Pittsfield Announces Concurrent Street Improvement and Water Flushing Schedules

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.

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 

 

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

 

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

 

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

 

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

 

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

 

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.