Dalton BOH Looking at Fines for Permit Scofflaws

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
02:12PM / Thursday, February 12, 2026Print Story | Email Story

DALTON, Mass. — The town is looking to be more proactive in ensuring businesses renew their permits on time.

At Tuesday's meeting, the Board of Health was presented with a draft notice from Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Health Agent Jazu Stine to send to business owners about deadlines and fines for late permit renewals.

Stine said there has not been any motivating factors such as fines or deadlines for the renewals in the past and this should help businesses get those permits in on time. He has noticed a lot of businesses do not get their permits in on time and many do not get submitted until they are "chased down."

There are still businesses that have not applied for their annual renewal, which are needed by Dec. 1.

Dalton is not the only town asked to accept the draft; once it is accepted with any amendments, it will be uploaded into permiteyes online application. If someone does not submit their permit on time, a fine will be added to the permit fee and the permit will not be granted until fine is paid.

At the Board of Health's discretion, cease-and-desist letters will be issued to establishments that continue to operate without a current permit and have not made reasonable efforts to meet the permit renewal requirements.

The letter is planned to go out on Nov. 1, a month ahead of the deadline.

The board noted that Dwyer Funeral Home had not renewed its permit; multiple emails have been sent and calls made with no response.

New board member Patrick Carsell works there and will speak with the owners and the board will give the funeral home a week before sending a letter. If not heard from, the board will decide what further action will need to be taken at the next meeting.

In other business, the board also spoke about amending the current noise ordinance bylaw as it currently states operating a chainsaw is a violation and its enforcements are unclear. The board plans to work with the Clean Air Committee to make it more realistic and enforceable.

Tags: board of health, permitting,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

Greylock Youth SummerFest

Come join in on the wealth building fun! August 3-8. Click for event details. Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield's Christian Center Rebrands as 'The Center'

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:41PM / Tuesday, August 04, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Christian Center is becoming The Center, and assures the community that while the logo and name have changed, "Our heart has not."

The rebrand was announced on Tuesday after months of listening sessions, community conversations, and surveys. It was emphasized that the organization's heart, mission, and commitment to the community are unchanged.

The Center will host its annual Community Day, including a name change celebration, on Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"While our name is shifting, our core purpose remains steadfast. Alongside our new name, we are introducing our defining tagline—Nourish. Empower. Connect.—which reflects the three principles guiding everything we do," Executive Director Jessica Jones wrote in a newsletter.

"Whether through our food pantry, meal program, free clothing boutique, or community events, our work remains focused on helping our neighbors access essential resources, build connections, and thrive."

The new logo features a fork, carrot, heart, and shirt, representing the pillars of The Center's service.

The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974, but it dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission, founded by the Methodist Church.

Today, its main focus is food insecurity, but it also provides clothing, household items, and sanitary supplies to those who need them. The Center operates a food pantry, upstairs free shop, and serves breakfast and lunch, as well as offering assistance in accessing resources.

View Full Story