 is for the town to vote to approve from free cash the sum of $16,298.48 for the McCann Technical School roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. Article 3 is appropriate $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School assessment.

Another notable increase was in life and health insurance, showing an increase of about 26 percent.

Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. One of the articles asks the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses.

Many town departments are looking for new vehicles. The Fire Department is looking to replace its outdated 1996 fire engine. There are two articles related to the truck at a total of $813,366. Article 12 would transfer $225,000 from free cash into the Fire Truck Stabilization Fund; Article 13 would transfer $605,000 from the fund and authorize the borrowing of $208,366.08.

The total includes a $100,000 contingency cost to cover any additional costs if a 2026 model-year chassis cannot be secured before new emissions standards go into effect in 2027.

The board at its last meeting moved the $225,000 transfer to come before the borrowing article, changing the stabilization number. If the $225,000 is not voted on, then they will amend the next article's number on the floor, subtracting the $225,000. This shows the borrowing number significantly lower.

Article 17 asks for the transfer of $80,000 from free cash to replace a police cruiser.

Police Chief Rob Derksen's aim is to replace one vehicle every other year, meaning the oldest vehicle gets replaced about every 10 years.

He stressed that if delayed this year, the town may have to double up in a future year to get back on schedule, and that paying later usually costs more. The article will ask for $80,000 from free cash, the vehicles used to be funded by the BHRD.

Lastly, the Highway Department is looking to replace a 2014 International dump truck that will be a total of $330,000 and will take two to three years to receive.

Money will be used from last year's approval of $250,000 from free cash for the replacement of a 2012 highway front-end loader that was underspent $49,261. Town meeting is being asked to approve a transfer of $53,274.85 from free cash and the use of $227,464 from funds from the Sale of Town Real Estate to fund the balance.

Other free cash proposals include $1,200 to purchase software to support tracking and ongoing maintenance schedules of town-owned vehicles; $42,000 for the replacement of the Highway Department's storage shed roof, $200,000 to reduce the tax levy.

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