Pittsfield Moves to Examine Charter Review

By Joe DurwinSpecial to iBerkshires
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City Council will convene a meeting of the whole on Tuesday, May 1, to discuss an order from Mayor Daniel Bianchi establishing a Charter Review Study Committee to overhaul its core governing document.

The planned committee would include no more than nine members who "shall hold hearings and gather evidence concerning the charter of the city of Pittsfield," according to the order put before the City Council on Tuesday. No member of the committee can be an elected or appointed official of the city.

The need to update the city's current charter, which dates to 1932, was first enunciated by Council President Kevin Sherman one year ago, in response to controversy over then Mayor James Ruberto's decision to bypass council approval on key appointments.

The charter has had amendments made at least twice since its origin, according to City Clerk Linda Tyer. Another charter review attempt, in 1995, did not ultimately result in any changes.

This new committee will be expected to issue a preliminary report to the mayor and the City Council by Dec. 31, 2012, and a final report no later than May 31, 2013.

The Charter Review Study Committee may make recommendations for adopting changes to the existing charter, which approved by the Mayor and City Council would be submitted as a Special Act to the State Legislature.

The mayor indicated he intends to submit a list of up to nine members once the order is approved. 

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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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