© 2024
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
An update has been released for the Android version of the WAMC App that addresses performance issues. Please check the Google Play Store to download and update to the latest version.

Bill to Expand Pittsfield Economic Development Authority Advances in Mass. Legislature

A bill sponsored by Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Senator Benjamin Downing, both of Pittsfield, would expand the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority by adding three additional board members. The board, also known as PEDA, was created in the late 90s to redevelopment the William Stanley Business Park, the former 52-acre home to General Electric, and largest employer of city residents for decades.

 Senator Downing says that the action was needed to allow the board to reach out and attract companies to the park.

 Pittsfield Mayor Dan Bianchi would have a guaranteed place on the PEDA board. Since the board began operating many buildings on the site have been demolished and the grounds have been remediated to fit standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Bianchi says that the park is ready to go.

 The Western Massachusetts Electric Company currently operates a solar array on the property. The park’s first occupied tenants since efforts began over a decade ago, Mountain One Financial Partners, is currently moving in to a new financial center built on the property.

 Director of the PEDA board Cory Thurston…

 Senator Downing says that the Williams Stanley Business Park has great potential to work with local colleges like Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams…

 Revitalization of the park is at the center of Pittsfield’s long term development goals and is considered vital to boosting the area’s economy. PEDA’s Director Cory Thurston again…

 The legislation to expand the PEDA board will now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

 

Lucas Willard is a reporter and host at WAMC Northeast Public Radio, which he joined in 2011.
Related Content