image description — Utility workers replace a pole on West Street that was sheared off when an SUV hit it. The tracks of the SUV can be seen in the snow.

Car Shears Utility Pole Closing Pittsfield's West Street

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
01:05PM / Wednesday, January 15, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A portion of West Street is closed after a sport utility vehicle hit and broke a utility pole Wednesday morning.

Crews are currently working to clean up the area. The pole was broken into multiple pieces, some still attached to the wires.

There are no known injuries at the time and the area is not believed to have lost power.

Around 7 a.m., the Pittsfield Police Department received a report of a two-car accident in which one vehicle hit the pole. Unconfirmed posts on Facebook say one vehicle pulled out in front of the other, causing it to cross lanes and shear into the pole.

"The pole got sheared down and some wires were down across West Street," Sgt. Shaun Gariepy reported.

The incident closed a section of West Street between Valentine Road and Nottingham Drive, with traffic directed down Valentine Road and Jason Street.

This story will be updated if more information is received.

Tags: motor vehicle accident, utility pole,

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Dalton Capital Planning Committee Takes First Steps

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
10:59AM / Friday, February 06, 2026

DALTON, Mass. — The Capital Planning Committee held its first meeting last week; the first step in a yearlong process of developing a five-year capital plan.

The meeting kicked off with Thomas Irwin, a Finance Committee member, elected chairman, and Dennis Croughwell, a Planning Board member, elected vice chair.

The committee was established during the annual town meeting in May 2025. Irwin was instrumental in developing the Capital Planning Committee, which was modeled on the town of Lee's committee.

The goal is to produce a practical, prioritized five-year capital improvement plan that helps the Select Board and Finance Committee make informed budget and capital decisions.

According to Town Manager Eric Anderson, the committee is responsible for collecting and reviewing all capital plans that impact the town.

This includes plans from departments and agencies outside its direct authority, such as the water department, fire department, schools, and relevant Pittsfield agencies — especially those concerning sewer and wastewater treatment.

The committee's goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of capital needs and their budgetary impact across all sectors, and then prioritize these needs based on urgency.

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