QUIK HITZ & HOT LIX: NO ENTRANCE ON ‘STREETSCAPED’ (‘STREETRAPED’) NORTH STREET … THS BREAKS WIND TODAY … SUPERCITIZEN KINNAS STRIKES AGAIN … DID JIV JIVE WITH DOUBLE LIES?
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION, MAY 13-15, 2016) — Lots to cover, so let us do it in QH&HL style. For those not in the know, THE PLANET means Quick Hitz and Hot Lix.
No Exit … or Entrance — Yesterday you may have read the comment from PLANET correspondent Bull Durham, bemoaning the bombing and devastation of another section of North Street due to the pedestrian banality of Streetscape: a.k.a Streetrape. Bull needed to go to Mad Macs, but how to get in? He then reminded us of the city’s promise: “No businesses will be blocked during construction.” Right. The Secret Squadron tells THE PLANET that “all the businesses have temporary entrances. … The Mad Macs entrance is temporarily on Union Street.” That torn up stretch of real estate, which features more web-surfing cops and out-of-shape sheriff’s deputies per-square-foot than anywhere on the planet (but not THE PLANET, where they are not allowed) has been (and will continue to be) a crushing blow to affected merchants. One gave us his keys and said, “Here. Give them to the mayor for us. We might as well be closed.” Just what is it about Pittsfield? Answers, anyone?
Breaking Wind — We have no doubt the Mainstream Media, led by the ever-irrelevant Boring Brodsheet, shall soil themselves from loss of control with the rapturous way they will play the groundbreaking ceremonies today, Friday the 13th, for the new Taconic High School. Authorities are still sticking with the $121 million figure. THE PLANET goes with (and will stay with) $200 million. Wanna bet who comes closest once every last kickback has been delivered? Bet the house on THE PLANET. If you need convincing, digest the recent news that the still-to-come Berkshire Innovation Center, approved with a $6 million budget, has been revised upward. The new expected cost is $11 million.
Supercitizen Strikes Again — Credit Terry Kinnas once again for service to citizens above and beyond. On March 2, a problem at the city’s Ashley Reservoir caused a chemical pump to fail. This in turn compromised water quality for the city’s southeast section. People with compromised immune systems, infants, and elderly especially were put at risk. Unconscionably, the city Department of Public Utilities did not notify affected residents until April 22, and then by snail mail. Kinnas received his notice on April 25. Thus, for seven+ weeks, did the citizens in that section drink and use polluted city water? It sure as hell looks like it. Questions: Why didn’t the city use the instant phone alert that could have notified residents the same day? We ask Mayor Linda Tyer: Is this acceptable to you? Is this what you mean by a responsive, alert, open city government? Why did the DPU sit on the volatile information for seven weeks. Did you even know about it? If not, why not? If so, why didn’t your office act? More importantly, what do you intend to do about it ex post facto? On behalf of bedraggled Pittsfield citizens, who have no voice, THE PLANET demands answers. The city’s April 22 missive admits to a “violation” as well as “an increased chance that the water may contain disease-causing organisms.” If you live in the southeast section and experienced symptoms similar to a stomach flu or “Montezuma’s Revenge,” you might have a great class action against the city. THE PLANET advises that you check with an attorney.
JIV Jives Once Again — THE PLANET finally heard from the worthless (at $200,000 a year) Pittsfield superintendent of school Jason “Jake” JIV McCandless on our request for information. You will recall we asked for the city or town of residence of municipal employees. Mayor Tyer turned our request to personnel and to the school department. JIV got back to us with an incredible, incredulous response. First, though we received the letter via e-mail on May 12, he has post-dated it to May 3. We are not fooled by this moronic post-dating. Now the absurdity rises past the level of guano. JIV writes “In your [April 27] letter you request ‘a list of all the home addresses and home phones numbers of every City of Pittsfield employee.’” That, too, is a … a what? A lie? We can’t say, but we do know as absolute fact: We requested no such thing. We asked for NO PERSONALLY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION: no “home addresses,” no “home phone numbers,” no e-mails addresses, no Davy Crockett iron-ons. THE PLANET fired back a letter, copying in the mayor, asking “how on earth [did] the superintendent get the erroneous … wording he ascribes to me from my April 27, 2016 request. He has made a serious error … and I am owed an explanation for this misunderstanding or, worse, misrepresentation.”
