Harry's, Brulees Closing in Pittsfield

By Larry KratkaBerkshire News Network
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Two local food businesses - one new, one not - are closing their doors next month.

Harry's Supermarket on Elm Street will shutter, along with Brulees restaurant on North Street.

Sixteen years ago, Harry's Supermarket had one store on Wahconah Street. But when the old A&P supermarket on Elm Street closed, the Nichols family decided to open a second store there. For more than a decade it has served the local neighborhood with the same service that the Wahconah Street store served its neighborhood.

Now, the Nichols family has announced that the Elm Street Harry's Supermarket will be closing. A sign on the door of the Elm Street store says it will be closing on or about March 15. Bob and Tom Nichols said they have enjoyed serving the Elm Street neighborhood for the last 16 years and hope that customers will continue to shop at the original Wahconah Street store.

Brulees was opened by Ken and Cara Peckham in 2010 in the former Bobby Hudpuckers and soon became a gathering site for local pols. The couple told the Berkshire Eagle they will concentrate on their catering business so they can spend more time with their young children.

Tags: closing,   restaurant,   supermarket,   

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Pittsfield Subcommittee Supports $15M for Water Plants, Files Wastewater Ask

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city has subcommittee support on $15 million in borrowing for water treatment system upgrades, and will return with a refined proposal for the wastewater treatment plant. 

On Monday, the Finance Subcommittee supported a request to borrow $15,000,000 for upgrades to the Ashley and Cleveland water treatment plants. Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales explained that this is the very first step in a multi-phase project. It is expected to conclude in 2033. 

The subcommittee filed without prejudice a request to borrow another $15,225,000 for the construction of a new administration and laboratory building at the wastewater treatment plant. There was a robust discussion about the proposal at the last meeting, with councilors focused on ensuring it is appropriately scaled, fiscally responsible, and transparent. 

Morales reported that the city will take a step back and revisit the basis of WWTP design, and return with a refined proposal that addresses concerns. 

"While the current design was developed from the recommendations outlined in the 2016 Facility Plan, we did not conduct a full alternatives analysis comparison," he wrote in a communication to the subcommittee. 

"That analysis, along with a deeper review of building type, footprint, and value engineering opportunities, is warranted." 

Subcommittee members were invited to the water treatment plants for site visits, and, on Monday, representatives from the AECOM infrastructure consulting firm detailed the scope of work and timeline. 

Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso thanked the water department for the visit, explaining that she was impressed with the number of staff and their knowledge. She said it made a big difference. 

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