Letter: Bridge/Road repair

To the Editor:

I sympathize with the people on Holmes Road with their bridge in disrepair. Just come on out to the Peck's Road Causeway, Hancock area, and you'll see more barrels and barriers and one-lane lights in such a small area.

It's a shame that the city has let its infrastructure get that bad but mind you we've got bike paths and one-way roads and beautification on North Street. It reminds me of Atlantic City ,one block off of North Street and it turns into a city of disrepair with rising crime!

David Casey
Pittsfield, Mass. 

Dalton Fire District Voters OK 'Surprise' Building Purchase

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:25AM / Wednesday, May 13, 2026

An image of 30-32 Flansburgh from the town's assessor data. 

DALTON, Mass. — For several years, the district has been working with limited space, and a vote at the annual meeting is expected to help ease those constraints.

 

During the meeting on Tuesday at the Stationary Factory, 48 voters approved 24 of the 25 articles on the warrant, including the purchase of 30-32 Flansburgh Ave., directly next to the current station. 

 

If the property passes the home inspection, the district would purchase the multi-family home from its current owner Richard Olsted for $350,000. 

 

The property is a two-family duplex built in 1920 with more than 6,000 square feet on a fifth of an acre. Its assessed value according to information in the town's database is $305,200. It's estimated on Zillow at $312,500, with a potential high of $350,000.

 

As part of the agreement for the purchase cost, the district agreed to allow Olsted to reside in one of the building's units for as long as he chooses, with the understanding that he will be responsible for utilities and will not be required to pay rent.

 

The foreseeable purpose of the other units will be to create proper housing for emergency services personnel. 

 

The department currently has three makeshift bedrooms in the fire station that were described as not well suited for a regular ambulance service.