State Council to Address Aging Holding Pittsfield Listening Session

Print Story | Email Story
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Gov. Charles Baker's Council to Address Aging in Massachusetts will hold listening sessions to hear ideas about how to make the commonwealth the most livable state for people of all ages. 
 
The council will meet in Pittsfield on Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 10 to noon at Elder Services of Berkshire County, 877 South St., Suite 4E.
 
Members are specifically looking for input on issues related to: 
  • What factors make your community a great place to grow older?
  • How can we support families that include one or more older adults?
  • How can we promote more human connectedness (reduce loneliness, isolation) in communities?
  • What are the top two issues or concerns that create barriers to people being able to age well in their communities?
  • How can we accelerate innovation to support and connect older adults?
  • How can we change public perceptions about aging?
Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request, contact: William Travascio at 617-222-7597 or William.Travascio@MassMail.State.MA.US
 
Those unable to attend can share ideas by sending an email to Aging.Conversation@MassMail.State.MA.US
 
The council is the state's first advisory council on aging and it will guide administration policy to support healthy aging. The public is invited to attend and to provide feedback to the council. 
 

Tags: age-friendly,   aging,   listening tour,   state officials,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories