Pittsfield Seeks Input on Fair Housing

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield is seeking public input as part of an analysis focusing on fair housing, discriminatory housing policies and practices required by the federal Fair Housing Act. 
 
This analysis will identify local concerns and guide the City on how to allocate federal funds to improve economic equity and growth in the community.
 
A public comment period is now open through Jan. 16, 2024 seeking input regarding barriers to access to housing, public services, employment, transportation, and education based on race, age, income, or disability.
 
Comments can be sent by email to njoyner@cityofpittsfield.org or by mail to the: Department of Community Development, Pittsfield City Hall, 70 Allen Street Pittsfield, MA 01201.
 
Also, a survey, with questions about Fair Housing in your community, is available in both English
and Spanish at these links:
 
 
These surveys are also available on the city's website cityofpittsfield.org, under Community Development/Fair Housing Survey. The survey will be open through Jan. 16, 2024.
 
For further information, contact the Pittsfield Department of Community Development, (413) 499-9358.

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Fines, Appeals, Lawsuit Collide in Berkshire Concrete Dispute

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Resident Ron Griffin speaking at Tuesday's Board of Health meeting, thinks the fight with Berkshire Concrete has resulted in some public officials leaving. He is one of the first abutters to speak against Berkshire Concrete. 
DALTON, Mass. — The building inspector's ticket book is running thin as the town starts to issue daily fines to Berkshire Concrete for its failure to submit a revised remediation plan for the unauthorized dig site. 
 
Petricca Industries, the parent company of Berkshire Concrete, was issued a $50 fine on Saturday, April 25; $100 on Sunday, and $300 daily fines continuing thereafter until a detailed restoration plan is received, Building Inspector Brian Duval said. 
 
As of Wednesday afternoon, no resubmission of the plan has happened, he said. 
 
Almost a year ago, both the Select Board and Planning Board expressed that they wanted parcel No. 105-16 fully mitigated to abide by the town's bylaws. 
 
This vote was supported by the Zoning Board of Appeals, which ruled that Berkshire Concrete had violated zoning bylaw 350-61 Section E. Restoration. 
 
Petricca Industries appealed this decision, however, ZBA upheld its initial vote and ordered the company to fully remediate or cover the dig site to abide by town bylaws.
 
During Monday's Select Board meeting, Town Manager Eric Anderson said Berkshire Concrete claimed it did not believe that the board's directive to remediate the unauthorized dig site included parcel 105-16.
 
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