Pittsfield Subcommittee Supports Arrowhead Sewer Extension

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Finance Committee on Monday supported a $650,000 borrowing under the Sewer Enterprise Fund for a connection to Herman Melville's Arrowhead.

The approximately 700-foot extension includes the installation of two deep manholes and will connect two properties to the city sewer. Construction will cost $500,000, a 20 percent contingency will cost $100,000, and the construction administration and resident engineer will cost $50,000.

"Melville's property and the museum is paramount. It's very similar to the project that we supported two years ago, increasing the wastewater in line for Bousquet so we do have a long history of supporting businesses in our town that need it," Ward 4 Councilor James Conant said.

"The sewer line will also be available to the other residents across the street."

He explained that the length of Holmes Road from the bridge to Lori Court does not have a sewer line and his goal over the next few cycles is to extend it to all of those homes, of which there are about 20.

Berkshire County Historical Society Executive Director Lesley Herzberg said Arrowhead's current systems have been deemed to be in failure and the society has been exploring options for a few years.

"It seems like it's just benefiting Arrowhead but what happens is it will benefit our neighbors on Holmes Road but it also benefits our visitors, over 5,000 visitors a year, and in addition, it would make it more feasible for us to hold some larger events," she said.

"Which means that every wedding or event that comes onto our grounds, which would be hundreds of people at a time, so that just adds on to that 5,000 as a base, and it would allow for us to diversify our revenue streams and as a nonprofit who does struggle with finances. That is a very important way for us to think outside the box with our finances."

In 2021, the council approved an appropriation of $960,000 in Pittsfield Economic Development funds for the extension of water and sewer lines along Dan Fox Drive, connecting the lines immediately to Bousquet Mountain.

Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales explained that this extension is smaller.  It is right around the crest of the road so anything north would have to be pumped up if it were to be connected and is not a part of the project.

• The transfer and appropriation of $2 million from the Public Works Stabilization fund for street improvements. The funds will be used in conjunction with $1,300,000 from the fiscal 2025 Chapter 90 appropriation to the city and $600,000 from the Fair Share amendment. This will resurface about 6.5 miles of accepted streets, crack seal about 25.5 miles, and fog seal about 12 miles.
   
• The transfer and appropriation of $615,000 from certified free cash for street improvements.

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.