Pittsfield Street Improvement Project: Nov. 10-14

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. Be advised that the following street improvements are scheduled from Nov. 10-14:
  • November 10 & 11: Milling and paving of Valentine Road from West Street to Taconic High School
  • Allengate Avenue driveway aprons will be installed during the week.
West Street project update
  • The construction of new sidewalks and curbing work 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.
 
Stormwater Improvements:
  • Glory Drive, contractor will be mobilizing equipment and materials to the area.
 
Additional utility work, in the right of way, will be occurring on the following streets:
  • King Street
  • Holmes Road
  • West Housatonic Street (Cadwell Road to Britton Street)
  • East Street (overhead utility work)
Please 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.
 
 
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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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