Page 11 - BusinessWest August 4, 2021

Community Spotlight
Great Barrington Reinvents Itself for Success
By Mark Morris
On a summer Friday night in Great Barrington, Mark Pruhenski simply enjoyed the sight of dozens of diners
eating outside and the sound of musicians playing from various spots around downtown.
Town manager since 2019, Pruhenski said Great Barrington is fortunate to have weathered the pandemic well. He gave much of the credit to
“Along with those who moved into their second homes, we had hundreds of new residents move to the area. Folks who enjoyed visiting the Berkshires for culture and entertainment were now permanently moving here.”
a task force formed early on that included town staff and a strong network of partners, including Fairview Hospital, local food banks, and others who lent support.
With its location in the Berkshires, Great Bar- rington has long been a popular spot for second homes. During the pandemic, many people relo- cated to their second homes to get away from populated metro areas and work remotely. As time went on, many decided to make Great Bar- rington their permanent home.
“Along with those who moved into their sec- ond homes, we had hundreds of new residents move to the area,” Pruhenski said. “Folks who enjoyed visiting the Berkshires for culture and entertainment were now permanently moving here.”
Betsy Andrus, executive director of the South- ern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, noted that, even at the height of the pandemic, when res- taurants and cultural venues were closed, people were still looking for a place to rent or buy. She believes the consistently low COVID-19 infection rates were a strong part of the town’s appeal.
“People from larger metro areas came to Great Barrington in droves,” Andrus said. “You could not keep a house on the market, with some sales happening in only a few hours. Others took a vir- tual tour and bought sight unseen.”
Great Barrington
Continued on page 13
baliseauto.com
LOOKING TO GET OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE LEASE?
ANY Mileage, Condition, or Number of Payments!
Going on now at ALL Balise locations.
You may even walk away with money in your pocket!
Amount owed by you or paid to you upon lease termination is dependent upon your vehicle’s current value and certain other factors. Value may be affected by mileage over or under your lease’s agreed upon amount (prorated for the length of time you have leased the vehicle), the condition of the vehicle (damage, missing items, etc.), and the residual value indicated on your original lease contract. Vehicle lease return to same brand dealership may be required by certain manufacturers. Disposition fee or other fees (if applicable) may apply. See dealer for complete details.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
AUGUST 4, 2021 11
Great Barrington at a glance
YEAR INCORPORATED: 1761
POPULATION: 7,104
AREA: 45.8 square miles
COUNTY: Berkshire
RESIDENTIAL TAX RATE: $15.99 COMMERCIAL TAX RATE: $15.99
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME: $95,490 MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME: $103,135
TYPE OF GOVERNMENT: Open Town Meeting
LARGEST EMPLOYERS: Fairview Hospital; Iredale Mineral Cosmetics; Kutscher’s Sports Academy; Prairie Whale
* Latest information available
BusinessWest