Pittsfield 2024 Annual Action Plan Input Session

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city of Pittsfield's Department of Community Development is sponsoring a public hearing and input session at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15, as part of the preparation of its 2024 Annual Action Plan.
 
The hearing will be held virtually via Zoom. A registration link can be obtained at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QZjXgjt3ScGVXSUE7j84Kg
 
The purpose of the public hearing is to obtain public comments and suggestions on how the city's federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds should be used to improve the quality of life in the community. Those attending the public input sessions will be given the opportunity to speak about the community issues that are important to them, such as: housing rehabilitation and demolition of vacant buildings; public facilities and park improvements; economic development and job opportunities; and public or human services. The public hearing will be simultaneously conducted in English and Spanish.
 
Information gathered from the session will be used during the preparation of the city's Annual Action Plan.
 
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that the city prepare an Annual Action Plan each year. Funded projects included in the plan are required to benefit individuals with low and moderate-income, eliminate slums and blight, or address an urgent need.
 
The plan be available in draft form in mid-April for the public to review and comment. It will also undergo a formal adoption process, including a public hearing that will be advertised. The draft Annual Action Plan will also be available on the city's website during a 30-day public comment and review period in April. After the public comment period, the draft plan will be completed by the middle of May and the final plan will be submitted to HUD shortly thereafter.
 
Participants can also register for the session by contacting Nate Joyner either via email njoyner@cityofpittsfield.org or by phone at 413-499-9358. For those who would like to participate by telephone, please call 301-715-8592, enter the meeting ID, 874 8860 1307, press # enter passcode, 218505. Press # again.
 
If residents are unable to attend the public input sessions, they are welcome to submit their comments to the Department of Community Development, City Hall, 70 Allen St., Room 205, Pittsfield, MA; by phone at 413-499-9358 or TTY at 413-499-9340; and by email to njoyner@cityofpittsfield.org.
 
Persons with special needs should contact the Department of Community Development and every effort will be made to accommodate their requests.

Tags: community development,   

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Tile Mural 'Shapes of Togetherness' Unveiled in Downtown Pittsfield

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

 A ribbon is cut Friday at the unveiling of the tile murals, a project of PHS students.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Burbank Place is now adorned with almost 300 handprinted tiles.

On Friday, "Shapes of Togetherness" was unveiled on the side of 75 North St. Artist in residence Huck Elling guided Pittsfield High School students through creating the mural as part of the Pittsfield Let It Shine! Public Art Partnership.

"This project has meant so much to us," Elling said.

"We were inspired to put the title here in this location that had experienced a lot of graffiti. We chose this location because we were looking for a place that the PHS students spend a lot of time. The movie theater, this walking zone, we wanted to make it better."

The four-part mural features white tiles with colorful, varied shapes painted on them. It aims to brighten the dimly lit space frequented by younger community members because of its proximity to the Beacon Cinema.

"I thought it was very inspiring because if you can come together to make art, you can come together to see art," senior Kenny Davis said.

Senior Dennis Hermanski said the project was something fun to do that brings light to the city, "which needs a lot," and hopes that it lights the way for other students to participate in art.

"It was kind of like learning something new, how to paint properly without your hand cramping and trying to do straight lines, which I'll never be able to do," they said.

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