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Ah, but not to worry. At the wind breaking today on Valentine Road, your city officials will assure you that Happy Days Are Here Again and All Is Swell.
With that, THE PLANET opens The Comment Line. Give us your best: No idiocy or ignorance, just good, vibrant, intelligent debate, discussion, deliberation and dialog.
Have a great weekend, everybody!
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“We are men of action. Lies to not become us.” — William Goldman
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
The views expressed in the comment section or opinions published within the text other than those of PLANET VALENTI are not those of PLANET VALENTI or endorsed in any way by PLANET VALENTI; this website reserves the right to remove any comment which violates its Rules of Conduct, and it is not liable for the consequences of any posted comment as provided in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and PLANET VALENTI’s terms of service.
The School committee supports the turn over of DATA.that Joe Curtis has on his DATA screen .Joe loves DATA and he produced more DATA than any principle in the state.This is a great weekend project for Joe.
We at the school committee are also intetested in simple DATA like this……we are pretty sure this DATA is boring and not informative.
How much dynamite will be needed to build the new Taconic with school in session.Also TheSchool committee has decided to have principle meetings after the students go home for the day.
Well Dan it is becoming clear to me. The ($200,000) Superintendent has reading comprehension challenges. This may help explain his poor performance.
Concerning the Boring Broadsheet. Do they pay property taxes in Pittsfield? If so are they getting any special breaks that might influence how they report the news?
We don’t know the answer, but the question, as always, is more important.
Mrs.Amuso you built the school department and now its time to dismantle it.Lets pay very close attention to her then when she tells us how much courage it took not to cut the school budget we will vote in anyone but her.
Oxymoron Alert; On his CG news hour, the Wiz debased DV and stated The Planet has a following of five (5) and that DV’s PCTV show has a viewing audience of one (1).
Yet he again dsplayed a visual of The Planet with posting displayed and focused on Dan’s personal pictures.
It appears that without Dan Valenti and The Planet, The Gaetani News Hour would not be able to be produced, as The Planet and DV is always a major part of the usual redundacy. How about some originality, Wiz ?
And DV, you must appreciate the constant promotion of your media and efforts.
You should go on his show as a guest. I see that he has his email address displayed quite a bit. These PCTV shows are always looking for sharp guests just like you.
The legends of DAN VALENTI and THE PLANET loom large in his bizzy mind, indeed. He doesn’t even charge us rent for the large space we occupy there. His constant promotion of us is appreciated, indeed, especially given his show’s vast viewing audience!
The best two hours on a Friday night are on channel 16.
9:00 PM Planet Valenti
10:00 PM The Pittsfield News Hour
See what all the furor is about for yourself
The letter (dated April 22, 2016) about our drinking water (“Tests showed increased turbidity in Pittsfield Public Water) wasn’t just sent to those living in the southeast section of the city.
Those letters were also received by residents in other parts of the city. I also received one of them.
My family has been using bottled water for some time. I don’t trust city officials…..and isn’t this a good example.
If the water department followed the protocols established 30 years ago by the water plants designer and builder there would not have been a problem. That’s the bottom line. Whoever screwed it up should be fired. His initials are BC and I don’t mean Barry Clairmont.
BC is The Most Overpaid Screw up I have ever seen. The tolerance is incredible. Anywhere else, he would have been let go long ago…due to incompetence. He will walk into the sunset with a Pension besides. This is,what’s wrong in America.
Could it be uh Bruce Collingwood, the same Bruce Collingwood who runs a Colon Cleansing Company? He is his own worst enema…heh heh
Thanks, SPIDER. That makes the story even worse. How the city could wait for seven weeks to notify people of this breach is inexcusable. We will wait, somewhat patiently, for Mayor Tyer to respond.
Residents in Tony Simonelli’s ward received them too. Wonder if he did. I did.
me too.
Spider, an ounce of 100 proof Smirnoff in a glass of Collingwood’s mismanaged H20 should make it safe.
School committee person Taylor just called the School committee sexist in pay and shes in charge of contracts…paraproffesioals are 32 hour weeks and 40 weeks per year but full time benefits. Taylor is not the brightest bulb.
let’s vote these fools out…..alreadytyred@aol.com
T S C isn’t Pittsdield number five in prescript opiates. Wonder what Docotrms are on the list?
