Pittsfield Police Investigating Daytime Shooting on Springside Avenue

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police are asking for information about a shooting incident Monday on Springside Avenue that saw several homes struck by bullets while children were getting off a school bus. 

A ShotSpotter activation occurred about 3:30 p.m. on Monday on Springside Avenue near the intersection of Parker Street. Several residents also called police to report a shooting.

Responding officers confirmed that there were no reported injuries but found that several buildings on Springside Avenue had been struck by gunfire and shell casings were recovered nearby.

"Daytime shootings, however, in residential neighborhoods with children present cannot be tolerated," the Pittsfield Police Department wrote in a press release.

"These shots were fired at a time when many schoolchildren were getting off buses and walking
to their homes. These acts are unacceptable and we would urge anyone with information
and/or video surveillance to contact police."

Anyone who wishes to provide information is asked to contact Lt. John Soules at 413-448-9700, Ext. 599. Information can also be provided anonymously via the Detective Bureau Tip Line at 413-448-9706, or by texting PITTIP and your message to TIP411 (847411).

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.