Information Session on Proposed Pipeline Set Across Region

Several information sessions have been scheduled to update residents on the proposed Kinder Morgan gas pipeline.

The 36-inch high-pressure pipeline is expected to cross Hancock, Lanesborough, Cheshire, Dalton, Hinsdale and Windsor, where a 60+ acre compressor station will also be built. The route, which runs under the Cheshire Reservoir and the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, will require a 100-foot expansion of the existing utility corridor. A number of local landowners and farmers are directly affected.

Residents will have the opportunity to hear how the pipeline will affect local communities and landowners, as well as its potential impact on landscape, air quality, and water supply for neighboring towns. At some of the meetings, a short film about compressor stations will be shown. Kinder Morgan representatives are invited.

The meetings are open to all and aim to help area residents understand what the pipeline is about and how it will affect them. Among the issues to be considered are what dangers the pipeline presents, whether it is needed, and whether area residents will benefit from its construction. Speakers include Jane Winn of Berkshire Environmental Action Team and Rose Wessel of NoFrackedGasInMass.org.

The schedule of meetings is as follows:

* January 10, 1:30 p.m., Community House, Main Street, Cummington (snow date, Jan. 11), film

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.