Pittsfield Seeking Community Input on Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee of Pittsfield has developed a comprehensive Hazard Mitigation Plan Update that identifies and prioritizes strategies to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards and climate change on our community.
 
Pittsfield's Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee has developed this plan as a strategy for the  city against existing and future natural hazard threats and the evolving challenges posed by climate change. Implementation of this plan will enhance the resilience to hazards such as flooding, snowstorms, high winds, and extreme temperatures.
 
Public engagement lies at the core of our Hazard Mitigation Plan. It is imperative that this plan reflects the diverse perspectives and priorities of the community members as the city moves to mitigate risks posed by natural hazards and climate change.
 
The draft plan can be viewed on the Pittsfield's Fire Department webpage on the city's website.
 
Comments on the draft plan can be provided using the Google form or via email to tsammons@cityofpittsfield.org by Friday, June 20, 2025.
 
City officials and local stakeholders developed this plan with funding support from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency. Federal Emergency Management Agency
 
(FEMA) approval, and City adoption, of the Hazard Mitigation Plan allows the City to pursue pre- and post-disaster hazard mitigation grant opportunities.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Planning Board Denies Berkshire Concrete's Special Permit

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — After five meetings, the Planning Board voted to deny Berkshire Concrete's special permit, however, the company can still reapply before its current permit expires. 
 
After about 40 minutes of deliberation, board members reiterated recurring concerns raised in previous meetings: the company's lack of clear mitigation plans and ambiguous documentation outlining its work plans.
 
"I really have no confidence in their proposal so far," said Chair Zack McCain III.
 
The board denied the permit without prejudice, meaning Berkshire Concrete, a subsidiary of Petricca Industries, can reapply before its current permit expires in December 2027. 
 
According to the current permit, earth removal, such as excavation, processing, and reclamation is allowed on lots 217-3 and 106-55.1, but is subject to several conditions set forth in 1992, 1994, and 2000. 
 
Conditions include hours of operations, traffic regulations, restoration requirements, and other stipulations. 
 
This decision indicates the board's belief, based on testimony and provided evidence that the excavation activities in the areas cannot occur without having a negative impact on the abutting neighborhood. 
 
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