pittsfield

Pittsfield Makes Way For Medical Marijuana

Lucas Willard — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 22:20:00 +0000

Under the ballot measure approved by Massachusetts voters legalizing medical marijuana last year, up to 35 licenses for dispensaries could be opened across the state. The state Department of Public Health revealed its final regulations for the distribution of the drug in May, and Pittsfield has been one of many localities working to change zoning regulations to accommodate the arrival of the dispensaries.

Williamstown To Apply For Cultural Designation

Lucas Willard — Fri, 31 May 2013 22:00:00 +0000

The selectboard of Williamstown recently voted to allow the town to pursue a Cultural District Designation from the state of Massachusetts designed to promote economic development through the arts.

On Wednesday evening, the Williamstown selectboard gave the go-ahead for town residents to seek out a Cultural District Designation from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The designation is not a monetary award but includes signage and serves as a badge of honor in recognition of community efforts to promote the arts and humanities.

Pittsfield Mayor Will Run For Second Term

Lucas Willard — Sat, 25 May 2013 16:00:00 +0000

Dan Bianchi announced Friday that he has taken out nomination papers to run for a second term as mayor of Pittsfield.

In a statement Bianchi said that in his next term he intends to continue building his economic development program for the city. He also said that he plans to continue his work on improving the city’s schools, including strengthening career vocational programs at Taconic High School.

Pittsfield Mayor Will Run For Second Term

Lucas Willard — Fri, 24 May 2013 21:35:22 +0000

Dan Bianchi announced Friday that he has taken out nomination papers to run for a second term as mayor of Pittsfield.

"Born Learning Trail" Opens To Promote Early Literacy In Pittsfield

Lucas Willard — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:11:00 +0000

Monday’s ceremony marked the installation of the Born Learning Trail, a series of signs along a pathway through a playground at Springside Park in Pittsfield, aimed young children and their families to encourage outdoor activity and reading.

The Born Learning Trail comes from efforts by Pittsfield Promise, a city-wide coalition that is working through a variety of projects with a goal of boosting reading proficiency levels among Pittsfield third-graders to 90 percent by 2020.

Mass. Medical Marijuana Regulations Approved, Communities Prepare For Dispensaries

Lucas Willard — Thu, 09 May 2013 22:56:56 +0000

On Wednesday, public health officials in Massachusetts approved a set of final regulations for the use of medical marijuana, and before the first dispensaries are expected to open, some communities are taking action to accommodate them.

The state’s Public Health Council approved the draft regulations on medical marijuana drawn up by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

Under the law approved by voters last November, up to 35 dispensaries will open in communities across the state, but not for the next several months.

Pittsfield Fire Department Awarded FEMA Grant to Upgrade Equipment

Lucas Willard — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:57:14 +0000

Massachusetts Democratic Congressman Richard Neal joined city and public safety officials in Pittsfield today to announce a federal grant that will help the city upgrade its fire safety equipment.

Pittsfield Celebrates Arbor Day

Lucas Willard — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Members of the Pittsfield community gathered to celebrate Arbor Day at Pitt Park. The park was founded 100 years ago, one of the city’s first parks.

The public gathered in the park under the branches of an Eastern Cottonwood tree that Jim McGrath, Parks and Open Spaces Director for the City of Pittsfield, said was here before the city was founded. It is at least 300 years old.

"We're pleased that we can celebrate this grand champion on Arbor Day," said McGrath.

Mass. Interim Commissioner of Department of Transitional Assistance to Hear Comments in Pittsfield

Lucas Willard — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 19:07:53 +0000

In the wake of a report released earlier this year by the Massachusetts Inspector General suggesting that $25 million may be wasted in the welfare system annually, and following the resignation of former Commissioner of the Department of Transitional Assistance Daniel Curley, recently-appointed Interim Commissioner Stacey Monahan is touring the Bay State holding a series of listening sessions to hear feedback and suggestions from the public on how to improve the DTA system.

Pittsfield Welcomes Irish Visitors

Lucas Willard — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 16:00:00 +0000

Members of Pittsfield’s Irish sister city committee welcomed guests from Ballina, Ireland on Friday afternoon at Pittsfield City Hall.

Rob Dwyer, president of the Irish Sister City Committee said that since Pittsfield chose Ballina as its sister city in 1998, due to similarities in its “small-town” feel and economy, the two communities have grown close.