Letter: Re: Healey Gives Municipalities Say on Data Centers, Pittsfield Eyes Moratorium

Letter to the Editor03:00PM / Wednesday, September 23, 2026Print Story | Email Story

To the Editor:

Maura Healey's signing of an executive order which allows municipalities to say no to unwanted and environmentally harmful data centers is a move in the right direction for protecting the environment in Massachusetts. Still, there is more to be done.

With the arrival of fall, the Berkshires will see its peak tourism season. Litter is a huge problem everywhere, but especially in a place that claims to care about our wildlife and beautiful landscape.

There should be stricter enforcement of litter fines and more information about the environmental impact of littering, along with more opportunities for volunteer cleanups. Regions that still provide single-use plastic bags should be encouraged to switch to reusable fabric or paper bags.

We should be following Healey's movement with more action against pollution and waste.

Alexandra Leahey
Pittsfield, Mass.

Tags: data systems,

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Friday Front Porch Feature: Historic Craftmanship on Park Avenue

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:26PM / Friday, November 06, 2026

DALTON, Mass. — Are you looking for a unique estate with historic craftsmanship? Then this is 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 1 Park Ave.

This four-bedroom, 4 1/2-bath house was built in 1913 and is 6,755 square feet (which includes a finished third floor) with more than five acres.

The home is rich in character with wood flooring, a sweeping staircase, and original architectural details that are a rare find.

The main level includes a kitchen with a butler's pantry and a walk-in pantry. There is also a living room with fireplace, a den, drawing room, and multiple porches to enjoy the outdoors.

Upstairs you'll find the primary suite that includes a sitting room and a sun porch. It also has a bathroom with a jetted soaking tub, steam shower, and bidet.

The home also has a four-car garage and its finished third floor is perfect to use as another living space or a recreational room.

The house is on the market for $1,275,000.

We spoke with Sheila Thunfors with Stone House Properties who is listing the home.

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

It is so rare to find a house of this vintage with such exceptional craftsmanship and in such outstanding condition. To replicate would be near impossible and beyond exorbitant in cost. There is a remarkable balance of elegance with comfortable everyday living.