Hundreds of jobs are coming to Pittsfield, Massachusetts, while an affordable housing crisis continues throughout Berkshire County.
But first — the Springfield City Council is poised to raise their own pay by more than 50 percent per member. Their last raise was five years ago, bringing their pay to $19,500. City Council President Orlando Ramos said members want to make sure they can retain and attract good policy makers. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno called the proposed raise “exorbitant.”
Wayfair is no Amazon, but it's bringing 300 news jobs to Pittsfield. The online home furnishing company will add to the labor economy thanks in part to millions in state tax incentives.
The good news is countered by an ongoing affordable housing crisis in Berkshire County, where half the region’s residents are “burdened” by the paying for the cost of where they live.
Guests:
- Kristin Palpini, Lifestyles Editor, The Berkshire Eagle
- Larry Parnass, Investigations Editor, The Berkshire Eagle