Pittsfield Asks for Info on Vandalism, Ransacking in Parks

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city is asking that community members report suspicious activity after two parks were vandalized and ransacked.

On Friday, it was reported that Clapp Park, located on West Housatonic Street, and the Common on First Street experienced recent acts of vandalism that included destruction of the bathroom fixtures and the control room.

Copper was taken from both locations. The metal is commonly stolen and sold for profit.

"Both parks are vital resources to our community. We are devastated that this activity has taken place and are going to try our best to have things repaired in time for spring," the city posted on its Facebook page.

"However, we have a lot of work ahead to have bathroom facilities and splash pads available in these two locations."


The post included pictures of what appear to be control rooms with broken pipes and other materials scattered on the ground.

"We now must purchase, repair, and install new doors, locks, toilets, sinks, dispensers, and mirrors," it reads.

"In addition, we need to obtain replacement parts and piping to properly operate the bathrooms and splash pads."

Both parks have bathroom facilities and splash pads, which are recreation areas that spray water on users during the warm months.

The city asked that if members of the public have seen any suspicious activity in either park recently to report it to the Pittsfield Police Department at 413-448-9700.

Additional updates will be shared closer to the spring season.


Tags: vandalism,   

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Dalton Second Historical District Needs Grant Funding for Consultant

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — Efforts to establish historic districts in the town have spanned several decades, creating confusion about what voters originally approved.
 
"We have to bring them up to speed with the history of the situation with the districts," co-Chair Deborah Kovacs said during the commission's meeting on Wednesday.
 
In the late 1990s, voters approved the work to create all three historic districts, although at the time they were considered a single, known as the Main Street corridor historic district, she said.
 
When the town hired a consultant, Norene Roberts, to help with the district's establishment, she informed the commission that it had to be split into three because of the scope of work.
 
The first district, the Craneville Historic District, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Sept. 14, 2005, after 10 years of work, and is located on Main and South Streets.
 
It has a rich history because of the activity in building, acquiring, and using the homes in the center of Craneville.
 
Mary Walsh in the only remaining commissioner involved in establishing the Craneville District.
 
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