Pittsfield Officials Caution Residents on Surge in COVID Cases

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Just two days before Thanksgiving, city officials are bringing attention to a surge in COVID-19 cases.

The situation was addressed twice on Tuesday: in a press release from Mayor Linda Tyer and during a COVID-19 update at the City Council meeting.

Tyer rallied the COVID-19 Task Force the same day to discuss the public health data.

"I would like to take this opportunity to address everyone in our community with the recent surge that we're seeing, I think it's time to continue to do what we have been doing for the past couple of years and wearing our masks and social distancing and washing our hands and remaining vigilant," interim Director of Public Health Andy Cambi said to the council and the public.  

"I think it's very important for us to remain as a community so that we can keep our kids in school and protect our vulnerable population."

Pittsfield is currently at a 5.1 percent positivity rate, compared to the state's 3.28 percent, and a case rate of 52 per 100,000 people. This pushes the city into the red incidence rate and at higher risk for transmitting the virus.

There are currently 172 estimated actively contagious cases in the city.

Earlier this month, the Board of Health voted to implement a mask directive effective that states that masks should be worn in all publicly accessible indoor spaces in the city unless seated at a table eating food or drink.

On Nov. 2, the percent positivity rate was 4.3 percent with an average case rate of 38.7 per 100,000 people in Pittsfield and there were 109 estimated actively contagious cases.

Cambi pointed out that the city saw a surge at this same time last year. He also noted that the city's Biobot sewage testing predicted this rise.

Though the case rates are looking grim, Berkshire Medical Center's hospitalization data remains consistent for people who are fully vaccinated. From early September to Nov. 19, the hospitalizations have only increased around three percent, rising from around 66 to 69 percent.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.