Letter: Dan, McNeice for School Committee and Hathaway for City Council

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To the Editor:

The challenges Pittsfield faces must be dealt with care and an understanding of the nuances, rather than soundbites. This election I am supporting Dan Elias and Heather McNeice for School Committee, and Sara Hathaway for city councilor at large.

Having served with Elias during my time on the School Committee, he has shown his ability to understand all sides of an issue and understand the nuances that come with serving on the committee. Having served on the committee for 30 years, he brings great experience of what has worked and not worked for the district as well as much knowledge of the collective bargaining process.

While some may say that we need a completely new School Committee, having a committee with six new members and a mayor who has only served for two years will cause disruptions and potentially repeat mistakes that the committee has made in years past. Elias will ensure that there is a relatively smooth transition between this committee and the next.

I also believe McNeice would be a great addition to the School Committee. Having had her as a teacher at Taconic, I can say with confidence that she is very passionate for Pittsfield Public Schools. She understands the complexity of the jobs and issues that face the School Committee, such as the issue of cell phones in class and the middle school restructuring project. I believe her strong passion and organizational skills will be a great benefit to this new School Committee, and potentially even as an officer of the committee.

On the City Council, I believe Sara Hathaway would be a great addition. Having served as mayor back in the 2000s and on the School Committee for the past four years, she understands the bigger picture of how both the city and School Department function. She wants to build a better relationship between the City Council and the schools, rather than the tense relationship that is present currently.

She is solution-oriented, focusing on how we can address the many issues the city faces, understanding the nuances of the issues rather than trying to sound good and play to the camera. She will bring a much-needed collaborative voice to the council.

William Garrity
Pittsfield, Mass. 

 

 


Tags: election 2025,   municipal election,   


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Friday Front Porch: Luxurious Lakefront Property

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for a lakefront estate to spend your days? Then this might be the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 140 Hancock Road.

This house was built in 2015 and has eight bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It is 6,986 square feet on a little over an acre. 

The house sits on Pontoosuc Lake and includes private lake access and a pool with an expansive deck. 

The kitchen is equipped with Wolf and SubZero appliances and there is a full outdoor kitchen as well. The property has three additional separated living quarters, each with a kitchen and its own living room. 

The house also includes a big garage for multiple cars or more.

It is on the market for $4,900,000.

We spoke with Elisha Poirier from Stone House Properties LLC, which has the listing.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?

What truly sets this property apart is the incredible scale combined with its premier lakefront setting. With over 7,400 square feet of space, eight bedrooms, multiple independent living quarters, and extensive garage capacity, it offers a level of versatility that is very rare in the Berkshires. The sweeping views of Pontoosuc Lake and Mount Greylock, along with private lake access, a pool, and exceptional indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, create a lifestyle that feels more like a private resort than a traditional home.

What was your first impression when you walked into this home?

My first impression was the sense of openness and how immediately your eye is drawn to the water. The layout was clearly designed to highlight the views, and the natural light combined with the scale of the space makes the home feel both grand and welcoming at the same time.

How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?

The atmosphere is both luxurious and relaxed. It has the presence and amenities of a high-end estate, but the lakefront setting and thoughtfully designed living spaces make it feel comfortable and inviting. It's a home that works just as well for quiet mornings by the water as it does for hosting large gatherings.

What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for?

This home would be ideal for someone who loves to entertain and host family and friends, or for a multi-generational family looking for both shared space and private living areas. It could also appeal to someone looking for a true retreat in the Berkshires, whether as a primary residence or a luxury getaway.

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?

It's easy to picture spending your mornings looking out over the lake, afternoons enjoying the pool or taking the boat out from your private dock, and evenings gathered around the outdoor kitchen or fire pit with friends and family. The property is designed so that everyday life feels like a vacation.

What do the current owners love most about this home?

What they love most is the incredible connection to the lake and the views. The property offers privacy while still feeling open to the natural beauty around it. They've also enjoyed the ability to host large gatherings while still offering guests their own comfortable and private spaces.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

Some of the standout features include the chef's kitchen with high-end Wolf and SubZero appliances, multiple private living quarters with their own kitchens and entrances, and expansive outdoor entertaining areas with a built-in kitchen, pool, and fire pit. The home also includes a whole-house audio system, five laundry units, and premium Pella iron-clad windows and doors, all thoughtfully designed with sustainability and efficiency in mind. The property is insulated with spray foam throughout, maximizing energy efficiency while also providing superior protection from the strong winds often experienced on the lake.

You can find out more about this home on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

 

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