Pittsfield Glow Up! Business Improvement Applications Available

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) and the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation (PERC) are co-facilitating The Pittsfield Glow Up! Business Improvement Grant Program made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
 
The program's purpose is to provide grants of up to $10,000 to eligible businesses affected by COVID-19 within ARPA's disproportionately impacted district of Pittsfield. The grant funds are to be used for physical improvements that will enhance the experience of foot traffic and create a visual vibrancy in the district. 
 
Applicants must be a for-profit business in operation since January 2021, be in good standing with the state and city, and be within ARPA's disproportionately impacted district. A map of the district is located at https://downtownpittsfield.com/2023/01/pittsfield-glow-up-business-improvement-grants
 
"Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. is pleased to be working with the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation (PERC) on The Pittsfield Glow Up! Business Improvement Grant Program," says Rebecca Brien, Managing Director of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. "Thanks to ARPA funding provided by the City of Pittsfield, we are able to help small businesses on projects that the struggles of the past few years made impossible. This program can help with that fresh coat of paint; a new, easy to see sign; or lighting in a spruced-up entryway. We want to see our city become the bright, beautiful, and vibrant district we know it can be!" 
 
Eligible uses of grant funding include Painting (interior and exterior), Signage (building or blade), Lighting Improvements (exterior or window), Flooring Replacement, Entryway Upgrades, Windows (replacement, washing), Awnings (new or replacements), Accessibility Improvements, and Select Interior Improvements or Repairs (note that furniture, fixtures, and equipment are not eligible). 
 
The first-round application of intent for The Pittsfield Glow Up! Business Improvement Grant is due by Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, at 11:59 pm.
 
To view the full criteria and access the online application, visit https://downtownpittsfield.com/2023/01/pittsfield-glow-up-business-improvement-grants. Paper copies of the application are available at the Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. office at 33 Dunham Mall. 
 
Any grant-related questions may be directed to Rebecca Brien, Managing Director of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., at 413-443-6501 or businessdevelopment@downtownpittsfield.com

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Pittsfield Firefighters Rescue Ice Fisherman From Onota Lake


A fisherman in an ice hut on Onota Lake on Saturday. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A fisherman was hauled of the icy waters of Onota Lake on Tuesday morning. 
 
The Fire Department responded to the report of a fisherman falling through the ice about 7:45 a.m. At first, it was reported he was able to get out of the water but then fell through again trying to make it shore. 
 
The Berkshire County Dive Team was put on standby as firefighters and police arrived at the scene. 
 
Two fishermen were spotted about 100 yards off the boat launch at Burbank Park, with one in the water. 
 
Firefighters donned cold-water rescue suits and set out to rescue the distressed individual. As rescuers neared the fisherman, a section of ice shelf broke off and they entered the water as well on the ice sled.
 
The fisherman was secured to the ice sled and was removed from the water.
 
Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Garner said the rescue was a manpower intensive operation taking place on an unstable and unpredictable ice surface.
 
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