Pittsfield Water System Flushing to Begin Today

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield’s Department of Public Utilities has announced that the first phase of flushing the city’s water system will commence on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Water mains throughout Pittsfield will be flushed via hydrants over the coming weeks to remove accumulations of pipeline corrosion products. The flushing will occur Monday through Friday each week, excluding holidays, between 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

The initial flushing period, from April 22 to May 2, is anticipated to affect the following areas:

  • Starting at the Dalton Avenue town line, proceeding west through Coltsville, including lower Crane Avenue and the Meadowview neighborhood, and continuing north along Cheshire Road.
  • Hubbard Avenue and Downing Parkway.
  • Starting at the East Street town line, proceeding west through the McIntosh and Parkside neighborhoods.
  • Elm Street neighborhoods west to the intersection of East Street.
  • Starting at the Williams Street town line, proceeding west, including the Mountain Drive, Ann Drive, East New Lenox Road, and Holmes Road neighborhoods.

While the flushing process may cause temporary localized discolored water and reduced service pressure in the immediate vicinity of the work, the Department of Public Utilities states that measures will be taken to maintain proper treatment and disinfection levels within the water system. Residents experiencing discolored water are advised to run their water for a short time to allow it to clear before use.

Residents who experience persistent discolored water or low-pressure conditions are asked to contact the Water Department at (413) 499-9339.

The city’s Department of Public Utilities emphasizes that flushing is a necessary operational procedure for maintaining water quality in the distribution system and appreciates residents' patience during this period.

 


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With Tears, Pittsfield Officials Vote to Close Morningside

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The School Committee on Wednesday made an emotional vote to close Morningside Community School at the end of the academic year. 

Officials identified the school's lack of classroom walls as the most significant obstacle, creating a difficult, noisy learning environment that is reflected in its accountability score.

Interim Superintendent Latifah Phillips said the purpose of considering the closure is centered on the district's obligation to ensure every student has access to a learning environment that best supports academic growth and achievement, school climate, equitable access to resources, and long-term success. 

"While fiscal implications are included, the potential closure of the school is fundamentally driven by the student performance, their learning conditions, the building inadequacy, and equitable student access, rather than the district's budget," she said. 

"… The goal is not to save money. The goal is to reinvest that money to make change, specifically for our Morningside students, and then for the whole school building, as a whole." 

Over the last month or so, the district has considered whether to retire the open concept, community school at the end of the school year. 

Morningside, built in the 1970s, currently serves 374 students in grades prekindergarten through 5, including a student population with 88.2 percent high-needs, 80.5 percent low-income, and 24.3 percent English learners.  Its students will be reassigned to Allendale, Capeless, Egremont, and Williams elementary schools.

School Committee member and former Morningside student Sarah Muil, through tears, made the motion to approve the closure at the end of this school year. The committee took a five-minute recess after the vote. 

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