Sorry. No names, addresses, towns, cities etc. All personnel info is top secret. Makes it more difficult to cover up misdeeds for connected, important, elite folk if any info is out there. All names will be changed to protect the innocent. (Dragnet)
KGB stuff.
In Pittsfield it’s the KGOB
The City Council has the final say, just to let you know. The Mayor and School Committee are the advocates for the increase. Just to let you know.
Another protocol that I cannot stand, is when proposal is sought at City Council, the Councilor’s will say motion approved for the purpose of debate ( paraphrasing ) Way to much verbal slight of hand,it’s sickening. It’s almost Code for to what they are going to do when approving.
Ohter than Councilor Rivers, doesn’t seem to be the urgency to make cuts, mostly in the Schools. Maybe they can slip some in while Kerwood adjusts the microphone? Amuso say she want cuts also, we’ll see?
Amuso will be cutting a ribbon today……or maybe she’ll just cut the cheese.
The City Council approved the School Project. So why did a City Councilor ask the Treasure what why or where spending is currently occuring.
The maximum price is guranteed. Now is there is a castastrophe occurs, still guaranteed. Question, let’s say there is a two million dollar above the guarantee? that still stands, but does tha means certain costs could be scaled down to make up for any cost overruns, or is it insured, just a question, who makes up an any adjustment?
Amuso is saying we cannot go over 128 m, forbidden. You could interprett that many ways, Kathy.
Interesting that she is now officially using a figure MORE THAN the original $121 million. THE PLANET interprets this as vindication, since we’ve been saying all along the 121 is not realistic. The better figure would be $0.
Incredible, Taylor says the School Department is being hit with our local tax base. Is she for real?
Unfortunately, HALO, yes. She is for real. Kinda makes alternate realities all the more appealing, eh?
Mayor Linda M. Tyer is not to serve on the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority’s board of directors.The board’s three new members are Krystle Gallo, Churchill Cotton and BARRY CLAIRMONT.
She doesn’t need to be on that board with Mr BARRY CLAIRMONT on the board.
Fair point, but THE PLANET has no problem with BARRY on the PEDA board. BC is intelligent, shoots squarely, and is a plus by virtue of his experience in both private and public sectors.
Thanks, Dan, for the vote of confidence.
Barry
I always supported you too! I like you Honesty!
You should stay in City Council!
A.B.
I cannot believe this one. According to the local newspaper ;Mayor Linda Tyer wants to extend tax breaks for the millionaire owner of Beacon theater. After all the breaks and freebies he got building that place they are going to pile on more tax breaks while soaking the shit out of the elderly trying to hang onto their homes???
If anyone had ANY doubt about how indebted she is to her backers they know now. Forget about any help for long time suffering blue collar taxpayers. You want a tax break in Pittsfield you need to be wealthy to get it. Spice got one. Haddad got one. Hotel North Tierney got one. I am sure there are more but none of them are living on a fixed income that is for sure. I will be boycotting all business’s who feel they deserve tax breaks while others suffer.
She might as well just take a dump on our heads. I had a tad of hope left for her but that has gone completely out the window.
Surprised but pleased that the Eagle did not hide the story.
DUSTY
Spot on. An extension of the tax breaks for “the millionaire owner of the Beacon” should be OUT OF THE QUESTION. That he got them in the first place was bad enough. To extend them is worse. This, of course, confirms what the industry is saying: That the Beacon is barely meeting costs. Doing business in downtown Pittsfield, with little to no parking and lots and lots of gang and drug activity, is a perilous proposition. THE PLANET longs for the days of old-fashioned entrepreneurship. A person comes in with his own risk capital (usually supplemented by loans from PRIVATE banks who vet and agree that his venture has a reasonable chance of success), sets up shop, and lives or dies by the verdict of the customers. The public till was never meant to be used as a bank for such projects. Taxpayers usually lose twice: First with the initial loans and tax breaks, and second if and when the enterprise goes belly up. They’re still on the hook.
Why was Warren Dews, a resident of Hinsdale shilling for the Beacon at the CC meeting?
Maybe if the Beacon had a wider variety of Movies they might actually attract viewers.
Of course he is going to cry poor. I feel so sorry for him with all the property he owns.
The poor little millionaire needs a tax break….I am personally redacting the rest of my own comments
Also, wondering if the town of Great Barrington gave them a tax break, and if so is it still in effect?
