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 (2).jpg) North Adams kicks off the holiday season with its annual treelighting on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m.
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News & Notes: Patrick Mum on 'Growth District' SitesBy Larry Kratka - April 11, 2008
Berkshire News Network
PITTSFIELD — Gov. Deval Patrick is preparing for a tour of the state in coming weeks to reveal the location of 16 regional "growth districts." The areas are designed to be magnets for new business development.
In an exclusive interview with the Berkshires News Network on Thursday morning, Patrick was asked if the Berkshires would be included in the 16 "growth" districts and he said "Yes" ... but we would have to wait until he makes the formal announcements.
Updated: The Republican of Springfield reported Friday night, April 11, that Patrick would announce the first growth district in Western Mass. on Saturday. The Chicopee River Business Park, which includes 151 acres in Chicopee and 40 acres in Springfield, will be designated a growth district.
Gregory P. Bialecki, state undersecretary for business development, told the Republican that three of the growth districts would be in Western Mass.
Patrick announced his intent to provide a short-term economic boost to various parts of the state during his address to the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce in Pittsfield last Friday. On Wednesday, unveiling his economic stimulus plan at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the governor said that "over the next 90 days, my economic development team will identify locations around the state - urban, suburban, former military bases, and others - that are primed for significant commercial, residential or mixed-use development."
During his appearance on "Whoopee In The Morning With Sherman Baldwin," the governor did not elaborate as to where in the Berkshires such a growth district would be, but said he and Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray would be making the trip out this way in the weeks ahead, going to each of the 16 sites and calling attention to them. The governor also said that in each district, he would convene local business and government leaders to start the planning process and in some cases, those investments have begun.
North Adams Mayor John Barrett III and Pittsfield Mayor James Ruberto are now waiting to hear if their communities are included in the 16 "growth" districts. The districts will typically be designated in older mill towns or cities near highways or other transportation. |
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