DOWNTOWN PITTSFIELD INC. ADMITS PARKING SYSTEM HAS BEEN A BUST … COUNCILORS LOOK ON AGAPE, DUMB-ASSED AS EVER
BY DAN VALENTI
PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY
(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION, FEB. 24-26, 2017) — THE PLANET’s Right Honorable Good Friend, Jesse Cook-Dubin, Esq., president, stood silently by as Downtown Pittsfield executive director Kristine Hurley served her report to the dupable city council at its most recent meeting.
Stick a fork in it, Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski. It’s done.
Far off to the right, against the wall as you viewed him from the cheap seats, city treasurer Matt “Kufflinks” Kerwood sat distractedly, picking the lint off his chinos. Kufflinks hasn’t been the same since he lost his hair. To compensate, the poor man has actually taken to wearing bowties. Yes, it’s come to that. THE PLANET wonders: Does this make him , in the immortal phrase of Howie Carr, a “Bow-Tied Bum Kisser?”
We shall leave that to the philosophers while Kufflinks continues to render to Ceasar not only what is Ceasar’s but what isn’t in the least Caesar’s. For the less biblically astute, THE PLANET refers to Kufflinks’ answer to everything: pay raises for everyone in the school department, relentless tax hikes for everyone else.
In addition to every third person venturing downtown getting shot, mugged, haraassed, or offered cheap heroin, three quarters of those brave souls risk being run down either due to their own stupidity of that of motorists. This is why, when asked if we are Republican or Democrat, THE PLANET’s answers that we are Pedestrian. Our political goal is merely to start on the east side on North Street and make it safely to the west. It is a decidedly modest goal.
In response to the highway mayhem, Hurley recommended that North Street’s 30 mph speed limit be reduced to 25. The credulous council, wanting to make it look like they’re doing something, speedily approved. Oh what fools these mortals be. If the pedestrian problem lies with motorists, what makes Peter Marchetti, John “Korral” Krol, or any of the other Idlers of the Dais believe that if crazy drivers ignore 30 mph they will suddenly be scared to defy the 25-mph limit? Why will they adhere to 25 mph when they ignore 30 mph?
Lowering the speed limit on motorists is like passings drug laws, as if a piece of paper will change the recalcitrant human heart. Laws make good press, but they do not change behavior. Truth be told, Pittsfield could increase the North Street speed limit to 55 mph and achieve better safety if — and it’s a big one — there would only be some accountability. Bust the speeders. Crack down with fines. Get in their face. But no. Accountability has no place in this City of the Angles, all of them askew.
Moving on advisedly to other matters, after honestly Cook-Dubin decried the “too many empty storefronts,” Hurley French-kissed logic but defied reality, senses, and observation. She said of downtown Pittsfield, “We’re a destination now.”
A ‘destination?” Who can argue? Downtown is certainly a destination for gang members, drug dealers, addicts, litter, cigarette butts, dud lottery tickets, used needles, deflated condoms, and all manner of riff-raffed critters here because Pittsfield has become a destination for a bevy of drifters, grifters, chiselers, jizzelers, shysters, and lie-sters.
“It’s a real mix,” Hurley said.
THE PLANET heartily agrees.
Give credit to Cook-Dubin. He admitted the roll out of the parking kiosks was a disaster, adding that businesses have reported losing customers. People have received tickets even after properly paying the machines for what recently was free. The machines have been prone to break downs and technical glitches. It’s been a mess.
One of the losing businesses is Otto’s on the corner of East Street and the Wendell Avenue Extension. Prior to the kiosks, the extension offered free parking on both sides, and you’d be pressed to find a spot. Go there now. You’ll have you pick of spaces, but be prepared to pony up for a parking meter that doesn’t take bills. It wants you to stick your plastic in there — debit or credit is OK, as long as it has a chip. That’s when the innocent act of parking becomes a case of identity theft.
The most Hurley would admit is that “it does take a little bit of practice, a little longer the first time, and then it gets easier.”
Right. And THE PLANET will lead the NBA in rebounds next season.
The Comment Line is now open. Have a great weekend everybody. And be sure to get your copy of the new edition of The Berkshire Courier, with a new, fire-breathing column by THE PLANET.
—————————————————————————–
“I figured out how to beat the parking problem. Buy a parked car.” — Henny Youngman
“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”
LOVE TO ALL.
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What we have here, is failure, to communicate.
Excellent film. And let’s keep in mind why Cool Hand Luke was arrested in the first place.
One of my faves as well, MW.
