Don t even think of bolting on service to Pittsfield later, a lawmaker says. As a new commission begins work, a demand for regional equity in transportation sounds loud and clear.
The commonwealth of Massachusetts owns a lot of land in Berkshire County, including this tract in the Florida State Forest. A push is underway to reform how the state compensates cities and towns for land it owns that is exempt from property taxes. The current system deprives small communities in western Massachusetts from their fair share of state financial support. LARRY PARNASS â THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE
Communities with large tracts of state land are being stiffed financially. Thatâs what a top Massachusetts official thinks â and sheâs coming out Friday to say it again.
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âThe formula is not fair to the small, rural towns. Itâs totally unfair, whatâs happening.
From left, Carol Cushenette, Patrica Catelotti and Mary Ciuk look at plans for the development of the Greylock Glen Outdoor Recreation and Nature Center on display during a press conference on Wednesday.GILLIAN JONES â THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE
ADAMS â To any doubters standing before him, on a sun-drenched field beneath Mount Greylock, Gov. Charlie Baker made this promise Wednesday: âWeâre going to make sure this gets done, period. For you, itâs been a long time coming.â
Half a century, in fact.
Two months ago, Baker cleared the release of $6.5 million in bond money to build an outdoor recreation center at Greylock Glen. That whole amount has been wired to the town â and an invitation for bids is expected to be published by the town next month. Construction could begin this year.