Third Mosquito in Pittsfield Tests Positive for West Nile Virus

• Be prepared, know your risk and visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update regularly.
• Repair screens & clean up to rid of mosquito breeding sites.
• Be aware of stagnant water on private property (e.g., unused swimming pools) and consult with the local health       department.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants from dusk to dawn when weather permits.
• Use mosquito netting on baby carriages and playpens.
• Wear mosquito repellent when outdoors, especially between dusk and dawn.
• Dump standing water twice weekly.
• Remove areas of standing water around your home twice a week.

Pittsfield Affordable Housing Initiatives Shine Light, Hope

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:08AM / Saturday, December 20, 2025

Housing Secretary Edward Augustus cuts the ribbon at The First on Thursday with housing officials and Mayor Peter Marchetti, state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The holidays are here and several community members are celebrating it with the opening of two affordable housing initiatives. 

 

"This is a day to celebrate," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said during the ribbon-cutting on Thursday. 

 

The celebration was for nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at "The First" located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. A ceremony was held in the new Housing Resource Center on First Street, which was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. 

 

The apartments will be leased out by Hearthway, with ServiceNet as a partner. 

 

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, public officials and community resource personnel were able to tour the two new permanent supported housing projects — West Housatonic Apartments and The First Street Apartments and Housing Resource Center. 

 

The First Street location has nine studio apartments that are about 300 square feet and has a large community center. The West Housatonic Street location will have 28 studio units that range between 300 to 350 square feet. All units can be adapted to be ADA accessible. 

 

The West Housatonic location is still under construction with the hope to have it completed by the middle of January, said Chris Wilett, Hearthway development associate.