Lanesborough Police Department Moves to Temporary Location

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The Lanesborough Police Department has officially moved to its temporary location at 545 South Main St., as the department still waits for a brand-new station. 

The department's been slowly transferring items in over the past days and, with Monday's installation of a landline, the police have officially moved in.

The move, official as of Aug. 1, comes after the $65,000 lease for the temporary space was approved by the Select Board in April. Necessary work for the location was minimal, meaning the department was able to begin the process of moving in soon after. 

"I'm very appreciative to everyone that contributed to this project," said Police Chief Robert Derksen. "And obviously, the officials and residents of Lanesborough for supporting us and giving us a much more functional and safer environment for the next couple of years, while we plan on building the new facility." 

The Police Station Building Committee proposed the space as a temporary location while formulating plans for a new station. The group made finding the department a temporary location, as it waits for the new station, a priority.

"We can pat ourselves on the back for what we've accomplished so far. It's a huge piece, but it's also a smaller piece of the picture of a new building," said Committee Chair Kristen Tool of the temporary station at a meeting last month. She noted signage for the building should be ready during August. 

Plans for the new station are still ongoing, as the committee recently got permission to explore other sites for the project, looking last week at the former Skyline Country Club. The group is also working with EMS Director Jennifer Weber to get the town's emergency services involved with the project, which could allow for more grant opportunities.

The future of the previous police station at 8 Prospect St. is still undecided. The Police Station Building Committee discovered in March the property has a deed restriction requiring the town to maintain it as a public park. 

Cyclists Pedal Into Berkshire Bike Month

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:42AM / Saturday, May 04, 2024

Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan addresses bikers at the event. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Clad in helmets and bright colors, more than 20 people gathered in Park Square to kick on Berkshire Bike Month on Wednesday.

The month of May will be stacked with bicycle-centered events throughout the county — beginning with an eight-mile loop from the city's center that ends at Hot Plate Brewing Co.

"We have we have a lot of things going on in Pittsfield for bicycles and for safety," Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales said.

"We're not anywhere near where we should be. We have a lot of work to do."

Bike month is meant to promote the safe use of streets for anyone and everyone no matter how they are traveling, he said The commissioner is especially excited about Bike to Work Day on May 17, as he can register to be recognized for his typical commute.

He presented a proclamation to President of the Berkshire Bike Path Council President Marge Cohan. It states that the city is committed to the health of its citizens and environment, safe cycling with road bike lanes and the extension of the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, and that the Police Department encourages safe cycling by distributing lights and helmets and accompanies the city's Ride Your Bike to School event.

BBPC is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Cohan said the quarter century has been full of commitment to bike paths and bike safety throughout Berkshire County "on roads, on trails, on tracks, and on paths."

"In expanding our mission in this way we have been able to encompass all kinds of cycles and all kinds of riders," she said.

She noted that participants range from babies to 90-year-old people. Bike month includes events for all ages.