Pittsfield
Better Block


PITTSFIELD, MA
August 26th, 2017

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In collaboration with Team Better Block, Mass Development sought to pilot an alternative approach to improving livability in Pittsfield, MA. This process challenged communities to take immediate action to improve livability using do-it-yourself methods pioneered by the Better Block Project.

The 650’ block of Tyler St. between Smith St. and Courtland scored the best in building form, vacancy, connectivity, street section, and public spaces according to our Better Block survey.
The historic firehouse was selected as our main programming site, but also to give the neighborhood a chance to see inside after so many years of collective memory had been shuddered from public view Furthermore, we focused on the building form of the commercial buildings opposite the firehouse, and th multiple opportunities it would provide for pop up businesses during the event.

“One of the biggest and most immediate successes of the Better Block process was the engagement of both residents and property owners. Until we embarked on this process, we were unable to get TDI stakeholders to unite around a project. The Better Block process has jump-started some very promising pilots and partnerships on the street.”

Amewusika Sedzro
Transformative Development Fellow,
MassDevelopment



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