Humane Society Hosts Talk on Animal Hoarding

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Humane Society will host Randy Frost, a professor of psychology at Smith College, who will discuss the psychology of animal hoarding on Sunday, May 31, from 2 to 4.

Animal hoarding occurs in communities across the country and poses multiple challenges for animal welfare, law enforcement, social service, and mental health professionals. Although "hoarded" animals often live and die in filthy surroundings, without food, water, or veterinary care, their owners believe they are saving them. Unfortunately, research on animal hoarding, including onset, prevention, and intervention, is limited.

Frost has done extensive research and writing on this topic. Copies of his book, "Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things," co-authored with Gail Steketee, will also be on sale.

The talk is part of the society's Coffee Hour Speaking Series and will be held at its 214 Barker Road facility in the Family Dog School's training center off the lower parking lot.

Reservations are not required but to save a seat and be eligible for a raffle at the end of the afternoon, call 413-447-7878, Ext. 128, or go to BerkshireHumane.org/coffee-hour-registration/. All events in the series are free and supported by the Chervenak-Nunnalle Foundation Inc. Refreshments will be available.

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.

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