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Mayor Daniel Bianchi.
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Timothy Kennedy.
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The site plan for the new trees.

Pittsfield Celebrates Arbor Day, Honors Berkshire Conservation District

By Marc WrzesinskiSpecial to iBerkshires
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Parks and Open Space Manager Jim McGrath announced that 33 more trees will be planted in the Common. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Despite the cold and blustery weather, city officials honored Berkshire Conservation District Director Bob Lear at the annual Arbor Day celebration.
 
The Berkshire Conservation District, based in Pittsfield at the Conte Federal Building has been actively and yet quietly serving the area since 1946 and dedicated to the conservation of natural resources throughout the county.
 
Lear has worked as a career forester and has been a longtime volunteer member of the Berkshire Conservation District.
 
Mayor Daniel Bianchi recognized Lear's work with a proclamation and award to recognize an individual and organization that has displayed a long-term commitment to the environment.
 
"I was inspired by the beautiful countryside and natural resources of Berkshire County to become a state forester, which was my career. So I know a lot about trees, which is why Arbor Day is extra special," Lear explained with a cheerful smile despite the weather at the newly renovated First Street Common. 
 
The Berkshire Conservation District is working with local, state and federal agencies on matters such as natural resource protection, providing technical and educational assistance on soil and water conservation efforts to municipalities, farmers and landowners.
 
Lear added that the top three priorities identified by residents and that are being focused on are agricultural land protection — preserving farms and farmland countywide; wildlife habitat and water quality in the Housatonic Watershed; and invasive species control — causing countywide habitat degradation.
 
Timothy Kennedy, the Berkshire Conservation District's program administrator, said everyday is Arbor Day in their office as they look to help reforest Berkshire County through a number of programs.
 
"We have our annual seedling planet fundraiser every spring, May 9th and our flowering bulb fundraiser every fall. My favorite program is the recently created sustainable gardens program which helps community groups with cost-share funding for any projects related to sustainability, gardening, or composting, etc. Two recent applicants are Project Sprout gardens at Monument Mountain High School and Pittsfield Community Restart (or Co-Act)which operates housing and community gardens for homeless and impoverished citizens of Central Berkshire County," Kennedy said.
 
Berkshire Conservation District Director Bob Lear was honored for his commitment to the environment.
"For Arbor Day, let's celebrate that we sold over 1,500 plants, tree bushes, shrubs, vegetables and seedlings in this year's fundraiser sales, which helps immensely with reforestation efforts and backyard conservation in Berkshire County."
 
Park and Open Space Program Manager Jim McGrath said the city will be planting an additional 33 trees at the Common, bringing to total number over 50. 
 
The city has been celebrating Arbor Day since 1999, McGrath said, and was started by the founder of Pittsfield Beautiful, Tommie Bailey. 
 
"Tommie passed away a few years ago but I am sure she is pleased we continue this annual tradition," McGrath said. 
 
"Over those 16 years, we've hosted our ceremonies at Park Square, Springside Park, South Street Memorial Park, we've held the event in front of City Hall, at Burbank Park, last year at Wild Acres Conservation Area, and now for the second time, here at the First Street Common, a park that – as you can tell – has undergone significant transformations over the past several years."
 
Friday's event was sponsored by the Pittsfield Parks and Recreation Department and The Retired Seniors Volunteer Program.

Tags: arbor day,   Pittsfield Common,   public parks,   

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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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