U.S. Rep. Neal Schedules District Office Hours

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal will hold district office hours in seven communities in Berkshire and Franklin Counties this week to give local citizens an opportunity to share their concerns directly with a congressional staff member.

During distinct office hours, staff will be able to assist those who have questions regarding Social Security benefits, veteran's benefits, immigration applications and other federal programs. Some district office hours will be shared with other state and local elected officials to make it easier for constituents to meet with their representatives. Neal will continue to hold weekly district office hours throughout the 1st Congressional District during the months of April and May.

"I have always believed that good constituent service is the lifeblood of any elected office. You simply have to give constituents an opportunity to have their voices heard," said Neal. "That is why I am holding these district office hours all across the 1st Congressional District this spring. I want the people of Berkshire and Franklin County to know that my staff is always there to serve capably serve them."

In addition to his district office hours, Neal has full-time office in the Silvio O. Conte Federal Building, 78 Center St., Pittsfield. The office can be reached at 413-442-0946. Constituents traveling to Washington, D.C., can visit his office in Room 2208 of the Rayburn House Office Building. The direct line is 202-225-5601.


TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2013

Noon to 1 p.m.:  Hancock Town Hall, 3650 Hancock Road

1:30 to 2:30 p.m.: Cheshire Town Hall, 80 Church St.

3 to 4 p.m.: Dalton Town Hall, 462 Main St., with state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing and Rep. Paul Mark's staff

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.