BHS Announces Medical Arts Complex Construction

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Health Systems (BHS) announced plans for work on the mechanical infrastructure of the Medical Arts Complex (MAC) to ensure the building's longstanding sustainability as a center for outpatient care. 
 
This work is a demonstration of BHS's continued investment in the health of Berkshire County, as part of its vision to be the region's trusted healthcare partner and community advocate for improving overall quality of life.
 
"Here at Berkshire Health Systems, we take pride in not only being the leading healthcare provider in Berkshire County but also investing in the health of our community," said Darlene Rodowicz, BHS president and CEO. "Taking this step to preserve the MAC's future sustainability is one of many investments we're proud to make in the system as a whole."
 
Construction at the MAC will begin on Sept. 5, 2023, following the Labor Day Holiday and is expected to last for 12 months. Work on the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, (HVAC) systems will impact the way that people enter the building.
 
The front, upper-level entrance of the MAC Building that is typically accessed from the parking lot will be closed. All patients, visitors, and staff should plan to access the building from the rear (West) using either the ground floor entrance or the second-floor walkway from the parking garage. 
 
The patient parking lot at the front of the building will remain open with a modified driveway entrance. BHS will offer valet parking, extensive shuttle service to the rear door, and a modified sidewalk to allow access to the rear of the building to help patients and visitors adapt to the entry changes. Additional accessible parking will also be available near the rear entrance. Visit berkshirehealthsystems.org/MACProject to view a walking guide and map.
 
"The current MAC building was constructed in 1990. In the 33 years since, the building has welcomed thousands of patients through its doors," said Chris Camillo, Vice President of Physician Services and leader of the BHS medical group of clinics, many of which are housed in the MAC. "By taking this step, we are ensuring that the MAC remains positioned to serve our patients, today and for years to come."
 
 
 

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Pittsfield Looks to Update Zoning for ADUs

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Accessory dwelling units will be by-right in early 2025 and the city wants to be prepared.

On Tuesday, the Community Development Board voted to become the petitioner for amendments to the City Code that reflect the new ADU legislation. City Planner Kevin Rayner has crafted a draft ordinance that the board will dig into before it goes to the City Council.

As a part of the $4.1 billion Affordable Homes Act signed into law over the summer, ADUs up to 900 square feet can be built by right in single-family zoning districts.

"This legislation will go into effect February 2, 2025, so we're trying to get our ordinance to accommodate ADUs by that point," Rayner said.

"Our ordinance wasn't prohibitive against accessory dwelling units, but we do need to up our dimensional requirements to kind of accommodate for them as they are, sort of like an accessory structure, in a way but they have some different requirements because they are being used as a dwelling."

The city plans to allow ADUs in a one- to two-family residential use, allowing for duplexes that meet other requirements to have one.

Most of the amendments will take place in Article 23 Section 9.101, which outlines restrictions for accessory buildings.  

"They're mostly dimensional. We're going to make it so that maybe you can't take up more than 20 percent of the lot coverage," Rayner said.

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