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6th Annual Cop On Top Returns To Pittsfield Walmart This Weekend

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For the first time the weather looks to be on the side of law enforcement officers who plan to spend the night on the roof of Walmart.
 
The sixth annual Cop on Top, a fundraiser for the Massachusetts Special Olympics, returns to Berkshire Crossing on Saturday. Upward of 10 officers from police departments across the county are prepared to camp out on the roof overnight.
 
"The weather looks killer for the first time," said organizer Darren Derby. "It is the first time in six years we have two good days of weather."
 
Forecasts so far show temperatures in the 40s and sunny, which Derby hopes will draw a large crowd to help the fundraising efforts. The goal is to raise $55,000, which the organizers — the Law Enforcement Torch Run — have yet to accomplish. Last year, the event raised $52,000, the highest total yet. 
 
"It was considered our largest event until the Polar Plunge," Derby said. "We raise a lot of money for [Special Olympics] and they are grateful."
 
Officers will take to the roof after an opening ceremony Saturday morning at 9, taking shifts, and some will stay overnight. At least one officer will be on top of the building until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Meanwhile, there will be giveaways, a bake sale, and raffles.
 
"They are fairly good-sized events within the event," Derby said.
 
The raffle typically raises between $7,000 and $10,000 with prizes such as tickets to Red Sox games or ski passes or wine tastings. Berkshire Gas and Market 32 are teaming up to hold the bake sale, which expects to raise another $3,000 or so.
 
"Everything goes to the Special Olympics," Derby said.
 
The Civitan Club of Pittsfield will have volunteers helping to collect donations and run the giveaways each hour. On Saturday at noon a lifeflight will land in the parking lot for display and Mr. and Mrs. Claus are expected to stop in periodically.
 
"We've got more departments participating this year," Derby said. "From North Adams down to Monterey, we have a huge gamut of departments."
 
Cop on Top is the longest running fundraiser for the local Law Enforcement Torch Run but more and more events have been added over the years to boost fundraising. In February, the Polar Plunge will return and earlier this month a sweater fun run was held in Lee. In August, there is a midnight "Run With the Cops" and this year the group added a firetruck pull during the annual EMS Expo at the Berkshire Mall.

Tags: benefit,   charity,   fundraiser,   police event,   Special Olympics,   

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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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