Pittsfield to Host Community Input Forum on Future of City Parks

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield's Community Development Department will be hosting a community forum, on Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.,to gather input as part of an ongoing update to the city's Open Space and Recreation Plan.

The forum will be held at City Hall, located at 70 Allen Street, in the Council Chambers.

The forum is designed to help city leaders learn more about the goals and objectives of the various park users and stakeholder groups and to hear thoughts about the city's future park and recreation needs. All residents that are interested in local park, open space, and recreation issues are encouraged to participate.

For additional information, contact James McGrath, Parks, Open Space and Natural Resources Manager at (413) 499-9344.

 

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Pittsfield Council Preview: Councilor Privacy & Halting Berkshire Gas Work Permits

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Tuesday, the City Council will see requests to protect their own safety when it comes to sensitive information, and to deny work permits from Berkshire Gas due to "substandard" conditions. 

A request to remove councilors' addresses from city documents and websites and replace them with "70 Allen Street" to improve safety will be referred to the Ordinances and Rules subcommittee. Councilors' addresses, city email, and phone numbers are currently available on Pittsfield's staff directory page. 

The petition was submitted by Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham, Ward 4 Councilor James Conant, and Ward 7 Councilor Katherine Moody. 

The councilors explain in the meeting packet that they want elected officials to have the option to replace their home addresses on all city documents and websites, including Pittsfield Community Television, with the City Hall address. 

Recently, the City Council approved Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi's request to amend City Council Rule 1C. Rule 1C requires individuals to disclose their name, address, and the subject they wish to address the council about on a sheet before the open microphone portion of meetings.

Lampiasi asked to only require a person's name and municipality. 

"I don't think that submitting a street address is really appropriate," she explained to the O&R subcommittee earlier this month. 

"It feels invasive, and there are some safety concerns for folks." 

President Earl Persip III wants Berkshire Gas to correct safety and access issues before Pittsfield allows them to do additional work on city property. 

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