Berkshire Athenaeum Issues Community Survey

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's public library, is conducting a community survey to assist and inform its future initiatives pertaining to community services.
 
Library Trustee John Neiner said the survey initiates an important community conversation.
 
"We are excited about the future of the Berkshire Athenaeum. It is our desire to tell our story in new, dynamic, and engaging ways and this survey is an opportunity for each voice in our community to be heard in helping to shape how the library grows and adapts," Neiner said. "We hope to collect public responses that will help us reach these goals of creating a space where everyone feels welcomed, informed, and connected with their world."
 
The survey can be taken online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/BA_PatronSurvey2022 or by visiting the library's website at www.pittsfieldlibrary.org. A print version is also available at the Circulation and Children's desks at the library, as well as City Hall.
 
Survey participants will be entered in a raffle for a $100 Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. gift card which can be used at various downtown businesses.
 
The athenaeum is located at 1 Wendell Ave. For more information, please call 413-499-9480, Ext. 4 or email info@pittsfieldlibrary.org.

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Pittsfield Council Preview: Councilor Privacy & Halting Berkshire Gas Work Permits

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Tuesday, the City Council will see requests to protect their own safety when it comes to sensitive information, and to deny work permits from Berkshire Gas due to "substandard" conditions. 

A request to remove councilors' addresses from city documents and websites and replace them with "70 Allen Street" to improve safety will be referred to the Ordinances and Rules subcommittee. Councilors' addresses, city email, and phone numbers are currently available on Pittsfield's staff directory page. 

The petition was submitted by Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham, Ward 4 Councilor James Conant, and Ward 7 Councilor Katherine Moody. 

The councilors explain in the meeting packet that they want elected officials to have the option to replace their home addresses on all city documents and websites, including Pittsfield Community Television, with the City Hall address. 

Recently, the City Council approved Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi's request to amend City Council Rule 1C. Rule 1C requires individuals to disclose their name, address, and the subject they wish to address the council about on a sheet before the open microphone portion of meetings.

Lampiasi asked to only require a person's name and municipality. 

"I don't think that submitting a street address is really appropriate," she explained to the O&R subcommittee earlier this month. 

"It feels invasive, and there are some safety concerns for folks." 

President Earl Persip III wants Berkshire Gas to correct safety and access issues before Pittsfield allows them to do additional work on city property. 

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