Lanesborough Considers Bylaw Against Litter

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The town is considering a bylaw against littering after reports of people dumping trash on the roadside. 

Last week, Police Chief Robert Derksen and Department of Public Works Director Nate Fenwick reported the need for a formal regulation to the Select Board. Fenwick said his department has picked up whole truckloads of trash next to roadways, and while sometimes the litterer can be located from their contents, the town's hands are tied when it comes to enforcement. 

"With not having any bylaw for this, it just makes it really difficult for us to get a handle on this," he said. 

Derksen said Lanesborough would be better off solidifying a broader local bylaw with a fine to deter this behavior. 

Massachusetts law prohibits littering on public highways, public lands, private property of another, or in or near coastal or inland waters. Derksen said these laws are "very specific," and have to be in accordance with a bylaw, which the town doesn't have. 

"I'm not sure what I would fine them," the chief explained. 

He said Dalton's bylaw is a great example. It stipulates that "No person shall throw, sweep, rake, blow, or deposit litter or rubbish in or upon any street, sidewalk, treebelt or other public place within the Town, except in public receptacles for that purpose, authorized private receptacles for collection or in an official Town disposal area." 

Marchetti Talks New Housing, New Approaches for 2026

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
11:27AM / Tuesday, January 06, 2026

The mayor, halfway through his four-year term, is applauded after giving his State of the City address at Monday's reorganization of government.  

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Housing insecurity sparked passionate conversations at City Hall in 2025. 

 

In 2026, some of that insecurity may be alleviated as Mayor Peter Marchetti expects new housing units to come online, along with partnerships to reach people in need. 

 

By 2027, 255 new housing units are anticipated from various developers. Pittsfield has supported several projects through tax incentives, grant funding, and American Rescue Plan Act monies. 

 

This includes 41 affordable units at Terrace 592 on North Street, 37 permanent supportive units at The First and on West Housatonic Street, 35 units (seven affordable) at the Wright Building on North Street, and home ownership projects undertaken by the Westside Legends. 

 

"Since I took office as mayor, housing has been at the forefront of my agenda," the mayor said during his State of the City Address on Monday. 

 

"I have had countless conversations with my colleagues from across the commonwealth about ways to meet the needs of our community, which include improving the aging housing stock and increasing the inventory of quality units. We have made great strides in housing over the past year, but I know we have a much longer road ahead." 

 

He renewed his commitment to working with community partners and organizations in 2026 to address the needs of Pittsfield's most vulnerable residents through the exploration of new ideas and existing impactful ones.