Pittsfield Announces Disability Awareness Walk

04:03PM / Monday, July 07, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield, in partnership with the Commission on Disabilities and a local community advocate, Brian Fitzpatrick, announces a community downtown walk to raise awareness of disabilities.

This downtown walk is scheduled for Thursday, July 10 at 3:00 p.m. starting at City Hall, located at 70 Allen Street in Pittsfield. The walk will travel from City Hall, through Dunham Mall and head towards St. Joseph's Church with a return to City Hall. This walk is expected to take one hour.

"I am thankful for opportunities to join members of the Commission on Disabilities, the Mayor and other community members to identify areas of that present challenges and areas that we want to replicate because they provide safe and secure passage for all modes of transportation," said Brian Fitzpatrick, assistant planner and coordinator of this awareness walk.

"It is important for the city to understand the challenges of people with disabilities and find ways to make their travels within our downtown easier," said Catherine Carchedi, chair of the city's Commission on Disabilities.

This walk takes place following a proclamation issued by Mayor Peter Marchetti recognizing the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) that was signed on July 26, 1990.

The proclamation will be presented at the Commission on Disaibilities meeting that is scheduled for July 10 at 2:00 p.m. at City Hall in Room 203.

"The ADA is a critical piece of legislation that has expanded opportunities for people with disabilities by reducing barriers, changing perceptions and increasing opportunities for full participation and inclusion in community life," said Mayor Peter Marchetti. "I look forward to being a part of this awareness walk and discovering ways Pittsfield may make improvements within our downtown to accommodate all needs."

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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
04:30AM / Thursday, August 06, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back over 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

"I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference," committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

"The city could have use for that difference over the next three years."

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has been vocally in favor of the independent audit for years, said the city doesn't have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, "We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional, and a looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is."

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have equitable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

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