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Pittsfield —The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce,
through its economic development affiliate, the Central Berkshire
County Development Corporation, announced today the donation
of a 15-acre parcel of land located on the south side of Dan
Fox Drive to Quinn’s Legacy Foundation, Inc., for the
purpose of constructing a 1,200 seat arena for recreational
skating, ice hockey, figure skating, speed skating, as well
as indoor soccer, lacrosse, and other indoor sporting events
and activities. The announcement was made a press conference
at the Crowne Plaza Pittsfield, Berkshires at 11:30 am.
Quinn’s Legacy Foundation, Inc., was founded by Stephen
and Ann Connally of Cheshire, Massachusetts in memory of their
son, Quinn, who died as the result of a tragic hockey accident
in December 2000, just one week before his 13th birthday.
The foundation is a nonprofit. organization dedicated to providing
state-of-the-art athletic and educational support and to promoting
self-esteem and sportsmanship for individuals of Berkshire
County and the surrounding tri-state area.
Chamber President & CEO, David Colby said, "This
is not only a great economic development initiative for Berkshire
County that we hope will go a long way to inspire more community
partnerships, but it will also greatly benefit the youth of
our region as a place where recreational activities and family
events can flourish." He added, "The facilities
central location will serve other organizations from all over
Berkshire County who may wish to utilize the space for trade
shows, expositions or conventions."
According to Steve Connally, "We have reached the first
milestone through the acquisition of this land and this will
definitely give us the momentum we need to implement our capital
fundraising strategy, helping to create the Quinn Connally
Memorial Sports Facility".
Gary Grunin said,
"I am proud to say that we are blessed to be in an area
where business and industry has a great tradition of getting
behind an important cause and working with individuals and
organizations to make good things happen for the benefit of
all of us in the Berkshires". He continued, "This
is a prime example of the potential of public and private
partnerships for growing our economic base and enhancing the
quality of life in central Berkshire County.
The Chamber agreed to convey the land to the foundation once
the foundation presents the Chamber with plans and specifications
for the construction of the facility including, but not limited
to, a budget for the construction, construction contracts
containing a schedule of payments, an operating budget, evidence
of financing and funding sufficient to complete the construction,
evidence of projected income, proper permits and an IRS tax
exempt certificate.
The project is expected to commence within two months following
the transfer of the Chamber’s land to the foundation
with a completion date set for within twenty-four months immediately
following the transfer.
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