Downing Secures $6.5 Million Authorization For PEDA

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BOSTON — State Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield, secured the adoption of an amendment for $6.5 million for a life science incubator building at the William Stanley Business Park.

He filed the amendment authorizing the funds for the design, construction and development of the building that was adopted during the Senate considered Gov. Deval Patrick's Life Sciences bond bill.

"Making industry-ready commercial space available to prospective businesses is vital to rejuvenating the economy of Pittsfield and the surrounding region," said Downing. "It is important that Western Massachusetts carve its own niche in the commonwealth's emerging life science industry. This targeted investment will pay dividends for years to come."

Using payments promised by General Electric in 1999, the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority is spearheading the redevelopment efforts of former GE land, now recognized as a brownfield and known locally as the William Stanley Business Park.

Downing's amendment authorizes $6.5 million for design and construction of a 30,000-square-foot facility. The incubator building is intended to attract businesses and provide a temporary growth space, or small-business incubator, which would also house on-site employee training. This project is the next step toward filling the redeveloped space with new high-tech businesses.

This $6.5 million authorization for PEDA was also included in the House of Representative's version of the life sciences bond bill, though in a different account. As the Senate and House have engrossed competing versions of the bond bill, the differences between must be reconciled by a conference committee before it can be forwarded to the governor for final approval.
Tags: life sciences,   PEDA,   

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District Moving On From Allegations Against PHS Administrator

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The district is "moving on" from unsubstantiated allegations against two Pittsfield High School administrators, saying there is no threat.

Dean of Students Molly West returned to work last week after being put on leave in December. The Department of Children and Families has cleared West and Vice Principal Alison Shepard of misconduct claims that surfaced after another PHS dean was arrested and charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office for allegedly conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine.

School Committee Chair William Cameron on Wednesday emphasized that when such an investigation finds no evidence of wrongdoing, fundamental fairness and due process prohibits taking punitive action simply because of allegations. Reportedly, West was also investigated and cleared in the past.

"The circumstances of Mrs. West being placed on administrative leave don't need to be recited here," he said.

"Social media allegations made against her in December, which then regrettably were widely publicized, were not new. They had been heard, investigated, and found meritless by other school districts many years ago, nevertheless, they were disinterred recently by someone providing neither evidence nor a credible source and then reinvestigated twice in the last three months."

Senior Emma Goetze said she was "appalled, deeply disappointed, and frustrated that an administrator who has been placed on leave, someone who has caused significant discomfort and distress to so many students, has been allowed to return to our building."

"I understand that there is an investigation and acknowledge that this individual was cleared but it feels incredibly unjust to me and to many of my peers that despite everything, this person is being given the opportunity to come back," she said. "It's important to recognize that even though an investigation may have found no wrongdoing, that doesn't change the reality of how this individual's presence makes many students feel."

Investigations led by DCF and retired Superior Court Judge Mary-Lou Rup concluded that there is no evidence to substantiate the accusations.

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