Pittsfield Announces Phase Three of Spring Hydrant Flushing Schedule

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PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The City of Pittsfield's water system will begin phase three of its spring flushing schedule on Monday, May 5.

Water mains will be flushed Monday through Friday each week, excluding holidays, between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. This phase is anticipated to last from May 5 to May 9.

On Monday only, early morning flushing will also occur from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. The affected area includes South Street from the intersection of South Street and East Housatonic Street to Park Square; North Street from Park Square to Wahconah Street; and Wahconah Street from North Street to Charles Street.

Flushing is expected to affect the following areas:

  • Various locations along Park, King, and Onota streets near Von Nida Street, Walnut Street, Fort Hill Avenue, South Street, and Velma Avenue.
  • All of West Housatonic Street from South Street to Callahan Drive and all adjacent neighborhood streets, including Boylston Street, Cadwell Road, and Lebanon and Cole avenues.
  • West Street from Park Square to Fort Hill Avenue and all connecting neighborhood streets.
  • Several locations along Center Street, Valentine Road, Pecks Road, Thomas Island, Upper North and outer Wahconah streets, Lakeway Drive, and Linden Street.
  • Hancock Road starting at the North Street intersection, encompassing the Highland and Ridge Avenue neighborhoods.

The city's Office of the Mayor stated that while flushing may cause temporary discolored water and reduced water pressure in the immediate vicinity of the flushing, measures will be taken to maintain proper treatment and disinfection levels within the water system. Residents who experience discolored water are advised to run their water for a short time until it clears before using it.

Residents experiencing persistent discolored water or low pressure are asked to contact the Water Department at (413) 499-9339.

The city noted that flushing is a standard operational procedure that plays a key role in maintaining water quality within the distribution system and expressed gratitude for residents' patience during this process.

 


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Pittsfield Council Revisiting DEI Office Rename

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The conversation about the DEI office renaming that was halted by a charter objection will resume on Tuesday. 

The City Council will discuss a request from Mayor Peter Marchetti to rename the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  

It proposes to rename the DEI office to the Office of Equity, Access, and Opportunity and merge the Human Rights Commission and Affirmative Action Committee into an Equity, Access and Opportunity Commission.

The Ordinance and Rules Subcommittee supported the changes in August, and in September, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham delayed the vote with a charter objection. 

Pittsfield's City Code prohibits charter states that "if a single member present objects to the taking of the vote, the vote shall be postponed until the next meeting of the city council." It also stipulates that at least four members must object if it is an emergency measure.

Cunningham also submitted a petition, which was referred to O&R under Rule 27, to replace the DEI Office and the Human Rights Commission with an equity, access, and opportunity coordinator in the Department of Community Development, with formal complaints and Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action functions assigned to Human Resources.

At the last meeting, he spent more than an hour querying the mayor and chief diversity officer about functions and effectiveness of the department, wanting more quantitative data.  Cunningham proposed an ordinance that he says keeps Pittsfield's commitment to equity, access, and opportunity, "refocuses it on measurable results for our residents, and delivers it at a fraction of the current cost." 

Under this petition, the equity, access, and opportunity coordinator would be a $60,000 to $80,000 per year position.

The DEI Office's fiscal year 2027 budget was about $200,000 after cuts during budget season; $106,700 for the chief diversity officer and $58,000 for the administrative assistant. The coordinator would be appointed by the director of community development and the mayor. 

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