Clarksburg Looking to Create Safe Walking Routes To School

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The Board of Selectmen are taking the first steps toward creating walking paths around the elementary school.

Because of Clarksburg’s affiliation with Mass In Motion, a state-wide program that provides grants to promote healthier eating and healthier activity, town officials can fill out an application that will allow a free assessment of the land around the school through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Safe Routes Program.

The state will assess the land to see if some type of walking route is possible and what it would cost to install. The goal of the program is to construct safer walking and biking routes for the students to get to school. The program would build new sidewalks and walking paths.

Amanda Chilson, the local Mass in Motion project coordinator, said she will help fill out the paperwork.

“Our affiliation with that [Mass in Motion] has brought Amanda Chilson into our lives, and she has been a wonderful resource in the schools and in the towns,” Selectwomen Linda Reardon said.

Robin Simonetti with Berkshire County Workers Benefit Council also approached the board to see if Clarksburg would send a letter of resolution to state officials and the governor asking if they will support the return of a full service hospital in North Adams. Berkshire County Workers Benefit Council has approached many municipalities in Northern Berkshire with the same request.

“I appreciate your hard work and your effort to continue this going,” Selectman William Schrade Jr said. "This has been a long battle, and the journey is not getting any shorter, but your tireless efforts should be truly commended."

Clarksburg’s Building Inspector William Miranti officially resigned from his post. The board accepted his resignation and appointed Kenneth Brooks as the new Building Inspector and Zoning Inspector. Brooks will start work Thursday June 12. 

Cyclists Pedal Into Berkshire Bike Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:42AM / Saturday, May 04, 2024

Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan addresses bikers at the event. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Clad in helmets and bright colors, more than 20 people gathered in Park Square to kick on Berkshire Bike Month on Wednesday.

The month of May will be stacked with bicycle-centered events throughout the county — beginning with an eight-mile loop from the city's center that ends at Hot Plate Brewing Co.

"We have we have a lot of things going on in Pittsfield for bicycles and for safety," Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said.

"We're not anywhere near where we should be. We have a lot of work to do."

Bike month is meant to promote the safe use of streets for anyone and everyone no matter how they are traveling, he said The commissioner is especially excited about Bike to Work Day on May 17, as he can register to be recognized for his typical commute.

He presented a proclamation to President of the Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan. It states that the city is committed to the health of its citizens and environment, safe cycling with road bike lanes and the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and that the Police Department encourages safe cycling by distributing lights and helmets and accompanies the city's Ride Your Bike to School event.

BBPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Cohan said the quarter century has been full of commitment to bike paths and bike safety throughout Berkshire County "on roads, on trails, on tracks, and on paths."

"In expanding our mission in this way we have been able to encompass all kinds of cycles and all kinds of riders," she said.

She noted that participants range from babies to 90-year-old people. Bike month includes events for all ages.