Bianchi Reverses Third Thursdays Cancellation
 |
UPDATED: May 7, 2012 at 1:08 p.m.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After dozens of phone calls from disappointed residents, Mayor Daniel Bianchi has reversed his decision to cancel Third Thursday this month.
On Friday, Bianchi told Cultural Director Megan Whilden that the downtown event would be canceled because of construction. The downtown streetscape project would make pedestrian travel difficult in some areas.
However, after news of the canceled event spread on Monday, dozens of residents called Bianchi's office in disappointed. By Monday afternoon, Bianchi released a statement saying that the May 17 event is back on.
"If that many people could take the time to call me, then it was my duty to take another look at this decision. One of our responsibilities at City Hall is to listen to the public and make adjustments when it seems reasonable and the right thing to do. This was one of those times," Bianchi said.
Bianchi said he was concerned that the milled street with exposed and raised manhole covers would be dangerous but on Monday he met with staff and was assured that North Street would be safe.
"But after a meeting this morning, I’m confident that we can work around the streetscape project, not lose any momentum on construction, and ensure that people who attend the event will be safe," he said.
The monthly event during the summer attracts hundreds of residents of North Street and is a boon for local businesses. The May Third Thursday kicks off the summer.
"I know that the downtown merchants have suffered during the streetscape project, and I am committed to getting this project done by July 4th so that they can count on a summer season that will be very welcoming and accessible to their customers, and profitable for them," Bianchi said. “I know that many of them depend on their summer business. I wanted to make sure that the contractors had every opportunity to complete this project as soon as possible.”
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After dozens of phone calls from disappointed residents, Mayor Daniel Bianchi has reversed his decision to cancel Third Thursday this month.
On Friday, Bianchi told Cultural Director Megan Whilden that the downtown event would be canceled because of construction. The downtown streetscape project would make pedestrian travel difficult in some areas.
However, after news of the canceled event spread on Monday, dozens of residents called Bianchi's office in disappointed. By Monday afternoon, Bianchi released a statement saying that the May 17 event is back on.
"If that many people could take the time to call me, then it was my duty to take another look at this decision. One of our responsibilities at City Hall is to listen to the public and make adjustments when it seems reasonable and the right thing to do. This was one of those times," Bianchi said.
Bianchi said he was concerned that the milled street with exposed and raised manhole covers would be dangerous but on Monday he met with staff and was assured that North Street would be safe.
"But after a meeting this morning, I’m confident that we can work around the streetscape project, not lose any momentum on construction, and ensure that people who attend the event will be safe," he said.
The monthly event during the summer attracts hundreds of residents of North Street and is a boon for local businesses. The May Third Thursday kicks off the summer.
"I know that the downtown merchants have suffered during the streetscape project, and I am committed to getting this project done by July 4th so that they can count on a summer season that will be very welcoming and accessible to their customers, and profitable for them," Bianchi said. “I know that many of them depend on their summer business. I wanted to make sure that the contractors had every opportunity to complete this project as soon as possible.”
Original Post:
Berkshire News Network
08:55AM / Monday, May 07, 2012
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mayor Dan Bianchi canceled this month's Third Thursdays celebration due to streetscape construction.
Third Thursdays Celebration Canceled
By Larry KratkaBerkshire News Network
08:55AM / Monday, May 07, 2012
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mayor Dan Bianchi canceled this month's Third Thursdays celebration due to streetscape construction.
Pittsfield Cultural Director, Megan Whilden, told the Berkshire News Network that the mayor contacted her office on Friday with the news. The downtown area from Park Square to Columbus Avenue is currently in its final stages of a streetscape project. As a result, traffic is slower and pedestrian travel can be difficult in some areas.
Third Thursdays is a downtown festival that features live music, art, street dining, after-hours shopping and more. The festival typically runs once a month between May and October.
Whilden expects Third Thursdays to resume on June 21.
Tags: Third Thursdays,
