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. 

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.