That’s funny chit guys, seen the Movie last month. I think he knocked over some parking meters….lol
Kick a buck.
That Luke, he’s a good Ol boy’.
All so true. Love the Henny Youngman quote!
I believe also, it was the quote from the Warden in the movie,Cool Hand Luke, the bad ass prisoner.
DV thank you!!!! so much for your comments on the parking kiosks. I had to be downtown today (ugh!). I followed intrusctions on the kiosk. Everything to the letter. It would not take my card. I could not get it to work. so Im running late for an appt. i go. Return. Guess what? A big $30 pkg. ticket.
I will NEVER NEVER NEVER go downtown again.
This parking system is the worst.
WTF? Them bastards.
Linda, I had an experience with the Kiosk on Wahconah, there were four of them you couldn”t access because of the plowed snowbanks in front of them.
It’s to tedious. Donna Todd has had a running show on PCTV for the last four weeks, day and night on how to use the damn things. That is her agenda on her new show?
Donna Todd is an overweight suck-up wanting to be loved. Sad sad.
I thinkk she’s adorable!? But enough with the Kio$k $how$.
Your first ticket each year is waived.
Why doesn’t the city fix the reliability of the meters and in the interim suspended tickets giving out directions and increase footpatrols by police and city workers to improve communication and empathy, and secondary see what types of activities are actually happening downtown. Police Chief Winn found provide updates at the council meetings.
Humpty Trumpty has this thing for a Wall
Unfortunately the Wall might be an electric fence
Anyway, his latest is he made a call
But all of his power and billionaire friends,
Couldn’t ask Intel from justifying the travel ban
North Street is as dead as her new hair color.
So what is the scrap value for parking kiosks?
What is the scrap value for the consultant who thought this would be a great money maker?
How long will the taxpayers be paying off the loans for these things after they are added to the heap of Pittsfield city bad ideas?
And what is the next move?
Will the Shot Spotter be just as wonderful? Will that also be good money tossed after bad?
Our new parking system does make money for the city, all in parking fines.
Trump is in a war against journalist and media and unions and public education lawyers EPA and women’s right to make choices .And the people that support this agenda are a big surprise.They are people who have taken advantage of everything this agenda gave them during this generations life.
I understand your upset. I was a little unhinged when Obama won too.
Explain how Obama being elected as a anti war and proponent of Healthcare was anything like what you foolish people have done to take a Mulligan on America and go back in time .
Maintaining peace means being alert to stopping problems before they turn into much bigger problems. Obama didn’t understand this and neither did Clinton and neither do their supporters.
SC, I respect your opinion and won’t change your mind. For me Obama doubled the National debt, did not protect our borders or the laws of our Country. Blocked pipe lines, tried to put coal industry out of business. The anti-war talk is funny, no one is for war, that’s like being for Cancer. If Obama truly did a great job Hillary would be President.
The Bush mortgage crisis cost the world 19 trillion dollars and Obama took that over before being sworn in and he took wall Street from 8500 to 20 thousand …..those are facts and trump has it great…be honest
Wrong again…..Talk to Barney Frank about that housing bubble.
Wrong. The Dems caused the housing crisis.
Yes, it was Barney Frank and the Dems who caused the housing crisis.
Obama claimed to be anti war but he sure droped alot of bombs in his 8 years.
Yup he liked to use drones to do his dirty work. He outright killed his targets instead of maybe capturing a few and getting some info out of them.
Hot coffee and grapes are working for me.
Eight years unhinged,heh hoe?
$850,000.00 city contract to rehab the First St, parking lot. The contract was awarded to Maxy the Usual. Who is married to a new state senator’s sister ? Barry and Shakes; What was the disposition of the nearly $million in back taxes Maxy owed the city a couple of years ago ? Were they paid or forgiven ?
You are getting into that shadowy part of Pittsfield where rolling fog clouds obscure the reality.
how the F should I know what anyone’s tax balance is? If you want to answer that question, go ask at city hall.
Maxy needs the money
No ge clean up money
And nuclea Is not lucrative anymore
So who is
Bro in law?
City Formula: Raise Revenue by increasing Fees and use the adage that Fees haven’t been raised for twenty years, increase these Fees on the high end to make up for all those years.
Planet Formula: Cut the Top Heavy School Department! Stop squandering funds.
When you let that Bird control the downtown, you have a major problem, she doesn’t have a clue. she’s a puppet.
Just got a copy of the Berkshire Courier at Price Chopper at Berkshire Crossing. There were about 50 copies left when I exited the building into the damp winter air.