If they receive a tax break from the City of Pittsfield, all City residence shall get 3$ off ticket prices and 2$ of beers.
Does anyone else doubt that he holds 30 full time equivalent positions ? I don’t kno a movie theatre that employs that many .. if he really wants those breaks.. open your books ! Half of the people involved with this crap couldn’t be transparent if they were a sheet of tracing paper ..
Dusty, the other thing with the Beacon is it has not delivered as promised. We were promised that it would be playing movies like the Triplex in Gt Barrington. All they play is the same thing as the Regal at the Berk Mall. Why would anyone go to the Beacon when you can go to the mall, get tons of free parking, super nice employees and great reclining seats.
If that is true then no one has to wate anymore to find out what kind of Mayor L T will be.
Dan, thanks for the heads up on tainted PISSfield water.
The Town of Lenox draws a significant amount of water from the PISSfield southeast lines, despite the ASSurances from the Town of no need for new sources and continued increases of water using developments for “toristas” and the hotel/motel lobby.
Was the Town of Lenox notified of the tainted water they were purchasing from PISSfield? If not that is another problem. If so then that is TWO problems. North Lenox did not get a boil water warning.
On top of that problem, the Town of Lenox puts out a report of the water quality the water department produces. There is no mention of which portion of the Town does not receive Town water, a Krofta system, but rather the PISSfield source and no report on the quality of that product.
BTW, I did get the “scutters” a couple of times in the dates you listed, perhaps from the water the Town buys from PISSfield?
What happens when PISSfield goes belly up, can’t maintain it’s water supply in the near future, and North Lenox has permanently foul tainted product?
Town Fathers hear me? Or heads in the sand?
Both Lenox and Pittsfield water is treated by Krofta systems but apparently both towns don’t follow the protocols established by the builder of the plants.
Southeast water had to be bad. Is one thing, notifying weeks later waste problem.
Here’s an interesting fact I just learned. The entire SC, Mercer building, Mayor Tyer and half the CC hold degrees in economics from Never, Never Land University.
I believe Trish drinks Lenox Water?
Nope……she has water from the Never, Never land reservoir piped directly into her home.
We need to take a look at these economic engines like the Beacon, when then can’t sustain themselves. It’s incredible that this Mayor would even consider any help in these times?????
As far as Clairmont on the P E D A Board, you have to ask yourself? Can it be any worse. Cory, you need to retire, you have failed as Chairman and have been well compensated for it.
I saw this article on a few different sites, liberal and conservative ones. So I’m just posting from one of the links.I firmly believe that this happens from the local, state and federal levels for many of the politicians from all parties.The best part is although it should seem shocking, it isn’t.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3586858/Screw-generation-Anonymous-congressman-writes-tell-slams-nation-naive-self-absorbed-sheep-admits-never-reads-bills-votes-on.html
North Street is a cultural mecca that competes with arts attractions in Paris, London, Manhattan, and L.A.
Tens of millions of taxpayer dollars have been spent on Pittsfield’s downtown revitalization.
Jimmy Ruberto even spent over $2 million from GE’s economic development fund on downtown Pittsfield projects.
Pittsfield should give more tax breaks to North Street businesses. After all, people from all over the world flock to downtown Pittsfield to go to Beacon Cinema, the Colonial Theater, and other tourist attractions.
Oh yeah, there are also gangs, drugs, violence, murders, lowlifes, criime, welfare, poverty, and other socioeconomic problems on North Street. But, downtown Pittsfield is going to rebuild Pittsfield’s local economy after Jack Welch neutron bombed the community.
You have to admit Mr. G that Limbo thing was funny?
The school committee and city coucilor s can afford more tax increases ,those of us that vote can not.They also believe Taconic will bring thousands of jobs ,just plain ignorance.
Jon Krol thought it was great that we have room to raise more taxes…..pay very close attention to your tax bills this year.Linda promised she would be the representative of retired elderly people who could not afford last years….she promised and apromise broken because your afraid of Teachers would be immoral
Tax breaks for millionaires is welfare for the rich. No different than section 8 and food stamps for the poor. At least the poor are doing it out of necessity rather than outright greed.
Mrs Taylor is on the school committee and believes schools are being short changed.If you asked her what do people do and is it cost effective to continue to do it she would not have any idea.
