Election 2015: Bianchi Details Initiatives for West Side

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Incumbent Daniel Bianchi has submitted the following statement in response to last week's mayoral debate that focused on West Side concerns:

At last week's debate, Linda Tyer accused me of failing to give the West Side its "fair share," by not investing enough city resources in the neighborhood. As I have stated before, I expect candidates to aggressively campaign for office. What I do not expect is to hear such disparaging remarks from someone who has never done one thing to improve the quality of life for those living in West Side neighborhoods until announcing her candidacy for mayor.

I spent 10 years as the city councilor representing the West Side. I was a charter member of the West Side Initiative, which is designed to help people mobilize to improve their neighborhood. I easily attended over 100 meetings of that group over the years, and spent many days working with other committed individuals cleaning up parks, hauling literally tons of debris out of the Housatonic River, and working on projects that mattered to the neighborhood. During my time on the City Council, I fought to get a school crossing guard on Onota and West Streets, as well as many other quality of life issues. For 10 years, the West Side neighborhood was my political focus. During all of that time, I never saw Tyer help with one project, yet she feels free to criticize my efforts.

Now that I'm mayor of Pittsfield, I have an entire city to consider, many more neighborhoods that also have pressing needs, and limited taxpayers' dollars. As mayor, I know that this city cannot afford what Tyer promised to the West Side at last week's debate. For the record, I have not ignored the West Side since becoming mayor. The following are just some of the investments in this neighborhood over the last few years:

• Safe Route to Schools program, involved re-directed traffic, building sidewalks, paving roads, and signage so students have a safer walk to Conte Community School

• Rebuilt streets and sidewalks throughout the West Side

Cyclists Pedal Into Berkshire Bike Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:42AM / Saturday, May 04, 2024

Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan addresses bikers at the event. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Clad in helmets and bright colors, more than 20 people gathered in Park Square to kick on Berkshire Bike Month on Wednesday.

The month of May will be stacked with bicycle-centered events throughout the county — beginning with an eight-mile loop from the city's center that ends at Hot Plate Brewing Co.

"We have we have a lot of things going on in Pittsfield for bicycles and for safety," Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said.

"We're not anywhere near where we should be. We have a lot of work to do."

Bike month is meant to promote the safe use of streets for anyone and everyone no matter how they are traveling, he said The commissioner is especially excited about Bike to Work Day on May 17, as he can register to be recognized for his typical commute.

He presented a proclamation to President of the Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan. It states that the city is committed to the health of its citizens and environment, safe cycling with road bike lanes and the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and that the Police Department encourages safe cycling by distributing lights and helmets and accompanies the city's Ride Your Bike to School event.

BBPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Cohan said the quarter century has been full of commitment to bike paths and bike safety throughout Berkshire County "on roads, on trails, on tracks, and on paths."

"In expanding our mission in this way we have been able to encompass all kinds of cycles and all kinds of riders," she said.

She noted that participants range from babies to 90-year-old people. Bike month includes events for all ages.