Four Submit Proposals For Pittsfield Police Station Study

Pittsfield is expected to pick a firm to do a feasibility study for a new police station.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Four companies had submitted proposals to do a feasibility study of a new police station.

The city is paying $30,000 for a firm to develop location options, departmental needs and cost estimates. The study is the first step toward building a new station, which has become a greater focus as officers continue to work out of the 74-year-old Allen Street building.

On Thursday, the city's Purchasing Department accepted four bids: Caolo & Bieniek Associates of Chicopee, Jacunski Humes Architects of from Berlin, Conn., Dore & Whittier Architects of  Newburyport and Kaestle Boos of Foxborough.

The proposals will be reviewed by an evaluation committee consisting of Chief Michael Wynn, two other representatives from the Police Department, a representatives from city's Community Development Department and a representative from the Police Advisory Committee.

A change in political leadership has not swayed the focus — Mayor Daniel Bianchi led U.S. Sen. Edward Markey through the station in August along with Wynn and Sheriff Thomas Bowler.

Meanwhile, the Police Advisory Committee reformed and has done research on its own, including touring newly built police stations as well as the city's station.

Officers have cited a lack of space that hinders their ability to perform their jobs. The building had once housed social service agencies is no longer suitable for a police facility because of building code issues, including the lack of handicapped access, the addition of women officers and staff, training and technology needs, the use of cruisers and security issues.

Nonetheless, money had not been allocated to begin the process until this fiscal year.

Pittsfield Affordable Housing Initiatives Shine Light, Hope

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:08AM / Saturday, December 20, 2025

Housing Secretary Edward Augustus cuts the ribbon at The First on Thursday with housing officials and Mayor Peter Marchetti, state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The holidays are here and several community members are celebrating it with the opening of two affordable housing initiatives. 

 

"This is a day to celebrate," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said during the ribbon-cutting on Thursday. 

 

The celebration was for nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at "The First" located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. A ceremony was held in the new Housing Resource Center on First Street, which was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. 

 

The apartments will be leased out by Hearthway, with ServiceNet as a partner. 

 

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, public officials and community resource personnel were able to tour the two new permanent supported housing projects — West Housatonic Apartments and The First Street Apartments and Housing Resource Center. 

 

The First Street location has nine studio apartments that are about 300 square feet and has a large community center. The West Housatonic Street location will have 28 studio units that range between 300 to 350 square feet. All units can be adapted to be ADA accessible. 

 

The West Housatonic location is still under construction with the hope to have it completed by the middle of January, said Chris Wilett, Hearthway development associate.