Training for new Planning Board members July 29 has been cancelled. We will try to reschedule it.
BRTA Temporary Service Change Starting Sunday, July 25, 2021
The Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA) is affected and impacted by the nationwide workforce shortage. This lack of qualified drivers available to operate the BRTA vehicles is resulting in a reduction of transportation services, including fixed bus route and paratransit.
Kusik Award Nominations Sought
Nominations for the Kusik Award that recognizes projects, groups, or individuals who have made outstanding contributions to planning in Berkshire County are being sought.
Berkshire MPO Public Review & Comment
The Berkshire MPO is seeking public comment on the FFY 2021-2025 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Amendment- An amendment (4th amendment) has been proposed for the following projects related to cost increases:
Notice to Quit Requirements and Resources for Landlords
On December 31, Governor Baker signed into law Chapter 257 of the Acts of 2020, which makes important changes to summary process rules and procedures that will be in effect until the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency.
Save money and energy with Mass Save
Good news! If you are a homeowner, landlord of, or renter in a 1 – 4 unit building you are entitled to money and energy savings benefits through the Mass Save program.
Amendments to 40A, The Zoning Act
BRPC has developed this list of recent amendments to M.G.L. ch. 40A regarding zoning for your reference.
Download the excerpts from House Bill 5250, 191st session HERE.
Mass Internet Connect
The Baker Administration recently announced a new subsidy program, called “Mass. Internet Connect”. Launched by the MBI in partnership with the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD), and working with MassHire one-stop career centers on the rollout of the program and collaborating with internet service providers across the state, including Comcast, Charter, and Verizon, this program will offer subsidies and devices to job seekers.
Berkshire Transportation Management Association (TMA) Feasibility Study
As part of the Berkshire Blueprint 2.0, 1Berkshire created a Transportation Strategy Group to explore the concept of creating a comprehensive and cohesively networked public/private transportation system in the Berkshires. Previous studies have identified limited access to public transportation and first/last mile connections as major transportation barriers in the Berkshires. To overcome these transportation barriers, the concept of a Berkshire County Transportation Management Association to provide demand responsive micro-transit was explored.
Eviction Diversion Initiative: Free Legal Services
Through the COVID-19 Eviction Legal Help Project (CELHP), there is a substantial expansion of free legal help for low-income tenants as well as low-income owner-occupants of 2-3 family properties navigating the eviction process.