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Pittsfield Airport Fence Revision Will Curb Deer Incursion

By Joe DurwiniBerkshires Columnist
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — About three to five deer a day are among visitors to Pittsfield's municipal airport each day.

It's a form of unwanted traffic the airport is looking to curtail, with the systematic repair or replacement of several significant sections of its perimeter fence

The city's Conservation Commission on Thursday looked favorably on a proposal to conduct "in kind" replacement of existing fencing sections near and within wetlands there, a project that is due to be completed by the end of June.

One of the key sections eyed for replacement is an 688-foot piece of fencing that was not upgraded during a previous installation project, and measures only 6 feet high. This is 2 feet shy of Federal Aviation Authority regulations for perimeter fencing, and has also presented a measurable challenge from uninvited four-legged guests.

"What we've found is that deer are jumping it without any problem," said Randy Christianson of Stantech Consulting Services, representing the Pittsfield Airport Commission. "We continuously have three, and sometimes up to five, deer on the airport property, requiring a lot of wildlife management on the part of the very limited operations staff that are at the airport."

A portion of this section runs into the wetlands buffer zone, while other sections slated for overhaul have poles located within wetlands sections.

Christianson said "there's no net change" and no wetlands impact, because they will just be replacing existing fencing.

Commissioner Tom Sakshaug asked about the possibility of moving poles back out of where they're located in wetlands portions, "at least as much as possible, without encroaching on airspace."

Christianson said this may not be possible, as with the FAA regulations on airspace, there's little leeway for moving the perimeter fence in closer.

"As long as it doesn't interfere with airspace, the engineers can absolutely make an effort to do that," he offered.

Commissioner Jonathan Lothrop added the stipulation that the consultants report back to the city conservation officer on whether they are able to do this, as a condition of approval. With this amendment, the commission voted unanimously to issue a negative determination of applicability of the Wetlands Protection Act for the project.

In other business, the commission also reviewed several other projects before them:

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is preparing to commence reconstruction work on the Lulu Pond Dam at Pittsfield State Forest. Attorney Christine Baker, speaking on behalf of Mass DCR, called this "a limited project" aimed at replacing the spillway and slide gate at the aging dam. The three-month project is expected to begin sometime in fall 2016 or spring 2017. The application was incomplete for the full permitting needed to proceed, and the commission tabled action on this to the May 18 meeting to allow the state to complete the application process.

The commission voted approvingly on a notice of intent for work to be done at the Pittsfield Wastewater Management Plant on land bordering a flooding area. The plant intends to replace a portion of sewage main at the Holmes Road plant.

It also reacted favorably to planned improvements at the Riverview Homes housing complex at 341 West St. These include new sewer lines, as well as driveway repair and alterations to existing walkways. A playground renovation is also called for in the plans, and new plantings to offset the green space impact of a new walkway being added. The complex will add 50 new shrubs, consisting of a diverse array of wildlife-friendly native berry species.


Tags: conservation commission,   pittsfield airport,   wildlife,   

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North Adams Regional Reopens With Ribbon-Cutting Celebration

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

BHS President and CEO Darlene Rodowicz welcomes the gathering to the celebration of the hospital's reopening 10 years to the day it closed. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The joyful celebration on Thursday at North Adams Regional Hospital was a far cry from the scene 10 years ago when protests and tears marked the facility's closing
 
Hospital officials, local leaders, medical staff, residents and elected officials gathered under a tent on the campus to mark the efforts over the past decade to restore NARH and cut the ribbon officially reopening the 136-year-old medical center. 
 
"This hospital under previous ownership closed its doors. It was a day that was full of tears, anger and fear in the Northern Berkshire community about where and how residents would be able to receive what should be a fundamental right for everyone — access to health care," said Darlene Rodowicz, president and CEO of Berkshire Health Systems. 
 
"Today the historic opportunity to enhance the health and wellness of Northern Berkshire community is here. And we've been waiting for this moment for 10 years. It is the key to keeping in line with our strategic plan which is to increase access and support coordinated county wide system of care." 
 
Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, under the BHS umbrella, purchased the campus and affiliated systems when Northern Berkshire Healthcare declared bankruptcy and closed on March 28, 2014. NBH had been beset by falling admissions, reductions in Medicare and Medicaid payments, and investments that had gone sour leaving it more than $30 million in debt. 
 
BMC was able to reopen the ER as an emergency satellite facility and slowly restored and enhanced medical services including outpatient surgery, imaging, dialysis, pharmacy and physician services. 
 
But it would take a slight tweak in the U.S. Health and Human Services' regulations — thank to U.S. Rep. Richie Neal — to bring back inpatient beds and resurrect North Adams Regional Hospital 
 
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