PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mayor Linda Tyer is urging residents to be cautious this Labor Day weekend as COVID-19 cases in the city rise to levels seen in early August.
During her Friday address on Pittsfield Community Television, she said there have been 12 new COVID-19 cases in the past two weeks in the city.
"We are a lower risk community ... however this slight uptick in the positivity rate should be a warning to all of us," Tyer said. "We continue to battle a dangerous and highly contagious public health epidemic."
The mayor was referring to the state's COVID-19 community-level data map. Pittsfield has hit 2 for normalized cases per 100,000. Although still in the green low-risk category, Tyer asked residents to remain vigilant especially this Labor Day weekend.
"Please be safe," she said. "This is not the time to let our guard down ... avoid large gatherings, wear a mask, and social distance. Let's continue to do the right thing."
The city has had 221 total positive cases to date and six deaths.
Tyer also spoke to the state Department of Public Health's flu vaccine mandate for all children and said Berkshire Health Systems and the city's public health agencies are preparing for additional clinics.
In other comments, she congratulated U.S. Rep. Richard Neal and U.S. Sen. Edward Markey on their Democratic primary victories Tuesday and thanked the 10,000-plus Pittsfield citizens who voted.
"Thank you all who found a way to safely exercise your right and actively participate in our democracy," she said.
She said the unofficial number of votes cast is 10,707. This includes ballots sent in via mail.
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma and pianist Emanuel Ex performed in pop up concerts throughout the city and the county this week as a special thank you for front line workers.
"Pittsfield is truly proud to be home of this momentous and cherished occasions," Tyer said. "I think it's time that we give Yo-Yo Ma and honorary residency in the city of Pittsfield."
Tyer also sent her condolences to the family of former Pittsfield Mayor Remo Del Gallo who died Tuesday at the age of 94.
"He was a beloved member of our community who generously shared his political wisdom with those of us who sought elected office," she said. "He had a great scene of humor and was a brilliant storyteller."
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Dalton Select Board Argues Over Sidewalk Article
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — A heated discussion concerning sidewalks during Monday night's Select Board meeting resulted in the acting chair calling a recess to cool the situation.
The debate stemmed from the two articles on the town meeting warrant for May 6 at 7 p.m. at Wahconah Regional High School.
One proposes purchasing a sidewalk paver for $64,000 so sidewalks can be paved or repaired for less money, but they will use asphalt rather than concrete. The other would amend the town's bylaws to mandate the use of concrete for all future sidewalks.
The article on concrete sidewalks was added to the warrant through a citizen petition led by resident Todd Logan.
The board was determining whether to recommend the article when member John Boyle took the conversation in a new direction by addressing how the petition was brought about.
"I just have a comment about this whole procedure. I'm very disappointed in the fact that you [Logan] have been working, lobbying various groups and implementing this plan and filed this petition six weeks ago. You never had any respect for the Select Board and …" Boyle said.
Before Boyle could finish his statement, which was directed to Logan, who was in the audience, Chair Joe Diver called point of order via Zoom.
Between disagreements about site design and a formal funding process not yet established, more time is needed before a decision can be made.
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The Ordinances and Rules subcommittee on Monday unanimously supported a pay raise for election workers, free downtown parking for veterans, and safeguards to better protect wetlands.
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A parking study of North Street will be presented at Tuesday's City Council meeting. The design maintains parallel parking while expanding pedestrian zones and adding protected bike lanes. click for more
Amy Schirmer was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year for creating a weekly therapeutic art class at the George B. Crane Center to help those in recovery from substance use. click for more