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Pittsfield Airport Fence Revision Will Curb Deer Incursion

By Joe DurwiniBerkshires Columnist
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — About three to five deer a day are among visitors to Pittsfield's municipal airport each day.

It's a form of unwanted traffic the airport is looking to curtail, with the systematic repair or replacement of several significant sections of its perimeter fence

The city's Conservation Commission on Thursday looked favorably on a proposal to conduct "in kind" replacement of existing fencing sections near and within wetlands there, a project that is due to be completed by the end of June.

One of the key sections eyed for replacement is an 688-foot piece of fencing that was not upgraded during a previous installation project, and measures only 6 feet high. This is 2 feet shy of Federal Aviation Authority regulations for perimeter fencing, and has also presented a measurable challenge from uninvited four-legged guests.

"What we've found is that deer are jumping it without any problem," said Randy Christianson of Stantech Consulting Services, representing the Pittsfield Airport Commission. "We continuously have three, and sometimes up to five, deer on the airport property, requiring a lot of wildlife management on the part of the very limited operations staff that are at the airport."

A portion of this section runs into the wetlands buffer zone, while other sections slated for overhaul have poles located within wetlands sections.

Christianson said "there's no net change" and no wetlands impact, because they will just be replacing existing fencing.

Commissioner Tom Sakshaug asked about the possibility of moving poles back out of where they're located in wetlands portions, "at least as much as possible, without encroaching on airspace."

Christianson said this may not be possible, as with the FAA regulations on airspace, there's little leeway for moving the perimeter fence in closer.

"As long as it doesn't interfere with airspace, the engineers can absolutely make an effort to do that," he offered.

Commissioner Jonathan Lothrop added the stipulation that the consultants report back to the city conservation officer on whether they are able to do this, as a condition of approval. With this amendment, the commission voted unanimously to issue a negative determination of applicability of the Wetlands Protection Act for the project.

In other business, the commission also reviewed several other projects before them:

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is preparing to commence reconstruction work on the Lulu Pond Dam at Pittsfield State Forest. Attorney Christine Baker, speaking on behalf of Mass DCR, called this "a limited project" aimed at replacing the spillway and slide gate at the aging dam. The three-month project is expected to begin sometime in fall 2016 or spring 2017. The application was incomplete for the full permitting needed to proceed, and the commission tabled action on this to the May 18 meeting to allow the state to complete the application process.

The commission voted approvingly on a notice of intent for work to be done at the Pittsfield Wastewater Management Plant on land bordering a flooding area. The plant intends to replace a portion of sewage main at the Holmes Road plant.

It also reacted favorably to planned improvements at the Riverview Homes housing complex at 341 West St. These include new sewer lines, as well as driveway repair and alterations to existing walkways. A playground renovation is also called for in the plans, and new plantings to offset the green space impact of a new walkway being added. The complex will add 50 new shrubs, consisting of a diverse array of wildlife-friendly native berry species.


Tags: conservation commission,   pittsfield airport,   wildlife,   

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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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