Letter: Working for You, Keeping Promises

To the Editor:

Hello everyone, the last couple months have certainly flown by quickly. So, once again another campaign is upon us. I am looking forward to again getting your valued support for a three-year term so I can continue serving the people of Dalton. I am very pleased with what has been started in my brief time in office. Each item that was started was a promise made during my campaign, and I would really like to make sure these things happen. And best of all, together I know we can make sure they do.

Over the last couple months I have been busy keeping my campaign promises:

I promised to listen. I have continued my weekly office hours at the Town Hall and also meet with people stopping by my campaign headquarters. I return phone calls in a timely manner and I answer emails. I feel I have been very effective and transparent in educating and being knowledgeable for the public. And what I don't know, I have tried to go out, learn and bring back to people to answer their questions.

I promised to be supportive. I have been working with town employees and residents trying to equitably resolve the dust issue residents of Pleasant Street and Raymond Drive have been dealing with for a long time. I, along with the other members of the Planning Committee, have also been trying to resolve the issues related to Robert's gravel processing operation.

I promised to help improve the town's infrastructure. I am pleased to note that I encouraged the reactivation of the stormwater commission and that we now have a full committee with a great group of capable people. One of the Commission's goals is to map the existing stormwater piping, identify areas in greatest need of repair, and create a repair schedule for the next 20 years that fits within the town's budget. I hope that when stormwater is well underway, we can then look at the sanitary sewer system.

Robert E.W. Collins
Dalton, Mass. 

Collins won election to complete a term on the Dalton Select Board in a special election in February and is running for a full three-year term in May.

Allendale Pines North Affordable Manufactured Homes Sell Fast

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:17PM / Saturday, August 22, 2026

Developer Teton Management cut the ribbon on the first six hopes in the manufactured housing community earlier this year. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Just a few months after Allendale Pines North cut the ribbon on its first six homes in the new manufactured home community, units in the planned development are selling fast with both first and second phases all but sold out.

 

For several years, Teton Management Corp. has been planning to expand its existing Allendale Pines Mobile Community with the development of 22 planned manufactured housing units. The new development has its own entrance at 395 Cheshire Road. 

 

The need for attainable housing has never been higher, Teton President George Whaling said. 

 

"And where we sought the opportunity to help with that demand is, we can get folks into a home at Allendale Pines North for essentially a couple of $100 less than what it would cost for someone to rent a three-bedroom of the same quality," he said. 

 

The corporation took over Allendale Pines, now referred to as Allendale Pines South, about 6 1/2 years ago, Whaling said. 

 

Since then, the corporation has invested $1,000,001 in infrastructure improvements, including replacing all water and sewer lines, paving the community and installing the infrastructure needed for 10 additional units, he said. 

 

Additionally, it has been working to clean up and improve the community, which was lacking during previous ownership, said Jason Nocher, owner of Nocher Realty, which has been hired to help sell the units.