Clarence Fanto reports in the Berkshire Eagle that a Western Massachusetts took a small step toward building a rare affordable housing project locally. The Town of Lenox's Community Preservation Committee approved $500,000 in funding for the project, with the possibility of an additional $250,000 next year for the proposed $30 million Pennrose mixed-income housing development at Brushwood Farm. The entire region is currently in an affordable housing crisis, with many people moving in and raising rents. That's coupled with a loss of places to rent or buy, as more homeowners turn to short-term rentals to make more money than housing permanent tenants. Not enough hotel rooms in the area, makes the short-term rental market larger too. This project still needs to obtain state tax credits to move forward, but a “buy-in” from the local community helps that process, Pennrose leaders explained. Pennrose Regional Vice-President Charlie Adams said, “I’m very pleased, I think it was a great outcome. It’s extremely helpful for us when the state offers various rounds for funding, we’ll see if we’re eligible in the main round next January.” This project would put 13 townhouse buildings with 65 affordable and workforce rental apartments on nearly 15 acres of land at Brushwood Farm. If the Lenox zoning board approves the project next month, construction could start in late 2023 and finish in early 2025. Read more about this story in the Berkshire Eagle.