Flushing of Pittsfield's Water System to Begin Tuesday

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city of Pittsfield's Department of Public Utilities announced flushing of the city's water system will begin Tuesday, Sept. 5. 
 
Water mains throughout the city will be flushed through hydrants over the course of four weeks to remove accumulations of pipeline corrosion products. Mains will be flushed Monday through Friday each week, except holidays, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • The upcoming flushing for the week of September 5 may be expected to affect the following areas:
  • Starting at the town line on Dalton Avenue working west through Coltsville including lower Crane Avenue, Meadowview neighborhood, following Cheshire Road north.
  • Hubbard Avenue and Downing Parkway.
  • Starting at the town line on East Street working west through the McIntosh and Parkside neighborhoods.
  • Elm Street neighborhoods west to the intersection of East Street.
  • Starting at the town line on Williams Street working west including Mountain Drive, Ann Drive, East New Lenox Road, and Holmes Road neighborhoods.
Although flushing may cause localized discolored water and reduced service pressure conditions in and around the immediate area of flushing, appropriate measures will be taken to ensure that proper levels of treatment and disinfections are maintained in the system at all times. 
 
If residents experience discolored water, they should let the water run for a short period to clear it prior to use.
 
If discolored water or low-pressure conditions persist, please contact the Water Department at (413) 499-9339.
 

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BCC Begins Search for New President

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College has begun its search for a new president as Ellen Kennedy prepares to retire at the end of the school year. 

Led by a Presidential Search Committee and a search firm, candidates will be interviewed in early 2026, and the college’s new leader is set to begin work in July.  

"The new President will strengthen and expand partnerships with regional businesses, industries, and community organizations that create pathways to student success and workforce development," the job profile reads. 

"With a sincere commitment to fostering an environment of care for students, employees, and the broader community, the President will work alongside dedicated faculty and staff, community partners, and elected officials to advance the College's regional prominence. In an era of rapid technological, demographic, and educational change, this leader will champion innovative approaches to teaching and learning while maintaining the College's historic commitment to access and opportunity." 

Kennedy announced her intent to retire a few months ago, feeling that BCC is in a good place to welcome new leadership. Her last term will end in the spring, after more than 17 years with the college, 14 of which she spent as president. She looks back on the students, faculty, and campus as a whole with pride. 

In 2025, BCC was designated as a Leader College by Achieving the Dream, a national non-profit focused on student success and community economic mobility.  The college's enrollment is up 20 percent this year, and, in an interview with iBerkshires, Kennedy said the state's tuition coverage for all 15 community colleges has been a game-changer for Berkshire County.  BCC's nursing program has also doubled in size.

The college is seeking a "visionary, collaborative leader" to lead the institution’s mission of providing equitable, accessible, and transformative learning opportunities that meet the current and evolving needs of Berkshire County's diverse community.

The next president will earn between $240,000 to $300,000, a salary established by the Board of Higher Education, and candidates are asked to submit application materials by Jan. 26. 

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