Letter: Dalton Finance Committee — Thank you

To the Editor:

This fiscal budget season has been a very difficult one for the Finance Committee and chairs. These professional individuals put their time and talent into doing what is best for the town and its people.

This year they have been harassed not once but twice by requests from individuals through the Request for Information. People who are trying to prove Open Meeting violations which have not occurred. They have been belittled and chastised on social media and in public for doing their job in which they are elected. People who took the words "surplus," "excess," "money not used" and made it into a defunding rampage.

At no time was defunding ever mentioned in meetings. By making such false statements brings into question, "should the committee be looking further into these budgets rather than just surplus."

Putting this aside, what makes this Finance Committee unique is that they are professionals who come from different business backgrounds. A group that comes together during their meetings and works together to make a difference no matter how big or small, agree or disagree all on behalf of the town. The respect they show to each other and the people who attend, no matter what their differences, is an example of their integrity and leadership.

When opposition comes to them, they stay focused with the task at hand and do what is best during the budget process. I am truly proud to be part of such a committee. To the past and present members, to our chair and co-chair I would just like to say thank you so very much for being who you are and for the inspiration, perspective and leadership you have shown throughout this year’s budget season.

Karen Schmidt
Dalton, Mass. 

Schmidt is a member of the Dalton Finance Committee. 

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.