EDIT: This was an April Fools joke – please do not take it seriously…

Berkshire Mall owners have announced plans for the redevelopment of most of the mall into mixed use apartment living and a Migrant Welcoming Center.

In the developers proposal, the apartments will be a mix of studio and one bedroom units consisting of between 400-800 square feet. Due to the historical integrity of the building, the developer  announced they will not be adding windows and all natural light will enter through the existing skylights. Owners have estimated the rent will be $2000 a month for a studio and up to $2800 for apartments with a skylight.

The Migrant Welcoming Center, which will be in the old Sears anchor, will provide resources to immigrants including a free boxed lunch and a voucher for a three-night stay at the Inn at Reading. The plans include constructing an underground tunnel between the mall and the Inn At Reading under the bypass for easy travel between.

Proposed plans also include constructing a Drive-In Theater on the southeast portion of the mall parking lot. Due to licensing issues it will likely only be able to play adult films. The borough council agreed to issue permits for the theater as long as the screen is oriented away from the bypass to reduce traffic accidents.

Boscov’s will remain unaltered and open during construction.

Check back for updates. Or don’t, because April Fools.