PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The newly renovated First Street municipal parking lot reopened Tuesday.
The parking lot holds 241 vehicles and is available for both permit and metered parking. There are several marked spaces near the Fenn Street entrance (by MyCom) identified for metered parking only.
As with other municipal lots in the city, metered parking at the First Street Lot is in effect 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and there are several kiosks stationed around the lot to assist patrons. There is free parking after 5 p.m. on weekdays and parking is free all day on Saturdays and Sundays.
The reconfigured lot features new paving, additional lighting and landscaping. Contractor Maxymilian began work on the project this past spring on the $847,000 project
Commissioner David Turocy, of the Department of Public Service and Utilities, said that in addition to the look of the lot, the renovations addressed persistent infrastructure issues.
"We are very pleased with the results of this parking lot reconstruction project. It includes several improvements that people have long requested -- including improved drivability with no potholes or standing water, additional handicap spaces with better accessibility to the sidewalk, and new overhead lighting that improves public safety in the lot and nearby surroundings," Turocy said.
Mayor Linda Tyer said the First Street Lot's new amenities will help to better serve the needs of the public.
"I am thrilled because this is a project that the city has had on its radar for some time, and I'm glad that this work is now complete. We have a newly reconfigured parking lot that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. I look forward to the First Street Lot serving as a great asset to our downtown," Tyer said.
A color map of the First Street Lot featuring parking designations is available on the city's homepage at www.cityofpittsfield.org.
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ServiceNet Warming Center Hosted 126 People This Winter
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
ServiceNet manages the warming shelter next to the church.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — ServiceNet's warming center has provided more than heat to unhoused individuals over the last four months and will run to the end of April.
It opened on Dec. 1 in the First United Methodist Church's dining area, next to ServiceNet's 40-bed shelter The Pearl. The agency has seen 126 individuals utilize the warming center and provided some case management to regulars.
While this winter was a success, they are already considering next winter.
"I've been on this committee many years now. There's probably only a few months out of the year that I don't talk about winter, so I'm always trying to plan for next winter," Erin Forbush, ServiceNet's director of shelter and housing, told the Homelessness Advisory Committee on Wednesday.
"We are in this winter and I'm already thinking what's going to happen next winter because I want to be really clear, winter shelter is never a given. We don't have this built into the state budget. It's not built into our budget, so there is always trying to figure out where we get money, and then where do we go with winter shelter."
She pointed out that warming centers are "very different" from shelters, which have a bed. The warming center is set up like a dining room, open from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m., and folks are welcome to stay for breakfast.
"We are asking people to come in, get warm, be out of the elements," Forbush explained.
ServiceNet's warming center has provided more than heat to unhoused individuals over the last four months and will run to the end of April.
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