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Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at Park Square after the tree lighting on Friday. See more pictures here.
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Patrick's Pub offers free hot chocolate.
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Pittsfield Holds Tree Lighting Ceremony

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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City Council President Peter Marchetti welcomes the crowd. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The holiday season is officially on in Pittsfield with the annual tree lighting  Ceremony at Park Square.
 
Hundreds gathered at Park Square on Friday night to bring in the holiday season with song and cheer as they lit up the Park Square Christmas tree.
 
"On behalf of Mayor Tyer and the entire City Council, I want to welcome you to the tree lighting ceremony and wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays on behalf of the city," Council President Peter Marchetti said. "Tonight is a very special moment in the city."
 
Recreation Activities Coordinator Becky Manship thanked all who made the event possible especially the parks maintenance crew. 
 
"They are very crucial in getting this tree installed and decorated and making it more beautiful," she said. "Mother Nature challenged them this week but they worked hard to make tonight happen. I am grateful for all of them and the work they do each and every day." 
 
The Taconic High School chorus sang carols and Santa and Mrs. Claus were on scene after the lighting.
 
Hot chocolate was also available courtesy of Patrick’s Pub.
 
The city also asked that all those who attended come with a non-perishable food item to be donated to the Christian Center’s food pantry. 
 
The tree lighting was followed by activities downtown for the Festive Frolic, hosted by Downtown Pittsfield Inc. that continues through Saturday.
 

Tags: holiday event,   tree lighting,   

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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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