News & Notes: Olver, Bech Debate on Radio

By Larry KratkaBerkshire News Network
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House Candidates Meet in First Debate

PITTSFIELD — Area residents finally got a chance to hear both candidates for the region's U.S. House seat debate the issues.

U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, D-Amherst, and Republican challenger Nathan Bech of West Springfield got together for their only radio debate Tuesday at WBEC-AM 1420 in Pittsfield. 

The two candidates talked about a number of issues including the recent multibillion-dollar bailout of Wall Street. Olver said he voted for it and that it will be successful if the line of credit can be extended between banks and that would keep the economy working.

On the other hand, Bech said he would NOT have voted for the bill if given the opportunity and blamed the Democrats for adding millions of dollars of pork to the bailout bill. 

Olver responded by naming a few choice Republicans in the House who added their own pork to the bill. Bech did not reply to that.

They were questioned on the issues by Berkshire News Network Director Larry Kratka, Tom Conklin of WBEC and Jessica Michalski of WSBS.

Bech, 34, an Army Reserve veteran of Iraq who operates a property management business, has been trying to debate the eight-term congressman for months, inviting him to town hall-style meetings across the 1st Massachusetts District.

Olver, 72, a former professor, has declined or ignored the invitations, although his Democratic primary opponent, Robert Feuer, appeared at several of the town hall meetings. Olver easily defeated the Stockbridge attorney in September.

The radio debate will be rebroadcast Sunday morning in its entirety on WUPE-FM 100.1 from 7 to 8. It will also be broadcast in two parts on Sunday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 26, on Live-95.9 FM at 7 a.m. each day.

Bech and Olver will record a debate with WGBY public television in Springfield on Friday and will appear at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner at 7 p.m. on Oct. 22.

The election is Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Haddad Ford/Mercury Sold To Vermont Dealership

NORTH ADAMS — Haddad Ford/Mercury has been sold for an undisclosed amount to Carbone Auto Group in Vermont.

It's just the latest in a series of dealership consolidations within the Berkshires over the past year.

Carbone Auto Group owns a number of new car and Harley-Davidson dealerships in central and eastern New York and in Vermont, including two dealerships in Bennington. Carbone Auto will keep the operation in North Adams as Carbone Ford and Mercury of Massachusetts, until a new Bennington facility is ready for occupancy, at which time the North Adams property will be vacated.


Second Year Without Greylock Ramble

ADAMS — For the second year in a row, the Greylock Ramble was cancelled because of the construction of roads that lead to the top of the state's highest peak.

One of the key reasons the Ramble was cancelled was because emergency vehicles could not get to the top in case of a medical emergency. And the town of Adams was told it could not obtain any permits or insurance for the one-day event.

The three-mile Ramble has been one of the most popular Columbus Day events over the years with an estimated 3,000 participants taking place from the very young to seasoned senior citizens and everyone in between. But not this year. Hopefully, the Ramble will return next year when road construction is completed.

 
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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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