Pittsfield Street Improvement Project: Oct 27-31

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. Be advised that the following street improvements are scheduled from October 27-31:
 
Contracted Road Work:
  • 10/27: Loam and seed Allengate Avenue, Taconic Park Drive and Tamie Way
  • 10/28: Finish paving Taconic Park Drive, Tamie Way and Vista Street
  • 10/29 & 10/30: Finish paving Allengate Avenue and Michael Drive
West Street project update
  • The construction of new sidewalks and curbing work continues. The traffic signal installation prep work also continues. During this work, lane closures at various sections are expected. We encourage drivers to seek alternate routes if possible.
Sidewalk Repairs:
  • Wendell Avenue between Broad Street and Colt Road
  • Bartlett Avenue between East Housatonic Street and Colt Road
During this work, the sidewalks above will be closed for pedestrian use. Pedestrians are asked to use the sidewalks on the alternate side of the street while construction is underway. This work will take several weeks to complete and the weather may have an impact on the schedule.
 
 
Additional utility underground work, in the right of way, will occur on the following streets:
  • King Street
  • Valentine Road (between West Street and Taconic High School)
  • Holmes Road
  • Franklin Street, West Housatonic Street (Cadwell Road to Britton Street), Gale Avenue
  • Dewey Avenue
Use caution when traveling on these roads. Drivers should seek alternate routes to avoid traffic delays. This schedule is subject to change based upon weather conditions.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Fire District Seeks State OK for Permanent Chief

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Fire District is considering interim Fire Chief Christopher Francis Cachat for the permanent chief position, pending required state approval.
 
Cachat has been serving as chief since January 2025, with the duties being split between himself, Administrative Deputy Chief Charlotte Crane, and Capt. Dennis Tinker. 
 
However, one challenge to making his appointment permanent is that Cachat is older than 65, the mandatory retirement age for firefighters in Massachusetts.
 
In 1987, the state eliminated the maximum age and mandatory retirement requirements for most public employees, but firefighters were exempt from this ruling. 
 
The law requires the personnel administrator to study whether a firefighter can serve past the mandatory retirement age, considering job risks, physical demands, and the costs of injuries for older personnel.
 
Towns and cities can seek a home-rule petition from the state Legislature and governor to allow an individual to continue serving in a position past the age of 65, and the Fire District is in the process of doing just that. 
 
State Rep. Leigh Davis filed a home-rule bill last March on the district's behalf to allow Cachat, who has been with the department for four decades, to continue serving until age 70, provided he remains physically and mentally capable of fulfilling the role’s duties. 
 
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