PITTSFIELD â The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everything during the past 12 months, and the Berkshire County economy was no exception.
As the regionâs economy begins to recover, itâs worth looking back at where the Berkshires have been, businesswise, since March 2020. Here is a brief retrospective of some of the events that have taken place.
Learning to pivot
Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing in Lee uses state-of-the-art technology to produce sterile injectable drugs for pharmaceutical and biotech companies that are in clinical studies for the treatment of diseases. It originally was approached by the federal government in early March 2020, to gauge its interest in helping to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. Instead, the company used its facilities to help clients develop medications for people who had contracted the virus.
That was then; this is now: The impact on business berkshireeagle.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from berkshireeagle.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
3:42
The Pittsfield, Massachusetts city council has approved the use of almost a million dollars from the municipal General Electric settlement fund for an infrastructure project.
The Pittsfield Economic Development Fund was established in 2000 as part of the city’s agreement with GE over decades of pollution that left cancerous chemicals in Pittsfield’s ground and water. Members of Mayor Linda Tyer’s administration made the case as to why it was the best way to fund the construction of water and sewer lines on Dan Fox Drive out to Bousquet Mountain, the city’s ski resort.
“From the community development and economic development perspective, the retention of this iconic outdoor recreation business has an overriding public benefit, said Director of Community Development Deanna Ruffer. “It was the opinion of the administration that it was best to apply economic development funds than further burdening our ratepayers by bonding or using retained earning under the enterpr
PITTSFIELD â A City Council subcommittee has signed off on a request from Mayor Linda Tyer to spend $960,000 to install public water and sewer along Dan Fox Drive.
The councilâs Community and Economic Development Committee unanimously approved Tyerâs order seeking the allocation from the General Electric Economic Development Fund, sending the matter back to the full council for consideration.
The money would be used to expand the cityâs sewer and water service on Dan Fox Drive to the Bousquet Ski Area, allowing Mill Town Capital to proceed with development plans, including construction of a new lodge and setting the stage for future development in the area, said Community Development Director Deanna Ruffer.
LENOX â After a three-month shutdown for a major interior modernization, the landmark Gateways Inn has reopened under the ownership of Mill Town Capital.
The Pittsfield-based private investment firm purchased the downtown inn in July, in a $1 million real estate transaction that included the three-bedroom, three-bathroom residence tucked away behind the inn, built in 1997. It now is available as a contemporary guesthouse for families, couples and for longer stays.
The 1912 Gilded Age âcottage,â built for Harley Procter, of Procter & Gamble and Ivory Soap fame, remains an imposing mansion with 12 guest rooms, a locally popular lounge for nightlife featuring area performers, and a full-service, year-round restaurant, the Walker Street Grille, set to reopen in early May for indoor and seasonal outdoor dining.