You will pay the 4. Plus, fund the school, fund the millionaire at Beacon, fund the parking deck, fund the raises and stipend for the P S C fund the O P E B – pay all municipal pay raises, buy new fire truck, throw in a new Public Works and Police Dept. There Is more, let’s wait for the violins.
Obama passes a law today that forces schools to allow people to use the rest room and shower of the gender to which they psychologically identify. This lunacy will extend to all schools and be enforced by the government. This government is out of control.
A few years ago I went to city hall to look into the Beacon deal. I had questions and was directed to Ann D. We sat down and my questions were: In the agreement that was made with the Beacon they were to employ a certain amount of employees full time and part time. What was that figure? What is the ACTUAL figure that they have been employing? They are sitting on one of the Free liquor licences for downtown, how often is that being used and for what purpose? I NEVER heard back. I don’t think they were hard questions.
Questions for PEDA board: How much has been dished out for salaries? Benefits? Marketing materials? Conferences? Construction? How much money have they taken in? How many contacts are made per week, month, etc and what are the outcomes? What are the reasons businesses haven’t wanted to come to Pittsfield? Who is accountable for these goals? In most businesses if goals aren’t met it’s bye bye. It’s time for PEDA to be ACCOUNTABLE to the citizens. The well has run dry and no more money should be given.
Is PEDA really an insurance company that manages the risks of financial losses?
They may have actually gotten three licenses in the beginning
That shit pile should have gone to a Superfund.
This is an actual quote from Pittsfield State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier in today’s Boring Broadsheet!
When potential business investors approach the city, she said, their first concern “is quite frankly, not lower taxes.” More important to businesses, she said, is “a well-educated work force.”
Source: “Groundbreaking kicks off construction on new Taconic High School” By Jim Therrien, The Berkshire Eagle, May 13, 2016.
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News Article –
“Groundbreaking kicks off construction on new Taconic High School”
By Jim Therrien, The Berkshire Eagle, May 13, 2016
PITTSFIELD – A groundbreaking Friday to launch Pittsfield’s $120.8 million new Taconic High School project drew more than 100 current and former school, city and state officials — as well as faculty, staff and students of the current school off Valentine Road.
A series of speakers — including School Building Needs Commission Co-Chairwoman Kathleen Amuso, state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, state Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and Superintendent Jason “Jake” McCandless — took turns thanking those who worked over nearly a decade to make the project a reality.
Amuso, a former School Committee member and now also a city councilor, and Farley-Bouvier noted that three mayors, five Pittsfield schools superintendents, some 30 councilors, and approximately 50 people who served on the SBNC have shown consistent, long-term support for the project.
“It really has been a long journey,” said Amuso, later adding, “I can’t wait until September 2018 to walk through the doors of a new Taconic High School.”
The 246,520-square-foot academic and vocational school will be constructed directly across from the current school’s main entrance, and the old building will be razed around the time of the 2018 ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The Massachusetts School Building Authority has issued approval for $74.2 million in state funding toward the Taconic project, and the City Council has approved bonding for up to $45 million for Pittsfield’s share of the cost.
Goldberg, who chairs the MSBA board, said that as a former Brookline selectwoman, she understands the tremendous effort involved in reaching this stage of a school construction project.
“I know what you went through,” the treasurer said. “But soon we will be putting shovels into that wet ground.”
When she thinks about such moments, Goldberg added, “it gives me chills.”
The treasurer said she has added staff members at the MSBA with local government experience, and she intends to develop new methods and strategies of working closely with school districts to facilitate construction projects.
Farley-Bouvier, who like Tyer became an early supporter of a new school while both were city councilors a decade ago, stressed that the effort was a collaborative one, stretching across the administrations of Mayors James M. Ruberto, Daniel L. Bianchi and now Tyer, who took office in January.
“This is everybody’s groundbreaking,” Farley-Bouvier said, citing for credit the MSBA, her fellow local state lawmakers, local school officials, city councilors who last year unanimously approved a bond for the construction and the many residents who voiced support.
“This has been a long … time … coming,” she said, speaking slowly for emphasis.
Speaking last, before officials left the school auditorium and braved a steady drizzle to sink golden shovels into the earth of the project site, McCandless joked that he felt like massive former Chicago Bears lineman William “Refrigerator” Perry, who occasionally was given the football near the goal line and rammed home a touchdown.