Dan Valenti
Hearing of sexual assaults in the Morningside area and near PHS. Do you know why this is not being reported publicly. Residents have a right to know this stuff.
Do you have any more information on this?
See the 411 of the Steets on Facebook, there is talk of it on there…two separate incidences. One by PHS and one in the Morningside area.
You do realize the owner of Ottos just called you out for lying about your “losing business” claim. Right?
MR
No I am not aware of that. The claim about “losing business” did not come from the owner. It came from others there. The restaurant has a lot of staff, you know.
Maybe contact the owner next time before posting a lie.
But the only one who really knows is the owner. Be it Otto’s, Steven Valenti or Carr Hardware, all are honest small business and they don’t need their employees being part of the secret squadron.
That said, the Kiosk in front of Carr’s serve only as a pain in the butt. No one ever parked there for more than ten minutes to run in and grab one of the hundred thousand items they stock.
MR
Fake news, so fake
Does anyone have a copy of the Pittsfield Gazette from last week that has the opinion piece about refugees coming to the area? If so, where did you get your copy? I have looked everywhere and can’t find last week’s edition.
I have one Pat. Can I bring it to you.
Don’t worry everyone, all of the problems on North Street are about to be solved! I have it on good authority that the new crop of Downtown Ambassadors have begun their training with police. They will be there with their cool looking vests to help everyone with parking meters; to ensure motorists slow down and to move all of dregs along with their intimidating appearance and bottle of Kool-aid. Thank You, Downtown Pittsfield Inc. for your continuing effort to find another nail to hammer into the coffin of what was once a true destination. How can you argue with the success that they have had so far. I often go downtown to hear myself think…since it’s one of most desolate and quiet areas in all of the Berkshires.
The tone here is perfect.
North Street is known as “Social Services Alley” and its clientele includes welfare, low-income, criminals (see Juvenile Court), homeless, jobless, government workers, not-for-profit workers, legal workers, and politicians.
Spice went bankrupt years ago. The Beacon Cinema movie theater needed more tax breaks. Downtown parking is still problematic and it is not a money maker.
When I was in my mid-20’s and lived in the Pittsfield area, I looked for a job for over one year of my life without success from the Spring of 2002 – beginning of Summer of 2003. In 2004, I moved to southern NH because Pittsfield’s local economy only served the rich and the people on welfare. The middle class is an endangered species in Pittsfield.
Since I left Pittsfield nearly 13 years ago, GE Plastics sold its business unit to Sabic, which moved hundreds of jobs out of Pittsfield to Houston, Texas. KB Toys went bankrupt. Thousands of people also moved away from Pittsfield. The only growth in Pittsfield is in teen pregnancies, welfare caseloads, crime, and ever increasing municipal taxes and fees.
Pittsfield politics does the same thing every fiscal year, which is raise municipal taxes by 5% plus raise its capital budget debts by millions of dollars. PEDA still has 0 private business tenants. Moreover, Super WalMart has to spend millions of dollars to cleanup PCBS on the PEDA site if it wants to sell food there.
– Jonathan Melle
Kind of curious that there is someone that is claiming they suffered a sexual assault on Facebook. (curious that someone that was sexually assaulted would broadcast that) but if you look at the Pittsfield Community Crime data there is nothing for the last 6 weeks. Visit http://communitycrimemap.com/?address=Pittsfield%2520MA and take a look yourself. If it was reported to PD it would show up here.
FloggingMolly
Thankyou. I heard several comments about it. Did’nt know if it was factual.
I would imagine that many victims of sexual assault do not report it to the Police. That said, if you report it to the Facebook world and not the Police, I’d guess you are lying.
Reporting it on Facebook will not catch the assailant. Reporting it to the Police might. Reporting it on Facebook will never land the assailant in Court, reporting it to the Police might.
I don’t use Facebook, don’t see it as a valuable means to communicate.
H you inspired me. Humpty Hillary was against the wall. Humpty Hillary lied to us all. All the Yahoo!’S and all the Fake News, could not hide her many miscues.
I like it joetaxpayer. Very catchy.
You have a future my friend,now go slap Dave.
Pete White thinks FrOwn town Inc. Is FabuloUs.
Well atleast we’re getting another auto parts store, this one on Dalton Ave.
I’ve always wanted to say,.do you want break pads with that?
The CPAC organization now owns Trump and the Republican party owns Trump and I’m to guess you all along with DV support his stance that media that cover our presidents powers are the enemy of America and as The Planet uses so many unnamed sources I assume he is the enemy of the citizens of pittsfield.
