Sewage Spill in Housatonic River

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The public is asked to avoid contact with the Housatonic River for about two days after an untreated water spill at the treatment plant.

A notice was sent out through the city's CodeRED alert system this morning after a discharge of untreated wastewater was discovered at the Waste Water Treatment Plant on Holmes Road.

The discharge was caused by "biologically digested sludge overflow" from the blend tank because of a failed pump shutdown. It began at about 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday and stopped at 6:45 a.m.

The estimated discharge duration was an hour and 15 minutes and at the time of the notification, the discharge volume was unknown. Possible waterbodies affected included the Housatonic River.

This overflow consisted of untreated or partially treated sewage and waste. Residents are asked to avoid contact with the water body for 48 hours after the discharge or overflow is stopped due to increased health risks from bacteria and other pollutants.

It was noted that this does not impact drinking water.

Pittsfield Rent Board OKs $30 Rent Increase for Lake Onota Village

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:21PM / Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Lake Onota Village owner Richard Baldwin answers a question for resident Amy Booth.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Rent Control Board last week approved a $30 per month rent increase for Lake Onota Village following a public hearing that spanned two meetings. 

 

A number of residents from the mobile home park attended the meeting expressing their disapproval of owner M.H. Communities request for a hefty rent hike citing issues with the lots maintenance.

 

The owner's application to the board requested a 63 percent rent hike, or more than $200 per month, spread out over three years, but before the first meeting, it was revised to 29 percent, or $153 per month. 

 

After the first Rent Control Board meeting in March, co-owner Richard Baldwin said the company worked to "shave" its operating expenses down.

 

During the board's meeting on Wednesday, the owners again revised its request, dropping it to a $33 per month rent increase year-over-year over three years. 

 

The board approved a $30 increase.

 

M.H. Communities reviewed its operating expenses and removed revenue and some nonrecurring expenses, such as advertising, Baldwin said.