However, Amuso lauded McCandless for the multitasking job he did over his three years in Pittsfield schools in helping to nail down the final project approvals. That included securing state funding, working with the project designers, traveling to MSBA sessions in Boston, and remaining calm and positive despite the long, sometimes frustrating process, even when she was not so calm, Amuso said.
Thanking educators, officials, residents and state officials, McCandless said, “Thank you for believing in the power of education.” In the new Taconic High, he said, “we celebrate potential; we celebrate hope.”
“This is a milestone for all of us,” said Tyer, telling those present that “it is tempting in difficult economic times to dial back” such investments in the future, “but I think that is precisely the time to invest.”
She praised all those involved in making that commitment.
The new Taconic, with an enhanced vocational/technical course curriculum and modern classrooms, shops and other school spaces, is considered a key to boosting the city’s economy by preparing students for good-paying jobs now sometimes going unfilled in the region.
The project sends a message that “we are investing in our children and economic development,” Farley-Bouvier said.
When potential business investors approach the city, she said, their first concern “is quite frankly, not lower taxes.” More important to businesses, she said, is “a well-educated work force.”
She added that the greatest concern expressed by parents is that their children have a good education and opportunity for a good job afterward. “We are saying today to families, Pittsfield has invested in the education you want for your children,” the lawmaker said.
Taconic Principal John Vosburgh thanked the officials involved and residents for “having the courage to take this step,” saying he remembers other negative votes that sunk major development projects in the city.
Taylor Hebert, a member of the SkillsUSA team at Taconic, said she wishes she could experience the new high school but knows students and staff members will appreciate the planned building, as it will eliminate roof leaks, wild swings in indoor temperatures and hall sections not handicapped accessible in the aging current school.
“Thank you for investing in education, specifically in vocational education,” she said.
Also lauded were the city’s project consultants, Skanska USA, the project designers, Drummey Rosane Anderson of Waltham, the construction management firm, Gilbane Inc., and David Tierney Construction, a local firm working on the project.
They have been, “our outstanding professional partners,” Farley-Bouvier said.
The Taconic Chorus, directed by Jessica Passetto, performed at the start of the afternoon program.
Contact Jim Therrien at 413-496-6247. jtherrien@berkshireeagle.com @BE_therrien on Twitter.
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Why are these businesses asking for tax breaks if lower taxes are not the reason they are here?
…I would like it if people would stop thanking each other.Not 1 company will come to Pittsfield because our students.will walk through a different entry.Trisha sent her kids to Lenox high. WE cant afford 2 high schools for 1600 students so this is the new Pittsfield high.Say goodbye to the Dome,well done trish.
TFB fits the mentality of Pittsfield politics to a T! The answer to all of Pittsfield’s issues and problems is to raise both taxes and municipal spending!
* Thousands of jobs lost in Pittsfield over the past 4 decades
PP’s response: Raise both taxes and municipal spending!
* Thousands of population loss
PP’s response: Raise both taxes and municipal spending!
* A dead downtown
PP’s response: Spend tens of millions on downtown revitalization and call it an arts and cultural renaissance.
* Poorly performing public schools
PP’s response: Bond up to $45 million and increase the municipality’s debt load
Tricia Farley-Bouvier would rather raise taxes and increase municipal spending and debts than to reverse Pittsfield politics’ downward spiral!
I agree. Springfield had the same idea and built a technical school. It has done nothing for their economy.
Unfortunately New Taconic has a 950 student capacity. Don’t you worry the School Department will not close one building or reduce their empire. Feed the pig!
So disgusting. These politicians really don’t care what the general public thinks anymore. They have their own little core group who cheer each other on and tell each other how remarkable they are, but they have no concern for what we the people think. They will do what they think is best and we the people can take a hike if we don’t like it. This is happening locally and at the federal level. This is what happens when people don’t speak up and let government do what it thinks is best for us. Remember the show Father knows Best well this is Big Government knows best which is what we are living through right now and this will only get worse as government keeps growing out of control. People like Tricia Farley Bouvier and Pignatelli will become the norm. Frightening isn’t it?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OQcglFoL_Y
Even more craziness in the Berkshire Eagle, no it hasn’t changed for the better with new ownership, as Gail Cariddi has said she supports transgenders feeling safe when they go to the bathroom which is why she wants them to be able to use whichever bathroom they feel comfortable using and supports Obama forcing school to comply or else. Tricia Farley Bouvier chimes in with similar ravings about concern for their safety. No mention of the women and girls who will now be sharing their bathrooms and showers with men and what our comfort level will be about this issue. These people are insane in my opinion.
