image description
The Parks Commission is anticipating a large number of requests for use of the renovated Common.

Pittsfield Expecting Heavy Usage at Renovated Common

By Joe DurwinPittsfield Correspondent
Print Story | Email Story
Most of Phase 3 is expected to be completed by November; finish work, such as lighting, and the new basketball court will be done in the spring.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The renovated Pittsfield Common will be substantially completed within the coming month, and city park officials are already anticipating a volume of special event requests for the refurbished site.

Parks and Open Spaces Manager James McGrath told the Parks Commission this week that the majority of the multimillion dollar redevelopment of the historic downtown gathering yard will be finished by mid-November, with the exception of a new enlarged basketball court that will need to be laid in the spring.

"Every time I go by there, it looks like it's improving each day," said Chairman Dr. John Herman.

The new construction includes a recently finished bathroom building, a gazebo, sprinkler spray ground, and a performance pavilion, along with additional lighting and some new trees, the latter also slated for next year.

McGrath told the commission the principal reconstruct is on time, and within budget. Next week, a consultant from Minnesota will come to Pittsfield to demonstrate to city grounds staff how to maintain the splash ground area.

"It's all coming together nicely," McGrath told the commissioners.

Now that it has undergone so much improvement, the city is anticipating a wave of upcoming interest in hosting functions in the Common, which has been under extensive construction the past three Summer season.

Even unfinished, the small park has already seen some interest, as the neighboring Zion's Lutheran Church relocated their annual picnic to the yard last month.



"I think there's going to be a lot of demand for events there," said McGrath, noting such requests would go through the typical permitting process used for all special events.

One of the principal activities that could be slated for the Common is Pittsfield's Shakespeare in the Park, which drew more than 1,500 attendees to its debut production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at Springside Park in July.

"There has been some talk of Shakespeare in the Park moving to the Common," McGrath said in response to questions from the commissioners, but no formal announcement or event permitting has begun for that at this time.

Due to the anticipated demand for usage because of the new amenities like the stage and restroom facilities, the Parks Commission is encouraging those who wish to hold events in the coming year to submit their requests as soon as possible.

On a smaller scale, some replacement of playground structures will take place at both Dorothy Amos Park and Raymond Crow Playground next week. These refurbishments are being paid for out of a $200,000 grant from the commonwealth combined with some federal Community Development Block Grant funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Other major park projects, such as revamping of the city's basketball courts and some infrastructure improvements at Springside Park, are on hold for the time being awaiting a future city allocation.

Earlier this year, these projects had been included in the city's capital improvement budget, which died on the vine following a disagreement between Mayor Daniel Bianchi and several city councilors about including a new firetruck in the capital plan. It is thought these expenditures will likely be revisited in the fiscal 2016 budget planning.

 Earlier this year, these projects had been included in the city's capital improvement budget, which died on the vine following a disagreement between Mayor Bianchi and several city councilors about including a new firetruck in the capital plan. It is thought these expenditures will likely be revisited in the fiscal 2016 budget planning.

 


Tags: parks commission,   Pittsfield Common,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories