Central Berkshire Regional School District To Remain Remote

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DALTON, Mass. — The Central Berkshire Regional School District will remain in a hybrid education model until Feb.1.
 
According to a letter from Superintendent Leslie Blake-Davis to Central Berkshire families, the district has decided to postpone returning to school.
 
She said this decision came after a Thursday night meeting with the Safety and Wellness Subcommittee who took a second look at local health metrics.  
 
"The Dalton BOH presented the most recent data as well as trends and patterns we have experienced following fall and winter holidays," she wrote. "As a result of this meeting, it was decided to postpone a return to hybrid learning until Feb. 1, 2021, to allow more time for potential clusters to stabilize."
 
Dalton is currently coded as red due to 53 reported cases over a 14-day period. 
 
"This is a concerning and quick increase for our community," she wrote. "I respect the recommendation(s) of this subcommittee to balance several perspectives including the risks of remaining remote as well as heightened cases within our community. Please keep in mind that COVID-19 precautions and safety guidelines that are practiced outside of our community play a significant role toward the reopening of our schools. We are eager to resume an in-person learning setting and ask that you follow current state guidelines regarding gatherings, mask wearing, hand sanitization, and social distancing." 

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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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