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Martinson said his group found Pittsfield and the county through market research and data, noticing that there was a need for storage in the city.
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A New Storage Facility is Coming to Pittsfield

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
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The facility is slated to open June 19.

PITTSFIELD, Mass — A new storage unit is opening in Pittsfield later this month.

At 428 Merrill Road, formerly Crane Paper, CubeSmart will offer storage units ranging in sizes from 5 by 5 to 10 by 30 feet.

The facility has 431 units.

Jack Martinson from Peach Tree Holdings, a real estate company that acquires and develops commercial real estate across the country, said there was a need for such such a business in the area.

"We look for self storage properties all over the country, and saw a building and a need in the city. And you know, we did talk to one of the neighbors who was happy to see that the building was being transformed," he said. " And over the past six months we transformed the 60,000 square foot kind of rundown building into a, I'd say, class A self storage facility offering around 45,000 square feet of storage and 431 units, and we're excited to bring a nationally named brand into the city of Pittsfield."

Martinson said his group found Pittsfield and the county through market research and data, noticing that there was a need for storage in the city.

"Specifically looking at what's available in the market, you have, I think, Extra Space Storage Facility, and then a pretty large U haul," he said. "Through the data that was available to us, it looks like those are basically full. And so I think adding another storage facility in the market will help lower prices a little bit for customers, as well as provide a another safe and secure storage building in the city."

He says CubeSmart will provide a safe space for people to put their stuff.

"But 24/7 security operating hours, I think, will be around nine to 6pm, I think. Friendly deals, safe storage, and mainly just a place you can come to trust and put your belongings and valuables, and it's gated, it's fenced. And again, I think the main thing is having a 24/7 security system to keep people confident that their stuff wont be tinkered or stolen is what we're trying to provide here," Martinson said.

The group found the building about a year ago and started working on construction right after buying it in December.

"We initially found this building, I think, in June of 2024 and then, through due diligence and some other hiccups, finally  purchased the building in December of 2024 and then construction started immediately after," Martinson said.

Construction was about $3.65 million. CubeSmart will manage the facility and offer the first month free with an initial 40 percent promotion.

The facility is slated to open June 19 but customers can already start reserving units online.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Police Chief Retiring in January

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Police Chief Thomas Dawley will retire next month after 24 years with the Pittsfield Police Department, and the mayor will appoint his successor. 

Dawley's last day will be on Jan. 9, and he told iBerkshires that it was "just time." He began his law enforcement career in 1995 at the Berkshire County House of Corrections and was appointed police chief in June 2024

"Reasons for leaving are cumulative. I have been in law enforcement for almost 30 years. There is no particular reason for my retirement, I just feel that it is time," he wrote in an email. 

"I love the profession and love this department. The duties, responsibilities and obligations as a Chief are very demanding. It is a lifestyle, not a job. It is a 24/7–365 days a year responsibility." 

According to The Berkshire Eagle, Dawley told Mayor Peter Marchetti of his intention to retire back in April but had kept the decision quiet. Marchetti is expected to choose his successor in the next couple of weeks. 

Dawley, 52, was "honored and humbled" when he was chosen two years ago to succeed Michael Wynn, he said, and he misses being an officer out in the community, as the role of chief is more administrative by nature. He described the officers and civilian staff at the department as "the best of the best" and is proud of the "second to none" dedication, professionalism, and commitment they bring to work every day. 

"Policing is different than it was 10-20 years ago and the profession is being tested daily," he noted. 

"I want a new challenge and preferably something that does not involve law enforcement, but I am definitely not ruling it out!" 

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