Pittsfield Asks for Info on Vandalism, Ransacking in Parks

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city is asking that community members report suspicious activity after two parks were vandalized and ransacked.

On Friday, it was reported that Clapp Park, located on West Housatonic Street, and the Common on First Street experienced recent acts of vandalism that included destruction of the bathroom fixtures and the control room.

Copper was taken from both locations. The metal is commonly stolen and sold for profit.

"Both parks are vital resources to our community. We are devastated that this activity has taken place and are going to try our best to have things repaired in time for spring," the city posted on its Facebook page.

"However, we have a lot of work ahead to have bathroom facilities and splash pads available in these two locations."


The post included pictures of what appear to be control rooms with broken pipes and other materials scattered on the ground.

"We now must purchase, repair, and install new doors, locks, toilets, sinks, dispensers, and mirrors," it reads.

"In addition, we need to obtain replacement parts and piping to properly operate the bathrooms and splash pads."

Both parks have bathroom facilities and splash pads, which are recreation areas that spray water on users during the warm months.

The city asked that if members of the public have seen any suspicious activity in either park recently to report it to the Pittsfield Police Department at 413-448-9700.

Additional updates will be shared closer to the spring season.


Tags: vandalism,   

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Dalton Fire District Approves Tentative Budget

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Fire District's Prudential Committee approved an anticipated budget of more than three million during its meeting last week. 
 
The district's projected budget amounts to $3,569,222.44, comprising the budgets for the commissioner, treasurer, Water Department, and Fire and Ambulance services. This is an increase of $44,542.44
 
The Board of Water Commissioners voted to recommend utilizing $375,000 from the funds raised by the ambulance to offset the amount to appropriate. 
 
The district's Board of Water Commissioners and Prudential Committee collaborated during the budgeting process to mitigate increases. 
 
The Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services' budgets total is forecast at $1,847,512, a decrease of $26,096. 
 
The department initially requested a budget of $2,052,512. However, the board voted last week to remove Articles 22 through 24, which amounted to $205,000 in spending, until its free cash is certified.  
 
Article 22 requested $80,000 to create an apparatus replacement fund. 
 
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