MSM needs to get back to reporting more facts and less of there opinion and ideology. You must admit they have been caught red handed in many cases. Dan is not the MSM, he beats to his own drum. I don’t consider them my enemy, I barely consider them at all.
The media is making itself irrelevant. When nobody can trust that what they are saying is true or being reported to make the Democrats look good this is dangerous for the country.
The Berkshire Eagle doesn’t report news that makes progressives look bad like the big pay raises in Boston. There were no editorials on this and only a brief mention in the paper. They didn’t sensationalize it like they do every news item about Trump. Very little mention about it here in Berkshire County. Maybe one day the media will be telling the truth, but nobody will believe them. The media is turning itself into the boy who cried wolf. My grandfather told me this story as a child and it applies to the media today.
Trump is trying and succeeding in having you guys set up so when Trump goes Rouge you won’t believe reports of wrong doing.American middle class is split by Trump.He has Pat and DV hook line sinker.Any journalist swallowing this shows how dangerous a future we have.This is where we get destroyed from within.Bannon wants to destroy American goverment.Did you vote for this?
TSC,
Politically, I’ve believe you’ve got it back asswards. I think you’ve gone “Rouge!”
You can go rouge, but I am going rogue.
I will not drink the koolaid
That’s not what we thought you drink
The whole episode is a caricature of these here United States.
Waliking down North across from St. Joseph’s and to make a detour from the Lantern, to many drunks and rowdy’s in that area, sorry Mr. P would have like to have gotten a couple of those Burgers. Ended up going to the Brother’s.
Could the mayor get the fence at phs back up and please pick up road kill.There’s road kill everywhere in town….
Tyer is too busy protesting for Obama care.
Did she wear her clueless moon bat pussy hat?
Pat,do you have healthcare?
Road kill is part of Pittsfieldacana, a staple if you will. We are Pittsfield proud. The streets are littered and filthy anyway and traversed by a poor economic clientele.
I believe the trash collectors are supposed to pick up the roadkill as they see it on their routes, anyways that’s what they told me years ago when I was afraid my Dog became road kill.
Humpty Trumpy sits on that Wall
Humpty Trumpty is profiling them all
All of Trumpty’s Policiies
And all of his Wives and Children
Wouldn’t let Americans fly free ever again.
The Humpty Liberals were totally shocked , Donald Trump had cleaned there clocks. All the Safe Spaces and all the Puppy Places, could not stop them from being Nutcases.
It wasn’t long ago a Nazi prevented certain groups from living in Germany. Trump is a fool.
i wrote in Elmer Fudd.
Japanese were banned also?
Read somewhere that Trumps real name is Drumph. Did he legally change it?
Thought it was bankrumpth?
Drumpf, hard to say or spell outside of Germany, so his grandfather made it more American; Bernie Sanders family name being Gutman seems more of a secret, why isn’t he Goodman?
you moon bats need to accept that he won
As Obama found out ,its not enough to just win.It’s not enough to love the stupids
Too Jewish.
Can Dan have secret sources even if he’s secretly against secret sources.
Thanks for proving my point, Nutcases!
I imagine all the Trump disciples are grooming their offspring to go fight honorably in Donald’s upcoming ISIS war. They can’t wait to send their sons and daughters off to fight for Donald’s big ego. A great reason to get maimed or die. I hear he will give a free Make American Great hat to each mourning parent.
Under Obama we have been at war 8 years.
Pat…do you have healthcare?
Don Trump has tremendous support from white men who have good income mostly from tax payers supported jobs with great retirements.
They are against others having the same.All are against ACA and higher min. Wage.They got theirs through connections and pretend a independence now from taxpayers high income jobs.
That way of thinking is what lost Hillary the presidency. More than well off white men voted for her opponent. You underestimate the world outside of your circle.
Trump is cutting government spending. Hillary lost because she is a vile human.
If you believe your own bullshit about yourself and lying is your thing then Trump is your kind of Man.
There is not anyone on the planet that could out lie and bullshit a Clinton.
Muslims can’t win when their own kill them and Prez Drumph won’t let em in?
Its radical Muslims who kill. Instead of listening to the talking heads do some research of your own on past terrorist attacks and the responses of those who were responsible. One response that still sticks out is the one from Osama Bin Laden when he released his video claiming responsibility for sept 11. He said that we could never stop terrorism because of our immigration laws. He said there would be people welcoming them here with open arms, give them an education, give them housing and money. He said the bleeding heart liberals would always let them in. Nothing has changed. They don’t want to be coddled and loved. It’s their way or the heaven highway, period. There is your Hitler, not any U.S. President past or present.
