Pittsfield To Examine Privatizing Water Treatment

By Joe DurwinPittsfield Correspondent
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — At the request of the City Council, Mayor Daniel Bianchi is working to form a new volunteer committee to examine the pros and cons of privatizing the way the city manages its water infrastructure.

"It is probably one of the most valuable things that we possess as a community, our water resources," Bianchi told iBerkshires. "Consequently we have to be very careful."

"I think it's something we should start the conversation on," said Ward 4 Councilor Christopher Connell, who proposed a study group to explore privatizing the water department and waste-water treatment plant. "I think we really need to analyze this, and get some information, to see if this going to be worth our while."

"We do a very good job, running our water plants. We're very efficient," said Bianchi of city's current operations. "With that said, from time to time, it is important that we take a look at the possibilities of managing things in a slightly different way."

Connell says there are several national firms that handle water and waste water treatment for municipalities that might offer the city a more efficient option.

"We're getting by right now," Connell told the City Council, which last week voted unanimously to refer the proposal to the mayor. 

Connel said there are a variety of challenges to managing both departments, from staffing to necessary repairs and improvements needed to meet U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations going forward, challenges he believes may potentially be better handled by outsourcing to a private company.

Bianchi said he is reaching out to prospective members to form this new committee, and is looking for individuals with a range of different expertise to inform its deliberations, from those knowledgeable about the science of water treatment to residents with backgrounds in business and accounting to help evaluate the financial aspects.  

Those with engineering backgrounds and others "who can look at it, with just a fresh set of eyes" are also desirable, Bianchi told iBerkshires.

The mayor said he anticipates the new study group will be up and running within the next month. In his proposal, Connell suggested it would take about three months for the group to study the issue and provide its findings.


Tags: privatization,   treatment plant,   wastewater,   water usage,   

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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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