Perhaps I dreamed this but it seems a guy named Scanlon did an audit of the cities finances not too long ago and said that the city could soon be running into problems with the tax levy capacity. This seemed to concern the finance director. But not so much the mayor apparently because she wants to give tax breaks to wealthy Pittsfield business owners like the mega property owner of the Beacon theater.
As most of you know when somebody gets a tax break other tax payers have to pay more to make up the difference. Being on a fixed income it does irritate me to have to subsidize the wealthy and it makes the pill even harder to swallow when the politicians elected to represent the best interests of the citizens, effectively reach into my pocket and give my money to special interests. That is what it amounts to.
Great point dusty often lost in the discussion. If “A” gets a tax break of “X” dollars, that break is paid for by other taxpayers. It’s not fair, not good for the city, not good for business, and not good for downtown. Mr. Stanley of the Beacon shoould not receive an extended tax break. He got his already.
I am calling on the city council, as my representatives, to reject another round of tax concessions for Mr. Stanley. The city’s financial situation is too dire for that kind of “development”.
When there is no new taxable property per say and your housing market is moving homes at lower prices the sale of many homes below what they were taxed at creates the new taxable value of the home.
Ahome taxed at 230 k that sells for 190k is now lost 40 k of taxable property or less revenue and then the rates will go up per 1000 of value to maintain the stream of revenue if they dont cut budgets.The market sets the homes value and Pittsfieds properties are all overyaxed on real value.Remember if you just bought a house in Pittsfield your neighbor is paying higher taxes.
When Taconic is done the citizens of this city will provide yon and tayor and Mccandless with 1/2 million square feet of high school to educate 1600 kids .This is way out of line and yon and tayor need to address why 1600 kids need 2 auditorium s,2 gyms,,2 pieces of property, 2 boiler rooms,2 roofs 2 principles ,2 vice principles,2 dean of students,2 secrataries to the priciples,2 garbage pickups…..we need a 5 year plan to go to 1 high school.This is why we hired Linda Tyer.The hope is she has made a plan on how we go to 30,000 people.If she doesn’t take us to 30,000 the state will.
Pittsfield Parents are taking their children out of Pittsfield Schools for obvious reasons. It will continue, and this Project will be the Elephant in the Room for decades. Like the defeat of the Mall downtown during Urban Renewal.
What’s the status on the well publicized suit to halt the THC project ? Infact, the citizen watchdog that says he filed the suit has made the statement that he “guaranteed” the new school would not be built.
Where can I find the statement where he guaranteed the new school would not be built? I think you’re making that statement up.
Injun, you may be partially right. The only time he guaranteed (his words) that the new THS would not be built was during his campaign for mayor and that was if he was elected, it would not be built. We now know the results of the election. This was reiterated several times even within an Eagle article.
There has been no suit. It was all the usual feint. Big talk and no action. Sad really.
check this out 1676CV00117, CG vs. City of Pittsfield et al
Case TypeActions Involving the State/Municipality Case
1676CV00117 , C C vs. City of Pittsfield et al
Case TypeActions Involving the State/Municipality Case StatusOpenStatus Date:04/28/2016 File Date04/28/2016
Goood luck, bless his heart. Like him or not you got to give him credit for standing up for what he believes in.
Those of us who care about the future of Pittsfield need to stand up for what we believe in too.
There is a new Lawsuit in Berkshire Superior Court:
Guess, who filed it? Old guy did it all!!!
Yes, he did it! He Vs City of Pittsfield for new TaconicHS!!!
Check you-self!
http://www.masscourts.org
case#1676CV00117 filed 04/28/2016 Bravo!Bravo!
Wasting more taxpayer money to lose his point.
let the hacks at the courthouse do a little work for a change
Joe Buffis will finally be sentenced on Tuesday. This ignoramus B.S.er continues to appall. Sickening.
Are you sure spagirl? He may get another delay.
The Mayor should stop worrying about the Beacon and start worrying about the 500 jobs Pittsfield is going to be loosing soon. And people are wondering what kind of Mayor she is going to be I think we have the answer.
