South Mountain Road Reopens After Yearlong Closure

Pittsfield City HallCommunity Submission
Print Story | Email Story

Finish work was being done on Monday to prepare South Mountain Road's reopening.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The new South Mountain Road will open to the public on Thursday, Dec. 19.

The road was closed in August 2011 as part of the reconfiguration and extension of the runway at Pittsfield Municipal Airport

The newly constructed road segment is over a half-mile long and is aligned around the new airport runway safety areas. Except for some after winter restoration and cosmetic work, the road is finished, complete with striping, signage, drainage and guard rails.

City officials inspected the road in advance of this opening.
 
"The reopening of South Mountain Road is the completion of my promise to the residents of Ward 5 and the city as a whole," said Ward 5 City Councilor Jonathan Lothrop in a statement. "It demonstrates that neighborhood input can result in positive changes, as the original proposal was to close the road forever.  There is still work to be done, with additional tree plantings scheduled for Spring, and I will do everything possible to make the airport project as minimally disruptive as possible."


Tags: airport project,   road project,   road work,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lanesborough Passes FY 2027 Budget, Warrant Articles

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Town meeting on Tuesday approved an almost $14 million fiscal 2027 budget, and approved bylaws for short-term rentals and signage, and for public safety vehicles. 
 
Of the 20 warrant articles, one, Article 7, to use free cash to pay prior fiscal year bills of $941.27 was indefinitely postponed by Moderator David Rolle because the bills were for the fire association.
 
Some 247 of the town's more than 2,600 registered voters filled Lanesborough Elementary School, debating articles during a meeting that lasted more than three hours. 
 
The town's 2027 spending plan is up more than 10 percent, with the main increases from higher enrollment in the regional schools and the McCann Technical School renovation project.
 
Voters approved the assessment of $7,586,284 for Mount Greylock Regional School. They also approved Article 11, which was the use of $16,298.48 in free cash for the McCann's roof and window replacement project so as not to impact the budget. 
 
Ambulance Director Jen Weber is planning 24-hour coverage, which means more staff and a hike in her budget. Article 5 asked the town to appropriate $234,100 to operate the Ambulance Enterprise Fund for salaries and expenses, which passed.
 
Fire Chief Jeff DeChaine spoke to the audience on his articles and the need for a new truck to replace the 1996 fire truck, listed on the warrant articles for a total $813,366, which includes a $100,000 contingency cost on whether a 2026 model-year chassis can be secured before new emissions standards in 2027. If they get the 2026 chassis, that contingency likely won't be needed.
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories