Pittsfield Announces Concurrent Street Improvement and Water Flushing Schedules

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PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The City of Pittsfield has announced concurrent infrastructure projects scheduled for the week of May 12 to May 16.

Street improvements will take place on the following streets from May 12 to May 16: raising structures on Daniels Avenue and Newell Street; and loam and seed application on Ridge Avenue, Orlando Avenue, Backman Avenue, and Jason Street. Additionally, curbing installation is scheduled for Newell Street on May 12 and 13.

Separately, a Massachusetts Department of Transportation project will involve milling North Street from the Lanesborough Town Line to the Berkshire Medical Center entrance, with structure raising also occurring on North Street.

During these street improvement activities, on-street parking will be prohibited on the affected streets between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The City of Pittsfield’s water system will also undergo its final phase of spring flushing from Monday, May 12, to Friday, May 16, between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Water mains citywide will be flushed through hydrants. Areas anticipated to be affected by the flushing include Cascade and Churchill streets, and West Street from Fort Hill Avenue westward, encompassing Meadow Ridge Drive, Lillybrook Road, and Westbrook Terrace.

The city advises that water flushing may cause temporary localized discolored water and reduced water pressure. Residents experiencing these issues should run their water briefly to clear it. Persistent discolored water or low pressure should be reported to the Water Department at (413) 499-9339.

The city reminds residents that the water flushing is a standard procedure for maintaining water quality. Motorists are asked to use caution on roads where street improvements are underway. Both schedules are subject to change based on weather conditions. Updates are available on the City Hall- City of Pittsfield Facebook page, Mayor Peter Marchetti’s Facebook page, and the Pittsfield Mayor’s Office Instagram account.

 

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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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