Will Mr Stanley be going before the city council on public TV asking for his tax break? Will he show his face to all the much less fortunate as he has his hand out… AGAIN?? I think he owes it to the other taxpayers to go before the public and explain (without all the sugar dripping bullshit) why he deserves a tax break and they do not.
And the mayor should insist that he do it so that we all understand, through his explanation, why she is backing him. And then I want to hear the mayor tell us all on city wide TV why she feels he is more deserving of a tax break than anyone else.
We deserve at least this small consideration. If he has honest justification this should be no problem.
I totally agree dusty. Stanley promised the Beacon would play the same type of movies as the Triplex in Gt Barrington. Big lie! They play the same thing as Regal at the mall. I’d rather go to the mall, free unlimited parking close to the door, super nice employees, great reclining seats and no parking tickets.
Don’t forget the great popcorn.
So Sad. She may be the prom queen now, but four years from now she won’t even get a date.
I think there will be a lot of reasons why people will begin removing their children from public schools. Government has begun to legislate morality in the form of allowing the sexes to use bathrooms and showers together if they identify as the opposite sex. A liberal commentator said yesterday that the children aren’t the problem in this issue. The children will get used to anything and are so accepting. It’s the parents that are the problem. Make no mistake that this is a battle for the hearts and minds of your kids. Government is going after our most vulnerable citizens, the children, because they can easily mold them into accepting their whacky theories on acceptable behavior. This is social engineering at its worst. Yes, by all means take your kids out of public school while you still can. How long before this government deems it against the law to homeschool. Afterall, they don’t want to lose the young minds they are trying to mold.
Nice comment Pat. ☺
1676CV00117
The city council should vote against any tax break or they should resign.
The BB had two articles, one about Lee and one about Becket. Headlines in both had abbreviation ATM for annual town meeting. I can’t wait until enough people migrate out of the Pitts so we are considered a town so our city council meetings can be referred to as ATMs. First withdrawal, the Beacon…..say it ain’t so LT!
The world according to the Eagle.Their ATM actually means Automatic Teller Machine, which the city council and the school committee thinks of the taxpayers.
I thought the tif for Mr. Stanley was a one time deal? And yes, he did say that about certain flics coming to that theatre, more or less disappeared. Don’t forget that used to be Angie and Skinny legs Jimmyms political stopping ground.
With the new THS underway Stanley should be tickled to stay put. After all the new THS will be offering a course on corn popping and flash light use.
That will put him further in the hole when the teachers teach them the power of unionization in the Pitts.
I had to laugh at the school committee again as they had many questions for the lower wage employee contracts and not 1 question as to what does crosby community school coordinator do for 75,000 dollars beside run a cash school store that needs to be audited.All cash,taxpayers pay him 6 grand a month to run a cash cow variety store……Many,many position in schools are over paid.
Pittsfield is the capital of the heroin hills of The Berkshires…..Schools need to stop stealing from the police department,housing prices are in rapid decline because of the violence and drugging ….
Corpoations have left every city of Pittsfields size in the country to go to polluted, 3rd world commie country for their slave labor…..this is free markets capitalism.Please give GE more tax breaks and give me the bill.
You know what you have to do to make America great again.
Yes,G E doesn’t pay any taxes and have just left retirees hold an empty insurance bag.
Tyer says she isn’t on the P E D A Board because she feels the Board needs to do it’s work without political influence.
Uhhhh? Ok.
Keep the eye in the sky on a Big Box Store going into that Baron Waste Land.
Wal- Mart just raised prescripts 20 pct.
who me?
Her political influence is through B C it not a question if he could do the job.
Tax Break for Beacon when tax will go up to pay for a high school. Please everyone email the council and let them know how you feel.
They know already but I am sure this was run by them before it was put out for public consumption. Look for some pretend concern and then a hearty rubber stamping. She would not be doing this if she had any doubt about it going through.
Wal-Mart sells its bottled water labeled from municipal tap, Pittsfield, Ma. It’s on the label.
Yah that is kind of funny. Walmart and others are selling water to the people who not only can get the same water free from their own tap but these same people pay for the reservoir to be managed and the water treated. It is no wonder that these people can be easily bamboozled by their city govt. because they are buying their own water back from themselves.
Right on eye!
People don’t read the source. If it’s in a bottle they assume it’s from a spring.