Great Barrington ARPA Target Housing, Health, Food

05:51PM / Wednesday, December 21, 2022Print Story | Email Story

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The town is using its latest round of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to inject more than $1 million into local affordable housing initiatives, food security and community health care organizations.

Combined with funding allocated earlier this year, the town has awarded more than $2.075 million in federal ARPA funds to local organizations.

"In considering how to distribute ARPA funds during the last year, the Selectboard has decided that investing in affordable housing options in town will have a lasting, long-term impact on our community," said Town Manager Mark Pruhenski. "Access to affordable and workforce housing options is a high priority for our residents who work and live here full-time."

The Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire (CDCSB) was awarded the organization nearly $700,000 toward its affordable housing initiatives. The awards include $199,610 for improvements at the Hillside Apartment Complex and $500,000 to acquire the Marble Block building on Main Street. Another $650,000 is designated for the Windflower Inn redevelopment as a workforce housing residence, a project of Construct Inc.

"We are so thankful to the town of Great Barrington, to the Selectboard, to Town Manager Mark Pruhenski, and to Assistant Town Manager Christopher Rembold for this generous allotment of ARPA funds," said Carol Bosco Baumann, CDCSB executive director. "As I've said before, CDCSB is determined to produce and preserve housing that is affordable to all. These awards couldn't have come at a more necessary time. Although housing is a fundamental human right, too many people have been forced to leave our community and too many struggle to make ends meet, all because they can’t afford to live here — or work here.

"Without locally based workers, our local businesses struggle to succeed. This funding will have a profound impact on our ability to serve individuals and families in our community — and it will help local businesses as well. We are grateful for the town's support in helping us achieve our mission."

As part of the funding agreement, four residential units in the Marble Block building will be restricted to 65 percent Area Median Income for 20 years.

In addition to acquiring the Marble Block, CDCSB projects include Windrush Commons, a 49-unit affordable housing complex under construction at 910 Main St., and the Small Business Technical Assistance program, which to date has mentored and assisted nearly 50 small business owners and entrepreneurs in Berkshire County.

Health care, food security and household assistance comprise the remaining ARPA distribution.

Community Health Programs will receive $150,000 for its expansion and reconfiguration of dental care services; VIM Berkshires $100,000, and Rural Recovery $50,000. People's Pantry will receive $73,500; Berkshire Bounty $20,000, and Berkshire Agricultural Ventures $20,000.

The federal ARPA initiative of 2021 provided approximately $8.7 billion to Massachusetts, of which municipalities received $3.4 billion to offset impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Rain Slows Growth of Butternut Fire

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:35PM / Thursday, November 21, 2024

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass.— Rain has slowed the Butternut Fire's growth but it's estimated at about 1,200 acres at this point.

It's the largest wildfire in the Berkshires since nearly a 1,000 acres burned in Clarksburg State Forest back in 2021.

"We want to start with some good news. Ground patrols are finding minimal new fire activity since this morning's rains began," the Great Barrington Fire Department posted on its Facebook page at 12:45 p.m..

"We want to reiterate that the rain will not extinguish the fire but it is helping to stop the spread. The weather has also delayed some of the drone operations — as a result we do not have an official size. What we do know — the growth has been minimal."

Fire Lt. Brian Mead earlier Thursday morning said the fire had seen some growth overnight but not to extent of Wednesday's surge. Fire was reported within a quarter mile of homes and was "stopped in its tracks." There are now more than 100 personnel on the ground and there has been one injury related to the fire, which he did not elaborate on.

"The rain will help to some extent but it will not extinguish the fire," said Mead. "We will remain on scene for the days and weeks to come but we still need your help. Please, please follow the local and state bans on outdoor fire. The last thing we need is another preventable fire."

At 4 p.m., the department reported that it will continue to operate under unified command with support from local, state, and federal agencies. Friday's operations will be scaled back with smaller crews and focused on monitoring and reporting.

At the last live update of the day, Mead said the fire would continue to be monitored and fire crews dispatched as needed.

"There is a lot of misinformation on out social media and we ask that you please, please rely on local official sites," he said. "Please avoid the areas and allow us to do our work."

The rain and smoke has made drone monitoring difficult so the exact size of the fire is not known; he estimated it grew about 100 acres over the past 24 hours.

Two rumors he dispelled were that the fire did not start at Camp Eisner. Mead said the initial location of the burn has not been identified but it did not start at the camp, which is occupied. Ski Butternut is also not in danger and that fire crews have kept the blaze to a safe distance.

A section of the Appalachian Trail has been affected and that area shut down.

Thursday's rain slowed growth and allowed crews to establish strong fire boundaries meaning that swaths have been cut and cleared to create fire breaks — which are holding.

At this time, no homes or structures are in immediate danger.

The fire near Brush Hill Road off East Mountain was first reported Monday evening. On Tuesday, it spread over 100 acres, and on Wednesday, it covered over 1,100 acres, expanding into Sheffield.

The town remains in a state of emergency, as declared by the Select Board on Tuesday, but first responders assure that Great Barrington is not in danger.

Firefighters were dispatched to three locations for concerns of fire extension into homes and in one instance, the fire was allowed to continue in a controlled state to a driveway and self-extinguished. They are aware of one injury from the fire and urge community members to avoid the area and leave firefighting to the professionals.

"More than 120 personnel are on the ground today fighting this fire," Mead reported on Thursday morning.

He said the day’s rain will help to some extent but will not extinguish the fire, explaining "We will remain on scene for the days and weeks to come."

At this time, the primary focus remains the protection of life and property, as patrols and alert residents identified some encroaching fire and stopped it in its tracks.

"We have strategically placed structural task forces, prepared to protect homes and property. Although they are staged and at the ready — there is NO immediate threat to residents," the department wrote in the 12:45 update.

"At the same time, crews have been working through the rain cutting fire breaks in the forest to further stop any expansion. Those control lines are holding."

Area residents can expect smoke to linger for the next several days. The Southern Berkshire Public Health Collaborative released guidance for the poor air quality, as it can worsen allergies and cause respiratory infections, especially for those with heart disease asthma, or other lung diseases.

Residents are urged to monitor air quality and symptoms, move outdoor activities inside, wear a KN-95 mask when outdoors, close windows and vents in homes, and use HEPA filters.

Even with recent rains — there is a burn ban in Great Barrington until further notice. Additionally, state officials are evaluating week by week for statewide bans.

"With an immense amount of appreciation, we are not accepting donations at this time. In true New England fashion — neighbors have truly helped neighbors," the department wrote. "We are grateful to the community for once again showing your support."

Mead urged the community to "please please follow the local and state bans on fire, the last thing we need is another preventable fire."