Pittsfield Man Fined For Illegal Asbestos Removal

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — DEP has fined a city man for illegally removing asbestos from a home on Circular Avenue.
 
The Department of Environmental Protection fined Robert Clum $27,100 for removing the material from 65 Circular Avenue in August of last year. The work, removing and disposing of asbestos pipe insulation, potentially exposed the residents to asbestos fibers, DEP says. Clum does not have a contractor's license to the work nor did he notified the state regarding it.
 
DEP says Clum was hired by the homeowner to remove the insulation from the basement of the two-family home. He did the work without techniques to prevent the air-borne release of asbestos, DEP said. Following the work, a proper abatement was done by a licensed contractor with DEP's oversight.
 
"n this case, an elderly resident was clearly taken advantage of by an individual unqualified to remove asbestos material," said Michael Gorski, director of MassDEP's Western Regional Office in Springfield.
 
"It is essential that asbestos abatement be performed by a licensed contractor to ensure that there is no risk to human health and safety or the environment."
 
Property owners and contractors are asked to contact DEP with any questions about the materials, notification requirements, proper removal, handling, packaging, storage, and disposal procedures. 
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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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