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The group bought 25-30 items to leave in Park Square.

Pittsfield Group Leaves Warm Clothing Out For Those In the Cold

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
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The items are there for anybody who needs them.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Dozens of scarves, hats and gloves are scattered out on the benches in Park Square.

But, those items aren't lost.

They were placed there by a group of five area residents for anybody who is out in the cold. The items feature a note explaining why they are there.
 
"There was a post on Facebook about it being done in another city and I just thought it was beautiful," said Patti Lyon Reed.
 
"I just thought it was something nice we could do with the pending weather."
 
Almost immediately after sharing her idea on Facebook, others jumped on board. She set a time to meet that afternoon.
 
Nanci Taylor agreed to meet and shared it on her wall. So did Kelly Weider. Julie Street saw and brought her son.
 
"It's a good cause. You don't realize how many people are cold and out there," Street said. "It was freezing that day and the wind was blowing."
 
The women pulled out items from their closets or went to local discount stores and gathered hats, gloves and scarves. In total, 25 to 30 items were tied to the benches.
 
"We knew there was a storm coming and we hoped some could be taken before that," Taylor said. 
 
Park Square was chosen because it was most central. Reed said it looks like only a couple items were taken — but for an impulsive act of kindness, that's a success. 
 
"I work in the health-care field and I know there are a lot of people who don't have a lot," she said. "It doesn't have to be homeless people. It can help somebody who just doesn't have a lot and needs a scarf."
 
While the snowstorm may be over, there is still a lot of winter left. Reed says she is hoping this act of kindness will catch on and others will do the same.
 
"My hope is other people will follow suit. I'd like to keep it going as long as the city allows it," Reed said.

Tags: charity,   good samaritan,   homeless,   public parks,   snowstorm,   

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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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