Letter: Accessing Benefits From Recent Climate Legislation

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To the Editor:

The Berkshire chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby and its partners are hosting a free public forum on the evening of Monday, April 3, that will highlight recently passed climate legislation and the opportunities available to local governments and their constituents.

The Berkshire chapter of Citizens' Climate Lobby and its partners are hosting a free public forum on the evening of Monday, April 3, 2023, at the Berkshire Innovation Center, at 45 Woodlawn Ave. in Pittsfield. The event is open to the community, and the reception with appetizers will begin at 5:30 p.m., and panelists will begin at 6:15 p.m.

The panelists are Massachusetts state Sen. Paul Mark, former Undersecretary of Energy and Climate Solutions Judy Chang, Executive Director of Green Energy Consumers Alliance Larry Chretien, and Congressman Richard Neal with a brief message.

The forum, sponsored by The Berkshire Eagle, Berkshire Innovation Center, Ener-g-Save, and Citizen's Climate Lobby, will highlight recently passed climate legislation and the opportunities available to local governments and their constituents. The panelists will explain the benefits of these new laws including job creation, access to immediate rebates, generous tax credits, and more, and will appeal to businesses and individuals alike. The event will be live-streamed on Pittsfield Community Television. Moderated questions from the audience will be posed to the panel.

"I am excited to join local leaders, community members, and climate activists to discuss state and federal legislation recently signed into law and how these new policies can benefit us in the Berkshires," declared Senator Paul Mark. "Climate change is one of the most important issues we face as a state and as a nation and how we respond to this challenge and work to proactively mitigate the negative consequences is going to impact all of us in a tangible way for years to come."

Uli Nagel of Lee, liaison to Congressman Richard Neal's office, shared her concern, "Lack of snow cover in the winter is hurting our local ski resorts, and the drought-like conditions in the summer are difficult for local farmers. Events like these help educate our community; these new laws can help to slow that trend."

Christine Kelly
Sheffield, Mass. 

 

 

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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Luxurious Home for Hosting

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

DALTON, Mass. — Are you looking for a luxurious home with tons of amenities? Then this might be the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 65 Johnson Road.

This 1998 single-family is newly remodeled and has four bedrooms and four bathrooms. It is 4,298 square feet on more than an acre.

It is on the market for $1,075,000.

The home includes a two-car basement garage, a home gym with equipment, and a custom mudroom. There is also a salt water pool and outdoor fire pit. The kitchen has custom built-in freezer and refrigerator, perfect for hosting, and comes with countless built-in space and custom drawers, including a built-in Miele coffee machine.

We spoke with Mia and Melissa Mazzeo with Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Barnbrook Realty, which has the listing.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

Mazzeos: What truly sets this property apart in today's market is the exceptional quality and thoughtful attention to detail throughout. The sellers didn't just update this home — they reimagined it with care, intention, and craftsmanship. Every improvement was carefully considered, creating a move-in-ready space that feels both elevated and effortlessly livable

What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

It was an instant 'wow' moment. We were immediately impressed — and we absolutely loved the open floor plan. The space feels bright, connected, and perfect for both everyday living and entertaining.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

Yes — this home truly has it all. Since 2018, the property has been fully renovated with both luxury and long-term quality in mind. Major improvements include a new roof, new windows, updated electrical and plumbing systems, new mini-split systems for efficient heating and cooling, new vinyl siding, and Trex decking for low-maintenance outdoor living. The pool has been converted to salt water, and the professionally updated landscaping enhances the home's curb appeal and outdoor enjoyment.

Inside, the level of customization is exceptional. Every detail was thoughtfully designed with built-in space for everything — including a dedicated coffee station, double dishwashers, a pullout shelf for your stand mixer, and custom drawers for cooking utensils. The large Sub-Zero refrigerator blends seamlessly into the cabinetry for a clean, sophisticated look. The dining room features a stunning built-in buffet complete with pullout refrigerator and freezer drawers, perfectly balancing elegance and functionality.

What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?

This home is incredibly versatile. It's perfect for the buyer who loves to host and entertain, but just as ideal for a family seeking space and thoughtful design. And for someone who simply wants a private, peaceful setting to come home to — this property delivers that balance beautifully.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

Close your eyes and imagine your dream home — every update completed, every amenity thoughtfully added, nothing left to do. Picture yourself soaking in the beauty of Berkshire County's ever-changing seasons through the windows of your all-season sunroom. Imagine the laughs and smiles that fill the air as you host loved ones in your chef's kitchen, designed perfectly for gathering and entertaining.

Now open your eyes… and you'll see 65 Johnson Road — the true definition of move-in ready.

You can find out more about this home on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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