Letter: Walker Prioritizes Building Better Lives

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To the editor:

We don't get a Corey Walker every generation.

This Pittsfield native shows that she springs back up when she gets knocked down and hits the ground running! Opportunity was scarce for her before affordable Berkshire Community College: she continues to tirelessly make and share lemonade with it. She makes the Dean's list every single semester. She juggles college, two jobs, and activism so that those after her won't have to.

She has the proven record of fighting for our neighbors' rights. Having worked at the city's Water Department has already taught her how to work with people to get things done.

She brings something to the council that we need! A mental health professional in this crisis. A college student when our students lack representation. Someone involved in the conversations around affordable housing. Someone whose means are reflective of Ward 2's median income, when all of our other council and candidates have wealth or dual incomes.



Her leadership skills come from lived experience with us all: intimately understanding both the problems and culture here, and knowing how important our medical professionals and nonprofits are to Pittsfield's well-being. Her work saves lives and de-escalates North Street struggles.

We need someone who understands. Who listens to and lifts up their neighbors. Someone who prioritizes building better lives for those of us already here.

Please join me in this incredible opportunity to vote for Corey "Kiki" Francis Walker this Nov. 4.
 

Ephraim Schwartz
Pittsfield, Mass.

Ephraim Alexander Schwartz is chairman of the Campaign to Elect Corey Walker.

 

 


Tags: election 2025,   municipal election,   


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Dalton Planning Board Denies Berkshire Concrete's Special Permit

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — After five meetings, the Planning Board voted to deny Berkshire Concrete's special permit, however, the company can still reapply before its current permit expires. 
 
After about 40 minutes of deliberation, board members reiterated recurring concerns raised in previous meetings: the company's lack of clear mitigation plans and ambiguous documentation outlining its work plans.
 
"I really have no confidence in their proposal so far," said Chair Zack McCain III.
 
The board denied the permit without prejudice, meaning Berkshire Concrete, a subsidiary of Petricca Industries, can reapply before its current permit expires in December 2027. 
 
According to the current permit, earth removal, such as excavation, processing, and reclamation is allowed on lots 217-3 and 106-55.1, but is subject to several conditions set forth in 1992, 1994, and 2000. 
 
Conditions include hours of operations, traffic regulations, restoration requirements, and other stipulations. 
 
This decision indicates the board's belief, based on testimony and provided evidence that the excavation activities in the areas cannot occur without having a negative impact on the abutting neighborhood. 
 
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