Letter: Pittsfield Health Department Chasing Away Business

To the Editor:

I am writing in response to the situation with the Health Department. Do they not realize that the city is in an economic crisis and that any business that wants to come here should be considered and not turned away because of a tobacco permit? I realize that they are trying to curb underage smoking and it certainly is toxic to your health, but that doesn't mean to chase away business either. The reality is it won't stop people from smoking they can just go to another town or get someone else to buy it for them.

The people who bought the area on East Street and were going to name it the Gas Man should have been an exception for a permit. It seems that due to a lack of communication the city lost out again on new possible connection in the business community. Perhaps if shown some leniency on this matter at some point they would have opened up something bigger. Unfortunately now it will never be known.

It proves the point more and more the health department in Pittsfield has way too much control over this city. They are costing this city money that it so desperately needs. Plus we have so many other problems here we don't need to add pushing businesses away. Like we can't go a day without hearing or seeing gun shots, robberies, drugs, etc. It seems like the priorities are very mixed up at this point we need to let real people on these subcommittees and not people that are looking behind rose-colored glasses.

I really feel with all of these rules it is going to make Pittsfield a less attractive place to business, residents and visitors. No one wants to go to multiple stores when they can go to one place to buy what they need. It's all about convenience for people.

If this new requirement goes forward and the age is raised to 21 for the purchase of cigarettes then at least make an exception with proper id for the men and women who chose to put their life on the line for their country. If they are old enough to make that type of decision then they can make the decision to smoke at 18.

We need to take back our city and give the health department a lesser role in all their decision making. It's about time!
 

Tammy Ives
Pittsfield, Mass.

Pittsfield ZBA Member Recognized for 40 Years of Service

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:23PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Albert Ingegni III tells the council about how his father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died at age 94 in 2020, enjoyed his many years serving the city and told Ingegni to do the same. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's not every day that a citizen is recognized for decades of service to a local board — except for Tuesday.

Albert Ingegni III was applauded for four decades of service on the Zoning Board of Appeals during City Council. Mayor Peter Marchetti presented him with a certificate of thanks for his commitment to the community.

"It's not every day that you get to stand before the City Council in honor of a Pittsfield citizen who has dedicated 40 years of his life serving on a board or commission," he said.

"As we say that, I know that there are many people that want to serve on boards and commissions and this office will take any resume that there is and evaluate each person but tonight, we're here to honor Albert Ingegni."

The honoree is currently chair of the ZBA, which handles applicants who are appealing a decision or asking for a variance.

Ingegni said he was thinking on the ride over about his late father-in-law, former Mayor Remo Del Gallo, who told him to "enjoy every moment of it because it goes really quickly."

"He was right," he said. "Thank you all."

The council accepted $18,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and a  $310,060 from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All program.