Farley-Bouvier Hires New Legislative Aide for Pittsfield Office

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier has welcomed Mirabai Dyson as her new Pittsfield-based legislative aide. 
 
Dyson graduated from Williams College in June 2024 where she majored in environmental studies. Dyson comes to this position with experience working with elementary and middle schools, homeless communities, Indigenous communities, and Environmental Justice organizations. 
 
Reflecting on her new position, Mirabai said "I have much respect for the representative's work and I am honored to join her staff. My goal is to be of service to the Pittsfield community as best I can. I look forward to learning from and getting to know the community." 
 
Dyson joined the team following the retirement of Lisa Fletcher-Udel, who served as the representative's legislative  aide from 2014-2024. Dyson is located at the newly reopened district office, located at 431 North St. in the Framework Coworking space.    
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Pittsfield Cannabis Cultivator Plans Dispensary

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD. Mass. — A cannabis cultivator and manufacturer has opted to sell its products on site in Downing Parkway. 

The Zoning Board of Appeals this month approved a special permit for J-B.A.M. Inc. to operate a dispensary out of its existing grow facility. There will only be changes to the interior of 71 Downing Parkway, as there will be less than 500 square feet of retail space in the 20,000-square-foot building. 

"My only concern would be the impact, and really would be traffic, which I don't think is excessive, the odor, if there was one, but that doesn't seem to be an issue, and I think it's a good location for a marijuana facility," board member Thomas Goggins said. 

The company's indoor cultivation site plan was approved in 2019, an amendment to add manufacturing and processing in 2021, and on the prior day, a new site plan to add a retail dispensary was approved by the Community Development Board. 

J-B.A.M. cannabis products are available in local dispensaries. 

The interior of the facility will be divided to accommodate an enclosed check-in area, front entrance, retail lobby, secure storage room, offices, and two bathrooms. There are 27 parking spaces for the facility, which is sufficient for the use. 

No medical or recreational cannabis uses are permitted within 500 feet of a school or daycare, a setback that is met, and the space is within an industrial park at the end of a cul-de-sac. 

"The applicant desires the restructuring of the business to be more competitive in the industry with the ability to grow and sell their own cannabis products so they have more financial stability," Chair Albert Ingegni III, read from the application. 

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