image description — Constance Scott has taken over the helm as executive director of the Pittsfield Housing Authority.

Pittsfield Housing Authority Welcomes New Executive Director

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
10:21AM / Monday, September 28, 2020Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Housing Authority welcomed a familiar face as its new leader and bid farewell to a longtime board member.

Constance Scott was hired as the executive director last week after many years with the authority, including as assistant director.

The meeting also marked the resignation of Chairman Lucille Reilly, who has served with the housing authority's board for more than 50 years. Her colleagues on the board shared emotional goodbyes and thanked her for her years of dedication to the Pittsfield Housing Authority.

"I have enjoyed all the board members and I have been acquainted with and the staff that I have traveled with on our journeys to learn more about the Housing Authority transformation over the years," Reilly wrote in her letter to the board. Her last day was Sept. 22.

In addition to Reilly, others attending were board members Arthur Butler, Edward Carmel and Michael McCarthy, and outgoing Executive Director Sharon LeBarnes.

Scott accepted the expectations of her new position of executive director and her contract was approved. Some of these expectations include: performing duties as both Assistant and Executive Director of Pittsfield Housing Authority, handling budget issues and being proficient in budget manors, and seeking help from the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners whenever needed. In response, the board assured her that they are here to help her succeed and thrive.

Scott smiled behind her face mask as the board applauded her acceptance of the offer.

LeBarnes has been serving as executive director since 2016, replacing director Charles L. Smith Jr. She will now assist Scott as the consultant to the executive director.

The housing authority oversees 24 buildings with nearly 1,000 units in state and federally funded programs.

The slate of offices was also voted on at the meeting, naming McCarthy as the new chairman, Butler remaining as the Treasurer, Carmel as the tenant representative, and Scott as the secretary. Carmel was also appointed the representative to the Community Preservation Committee, which recommends locally supported funds partially matched by the state that can be used for projects including historic preservation, open space, outdoor recreation, and affordable housing.

The vice chairman position remains vacant after the passing of former Mayor Gerald S. Doyle Jr. in August. Doyle also had been the representative to the Community Preservation Committee.

The board also approved the repaving of Dower Square walkways and the Providence Court elevator upgrade change order 2. Part of the repairs on Dower Square include the installation of steel pillars at the edge of the parking lot to prevent parking and driving on the lawn.

Tags: Housing Authority,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

RIBCO Supply

Check out our great lineup of Boss Plows, and spreaders. 2 Locations Clarksburg & Pittsfield!

ribcosupply.com

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

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

Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.

This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.

The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.

DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.

"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.

"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.

View Full Story