Congressman Neal Endorses Bianchi for Mayor

03:25PM / Monday, October 19, 2015Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Mass., had endorsed Daniel Bianchi in his run for a third term as mayor.

"As the people of Pittsfield prepare to go to the polls to vote for mayor, I would like to take this opportunity to endorse Dan Bianchi for re-election on Tuesday, Nov. 3," writes Neal. "I've know Dan for several years and consider him to be a good friend. He is an honest and sincere public servant who truly has the best interests of the city of Pittsfield in mind.

"When he was elected mayor in 2011, he said his administration would be open and inclusive, and he has fulfilled that promise. He's been accessible in the neighborhoods, supportive of local businesses, and determined that Pittsfield continue to get its fair share of state and federal resources. As a former mayor, I know how difficult the job can be. But Dan has been a fair and tireless leader who I believe deserves another term.

"Economic development, public safety and education have been his top priorities, and he has made progress on all three fronts. Pittsfield's downtown revival has continued under his watch and a nearly $10 million center for manufacturing and innovation is set to break ground this year. His support of law enforcement is well known, and he is genuinely committed to making Pittsfield a safer place to live, work and raise a family. A new high school is ready for construction that has the potential to be a game changer for the community. In my opinion, Dan Bianchi has a proven record that speaks for itself. And that is why I am enthusiastically supporting his candidacy.

"When voters go to the polls in November, I urge them to vote for Dan Bianchi for mayor. No one works harder for the people of Pittsfield that Dan. He and his wife, Theresa, are a terrific team who care deeply about the city's future. I am forever grateful for their friendship and kindness. And I would like to see Dan continue to serve as your mayor for the next four years."

Tags: #PittsfieldElection, election 2015, endorsement,

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Pittsfield Considers Repairing East Part Cemetery

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:57AM / Friday, October 02, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Historical Commission will consider grant opportunities for repairs to East Part Cemetery.

A resident reached out to the city with concerns about degradation in the half-acre burial ground at the top of Williams Street. East Part Cemetery was established in the early 1800s and has about 300 interments.

“It's a nice old cemetery, and basically, (the resident) had had concerns that the stone wall had taken some damage, the gravestones have taken some damage, and was wondering if there's anything that could be done to repair the gravestones and the wall," City Planner Kevin Rayner told the commission on Monday.

In cooperation with cemetery leadership and residents, the Historical Commission will consider applying for Community Preservation Act funds to support repairs. West Part Cemetery, on the other side of Pittsfield, has previously used CPA funds for revitalization work.

The 1080 Williams St. property is owned by the city and managed by the Pittsfield Cemetery Commission. Rayner presented photos of broken and overgrown gravestones, parts of the stone wall collapsing, and knocked-over obelisks.

Some aspects could use general maintenance and restoration, he observed.

According to the Pittsfield Cemetery and Crematory's website, East Part Cemetery was established around 1808 on land owned by Nathan Webb, who permitted and authorized its use as a public burying ground.

In 1842, Nathan Webb's son, also named Nathan Webb, deeded the property to the Methodist Episcopal Society of Pittsfield as a public burying ground, and in 1893 the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Society transferred their control of the cemetery to the Proprietors of the Pittsfield Cemetery. Their action was confirmed by the Berkshire Probate Court.