Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Parking and Traffic

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield and the Pittsfield Police Department announced that the following parking and traffic restrictions will be in place for the 4th of July Parade to be held on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 10 A.M. 
 
The Parade route will run from South Street at East and West Housatonic Streets, north to Wahconah Street at Wahconah Park. Adjacent side streets will be utilized for staging and disembarking.
 
Restricted Parking signs will be placed on the entire parade route and throughout the staging area on Wednesday evening, July 3, 2024.
 
Restricted Parking will be enacted and enforced within the staging area and parade route on July 4, 2024 at 6 A.M. The staging area includes West Housatonic Street from Center Street to South Street, South Street, Wendell Avenue, Bartlett Avenue, Broad Street, Taconic Street, Pomeroy Avenue north of Broad Street, East Housatonic Street and the included area. The parade route includes South Street, Bank Row, Park Place, North Street, and Wahconah Street.
 
Non-parade vehicle access in and out of the staging area will be restricted at 7 A.M. Traffic detours will be put in place on South Street at Broad Street, West Housatonic Street at Henry Avenue, West Housatonic Street at Center, and South Street at Park Square at 7 A.M.
 
Vehicle access to the entire parade route will be restricted and shut down at 8 A.M. These restrictions will remain in place until 1 P.M. Travelers are asked to seek alternative routes during the posted times.
 
Parade attendees and residents may observe additional perimeter controls and support personnel compared to previous years. These practices are being employed in response to recent national and international incidents, not any specific local threat or concern.
 
The Pittsfield Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, Pittsfield Fire Department and members of the Emergency Medical Services will have a presence all along the parade route and staging area. The collective goal is to ensure the safety and welfare of all residents and guests at the parade.
 
Parade attendees are requested not to place chairs and other personal items along the parade route before 6 A.M. With the goal of ensuring the public safety and welfare in mind, we request that citizens limit what they bring to the parade with them. Items such as large wheeled coolers, backpacks, shopping bags or similar type large containers are discouraged. Suspicious containers or packages may be subject to search. Our goal is not to impinge upon the day’s festivities, but to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone attending.
 
Attendees are asked to plan to carry out all items that they carry in, as there will not be additional trash receptacles placed along the route.
 
All citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or items immediately to the nearest public safety official or by calling the Pittsfield Police. Emergencies should be reported by calling 911, or for a non-emergency call 413-448-9700 and at the voice prompt press 0 for dispatch.
 
Non-emergent, anonymous tips can be communicated by texting PITTIP and your message to TIP411 (847411).
 
For additional information, contact the Pittsfield Police Department at 448-9700.

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BRPC Votes in New Director, Bids Farewell to Matuszko

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The BRPC board voted Thursday to make Laura Brennan its next executive director.

Brennan is the economic development program manager for the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. She has been in the role since July 2023 but has been with BRPC since 2017, first serving as the senior planner of economic development. 

She earned her bachelor's degree from Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania and earned a graduate-level certificate in local government leadership and management from Suffolk University.

Brennan was the preferred candidate the Executive Search Committee, which voted last week to present her and candidate Jason Zogg to the full committee. Zogg withdrew his application on Wednesday.

Board members congratulated Brennan, who was in attendance, with Chair Douglas McNally saying they have her back.

The commission voted to create a three-person negotiation subcommittee with executive committee members Malcolm Fick, Buck Donovan, and Sam Haupt. They will negotiate benefits, compensation, and terms of employment.

Brennan will be taking over for retiring Executive Director Thomas Matuszko. Matuszko was appointed as executive director in 2018, having previously been a principal planner from 1997 to 2000 and then assistant director from 2001. The new director will be the fourth in nearly 60 years.

Matuszko gave his last executive director report, amending the bylaws and changing the wordage to be more inclusive among other notes.

McNally said he was grateful that he made sure to do that before his leave.

Since it was Matuszko's last meeting those in attendance thanked him for his time at the BRPC.

"I had to just say you have had a huge positive impact on the Berkshires and thank you," said McNally.

"Thanks for my internship, Tom, 20-plus years ago, and everything you've done for Berkshire County," said Sarif and Matuszko said he was happy to still see her here after this long.

"I think Laura has learned a lot from you, and so she'll just be able to carry on. And so tonight is a great night for Berkshire County," said Christine Rasmussen.

"It's really, it's been a great ride, and I've enjoyed it almost all the time," said Matuszko. "There have been only very few times that hasn't been extremely enjoyable and satisfying. So I mostly appreciate the support that you all have given me and delegates and alternates over the years have given me and provide our staff."

He urged them to have the same relationship with Brennan, and provide her the help and support to be successful. 

"Thank you for all you've provided me with an opportunity, a great opportunity. I couldn't have asked for a better career."

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