PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The state is looking to plant some 800 trees per year in the city of Pittsfield over the next three years.
Pittsfield was chosen as part of the Greening the Gateway Cities program through which the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation plants trees in urban environments. The program targets the 26 so-called Gateway Cities and will plant the trees in areas where there are currently low canopy levels.
"The Greening the Gateway Cities Program serves as an excellent example of a strong partnership between state government, local municipalities, and dedicated organizations working together to ultimately benefit generations of people," said Gov. Charlie Baker in a statement on Wednesday.
Locally, DCR is looking to plant a total of 2,400 trees over the next three years in neighborhoods bordering the downtown, a total of 1,000 acres.
"The Greening the Gateways Cities project is a perfect example of how the commonwealth partners with cities, and I'm thrilled to see Pittsfield be part of this year's award," said state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier. "Planting trees in the Westside and Morningside Neighborhoods brings beauty, improves quality of life, cools our city and helps absorb carbon, making it a win all around."
The state has promised to invest more than $12 million to plant a total of 20,000 trees averaging 6 feet in height. The program is eyed to produce energy savings to businesses and households because of the shading provided to reduce cooling costs, and will produce jobs but hiring local crews to do the planting.
The goal is to increase the urban canopy by 4 to 10 percent in the cities. In the last two years, the program planted 3,700 trees in Chelsea, Revere, Fall River, Chicopee, and Holyoke. This year the rest of the gateway cities were added.
"By adding the cities of Brockton, Haverhill, Lawrence, Leominster, Lynn, New Bedford, Pittsfield, and Quincy into the Greening the Gateway Cities Program, our Administration continues to invest in the future of these cities to further enhance our environmental resources, which will benefit us all on a local and global scale," said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.
Additional benefits hopes from the trees include reduction in storm water runoff, higher air quality, increased property values, and healthier communities.
"Pittsfield is a city in the middle of a beautiful rural region," said state Sen. Benjamin Downing. "Preserving green space and investing in making the city greener are perfectly in line with the city's values and vision."
State Rep. Paul Mark added, "I am grateful to [Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew] Beaton for selecting Pittsfield to participate in the Greening the Gateway Cities program. As an urban island in rural Berkshire County, Pittsfield is always seeking ways to balance its natural beauty with the demands of a city environment. This program will help us enhance that beauty and make our city greener than ever."
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Flushing of Pittsfield's Water System to Begin
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city of Pittsfield's Department of Public Utilities announces that phase 1 of the flushing of the city's water system will begin Monday, April 22.
Water mains throughout the city will be flushed, through hydrants, over the upcoming weeks to remove accumulations of pipeline corrosion products. Mains will be flushed Monday through Friday each week, except holidays, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The upcoming flushing for April 22 to May 3 is expected to affect the following areas:
Starting at the town line on Dalton Avenue working west through Coltsville including lower Crane Avenue, Meadowview neighborhood, following Cheshire Road north.
Hubbard Avenue and Downing Parkway.
Starting at the town line on East Street working west through the McIntosh and Parkside neighborhoods.
Elm Street neighborhoods west to the intersection of East Street.
Starting at the town line on Williams Street, working west including Mountain Drive,
Ann Drive, East New Lenox Road, and Holmes Road neighborhoods.
Although flushing may cause localized discolored water and reduced service pressure conditions in and around the immediate area of flushing, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure that proper levels of treatment and disinfections are maintained in the system at all times. If residents experience discolored water, they should let the water run for a short period to clear it prior to use.
If discolored water or low-pressure conditions persist, please contact the Water Department at (413) 499-9339.
Flushing is an important operating procedure that contributes significantly to the maintenance of the water quality in the water distribution system.
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