It’s liberals who throw caution to the wind whether in this country or in Europe, but what they also don’t realize is that this refugee crisis is changing the culture and identity of many of these countries. This is important because the culture of the refugees is so different from that of a free society that liberals say they value. Women have no rights in their culture and gay people are definitely not tolerated by the religion of a majority of the refugees. This is a real clash of civilizations and while the left is saying they will adapt to our culture, this hasn’t been the case in many European countries.
Bush and Cheney threw caution to the wind. And now years later, the Veterans hospitals still cannot cope with the carnage he left behind.
Trump is going to compound this particular problem because he wants to be know as the “only guy that knew how to defeat ISIS” He has already put in for an appropriation for 10,000 body bags. And the good thing about using body bags is that it means there is not another vet jamming up the VA hospitals. Go Donald. War monger.
ISIS was born under Obama’s watch. Wouldn’t even admit the problem. Trump said Iraq war was big mistake, Hillary voted for it. Obama dropped more drone bombs than Bush. So who’s the War monger again.
I agree joetaxpayer. Until these far lefties start wanting the country to succeed instead of just their party, this country will be doomed no matter who is in charge. The far lefties want to pour refugees into the country and become all powerful with big government. I think they know the danger they will put the country in by a large influx of potentially dangerous refugees, the public will beg for protection from government which will give the Democrats even more power when they are in charge. They are NOT looking out for the good of the country. They just want big government so they can have more power and they also want to be the only political party in the country, again more power for them. For this, they need Trump and the Repubs to fail.
Planet, what ever happened to the poor guy that was mowed down on Winesap a few years ago, haven’t heard anything, hope he is doing well?
I have healthcare that is too expensive for my income level. Also no choice for dental care under my plan. I used to have a great plan that offered low cost health insurance and dental, but lost that 8 years ago during the housing crisis meltdown.
Sorry to hear that Pat.
And it is going to get much worse Pat. And that is when Trump supporters are going to find out who the real Donald is.
Spoken by someone who wants Trump to fail so he and his progressives can take over and continue to give us expensive inadequate healthcare. Also who probably have great healthcare themselves and have no dog in the fight.
Something’s wrong when day after day the samepinions are doing stupid things and getting let go it’s an epidemic. Either arrest them or fine them, or send thm to jail, or ignore them, don’t police have better things to do? It will be a long situ,mer if this keeps up, iit’s been a long winter. Aside…A New Park is coming to downtown Linden and Dewey, so relax, there will be fun and enjoyment in the West SIde, thank you Parks Department!
Will the new park have a shooting range?
Ha ha or free range. This one will be a disaster, you won’t need the spotter there.
Why does it always seem like Donka is up to no good, even if it’s good?
After a shooting jump over the bridge into the Housy, take a canoe out of town, don’t believe PPD has a Kayak?
Of course it is radical Muslims who you don’t want here and that is like saying no Irish immigrants into the U S during the era over there? Rump is a racist, very simple, simpletons.
So anyone who fears a large influx of refugees from Syria into the country is a racist? Anyone who has any concerns about this issue feels this way only because they are a racist? There are no other reasons for their concern when we see the upheaval in Europe over their large influx of refugees? Why then do we not see the left taking refugees into their homes? Or at the very least Into the wealthier communities in the country? No low income housing? Well then build some in wealthy progressive neighborhoods since that too looks like racism when you only want the refugees in poor communities in this country.
When did Islam become a race?
That’s typical moonbat play book, also called Bush racist. He is not doing anything that hasn’t been done before. I didn’t know the Irish wanted to kill us all and cut off our heads. Wow I’m going to watch my back on St Pats day.
If Trump is so focused on helping people Pat why is he so distracted by what is normal questions from the press…if he’s legit why does he not understand how we grill president….where has he been that he pouts at the very suggestion he Lied again about showing his taxes after audit…..hes hiding something and we will find outhe what it is.
That’s just it. The media doesn’t grill the president unless the president is a Republican and then it’s anything goes. A Democrat president is asked stupid questions that do not even pertain to the issues facing the country while with a Republican the media will tear the person down just because they aren’t Democrat. This isn’t a fair media and it isn’t good for the country. A media that doesn’t treat everyone the same is what we have in this country.
If Terrorists are what Trump is looking to weed out ? How the hell does he do that, ? Once there here,who knows what would change the immigrants to become a possible radical, does Donka read minds?
Much of the talk on the planet is racist.
That’s just not true, not even close.
I think Donald has a Psyche degree from Trump U.