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!PLANET EXCLUSIVE! BOMSHELL REVELATIONS ABOUT BIKE MAFIA’S INTENTIONS FOR SPRINGSIDE PARK

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BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

Second of a two-part series

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION JULY 2-4, 2021) — Want the kicker on the proposed Mountain Bike Park that proponents are pushing with inside help from city officials? THE PLANET will do two better. We will channel Pete Gogolak and send three kicks through the uprights.

Kicker 1, The Bombshell — A reliable city source in a position to know told us the initial proposal for the bike pump track, the one now on the table, is to be part of a “much larger” project. If the Bike Mafia gets its way, Source says, they will follow the $400,000 Phase 1 with a plan that will quadruple the size of the facilityThat would destroy a huge chuck of the park, felling acres of woods; disturb the balance in the local ecology; threaten animals, flowers, and fauna; disturb the neighborhood; and eventually hit taxpayers in the wallet. Estimated cost? $2 million.

Will the Bike Mafia stop there? Nothing would surprise us at this point. Such is the nature of the “vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive” politics in Pittsfield. What You See Is Not Necessarily What You Get.

———- ooo ———-

THE PLANET has yet to hear from any city official speak for the record on our reports.

History shows that when The Suits clam up on the tough questions, they’re almost always hiding something.

We queried Alison McGee, school committee member and president, Berkshire Chapter, New England Mountain Bike Association (NEMBA). She’s the lead advocate for the construction at Springside. Suddenly, she’s gone D&D. Guess she only wants softballs, slow pitch.

Our questions included:

* I have a city source who says this is only Phase 1, that once a “foothold” is established, the intention is to quadruple the size. Is that the case? If not, why is the buzz going on in the corridors that claims this is the ultimate goal?
* Do you see a conflict of interest with your position on the school committee while at the same time advocating for the bike project, touting as one of the benefits that it would be good for education and the schools? Have you received a ruling on this from the state? If so, can you give me the details. If not, why not?
* Why did you refer to Springside location as a done deal, that is, “the approved site.” As far as I know, there has been no official approval.
* Why is a Conservation Committee review not required?

McGee did not respond.

When the phone doesn’t ring, THE PLANET will know it’s McGee not getting back to us.

———- ooo ———-

Kicker #2, Smoking Gun? — Done deal? THE PLANET dug up evidence from none other than McGee, who on her bike website refers to Springside Park as “the approved location.” Approved by whom? Wethinks McGee’s slip is showing on this  inadvertent spill.

Kicker #3, Conflict of interest? — On her NEMBA website, McGee that the bike project “has potential for much more activities linked with the schools and community.” A member of the school committee shilling as a private citizen for a private company on a project she admits will benefit the department she ostensibly controls spells conflict of interest.

———- ooo ———-

The park, not policed or properly maintained by the city, is already a magnet for illegal motorbike and ATV use. Last year, we saw the park desecrated by the armies of the road after ServiceNet, with the city’s help, abruptly shut down the “houseless” facility at former SJHS. At what point do city citizens officials pay heed to the intent of citizens and not cave to a tiny but connected majority?

Finally, here’s a speech made in Arbor Day 2000 by Donald Walker of the Conway School of Design. It obviously applies to Springside Park 21 years later, a thousand fold.

Arbor Day 2000

I am pleased to have been invited to speak on this Arbor Day 20000 at the Vincent J. Hebert Arboretum to honor the role of trees and plants in our lives. I am sure that each of you can remember the special time when plants became important in your life. My interest in plants started way back in the 1940-s when I lived in The Bronx, New York near the New York botanical Gardens. Even then, the Botanical Gardens were the only nearby place where I could explore, during any season of the year, in the woods beside a meandering brook. I see that a brook and woods are part of this arboretum and I can imagine the pleasure they will bring o the children of Pittsfield, as Vin Hebert desired.

In the short time, since my own childhood, the natural world has shrunk dramatically. The population of this country has doubled, but the forests and wetlands have been affected ten times over. Buildings and roads and chemicals are replacing the natural landscape here in Pittsfield and everywhere in the world. It’s as though we refuse to admit that plants make the earth habitable; that the elimination of plants reduces oxygen and food for all living things – including ourselves and our children and grandchildren.

For Berkshire county towns, the average forest cover is still over 70% but Pittsfield’s forests are down to less than 30%. Much of these forests, as well as parks, gardens, and nature preserves are occupied by plants introduced from other continents. (Flora of Berkshire County, Massachusetts by Pamela Weatherbee)

As the native plants are displaced, the animals, birds, and insects that rely on them for food and shelter are lost, as well, because of unique, evolutionary relationships between plants and animals as to food, pollination, seed dispersal, and so on. For instance, the fruit of mayapple needs to be at just the right height to be eaten by box turtles which then distribute Mayapple seeds in their scat.

According to the Massachusetts State botanist, in Berkshire County there are 61 species of rare or endangered vertebrate and invertebrate animals, including the Eastern Box Turtle, and 132 state listed plants including some oaks, shadbushes, winterberry, and a viburnum. (State listed species in Berkshire County, MA 4-11-2000) The continuing loss of local biodiversity is recognized by scientists everywhere as a global tragedy.

And the losses are likely to continue until this calamity can no longer be ignored or until we come to our senses and change the way we treat the natural world. When we come to know, respect, and love our local common species, only then will we act to protect, revive, and reconstruct our forests, grasslands, and all the other ecosystems. We need to learn to identify each species and how it plays its role in the complex theater of life. Where will we learn these things> Paul Hawken points that out “Most Americans are more often taught to identify types of cars than types of birds; we can identify 1,000 corporate logos but less than 10 native plants” (Ecology of Commerce, page 214)

Clearly, we don’t give plants the respect they deserve. That’s enough of the bad news.

Despite deteriorating conditions here in Berkshire County, it is still recognized by the Nature Conservancy as “one of the globally significant LAST GREAT PLACES”* because of its habitat diversity and biodiversity. And right here is where I see an extraordinary opportunity for the Vincent J. Hebert Arboretum. The arboretum can introduce local children and their parents to your unique region by displaying your native plants, explaining their places in the local ecosystem, and providing a refuge for those that are endangered. For visitors from afar, the Arboretum can be the “overture” to their exploration of surrounding reserves and state forests. The Arboretum can be the center for stewardship information for land managers and highway roadside crews. It can organize and conduct Fall color leaf trips, winter identification walks, spring salamander watches, and summer native plant sales. The Arboretum would provide vital ecological experiences in the City of Pittsfield and the County of Berkshire for your children and your children’ children, and mine, too.

The tide would turn: landscapes would be managed for diverse habitats, rare species would increase, native plants would be recognized and revered for their unique niches in local ecosystems. It would not “merely be a question of stopping the cutting of ancient forests, it is literally the task of …creating the ancient forests of the future.” Paul Hawken

I propose this mission as a wonderful opportunity and a serious challenge. And I think Vin would be pleased that the Vincent J. Hebert Arboretum would become known as both heart and mind of one of the world’s greatest botanical places.

Plant trees. Plant native trees. I thank you.

———- ooo ———-

Have a great weekend, everybody.

——————————————————————————————–

“When all is said and done, there’s always more to say”Sir Donald Turpentine.

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

The views and opinions expressed in the comment section or in the text other than those of PLANET VALENTI are not necessarily endorsed by the operators of this website. PLANET VALENTI assumes no responsibility for such views and opinions, and it reserves the right to remove or edit any comment, including but not limited to those that violate the website’s Rules of Conduct and its editorial policies. PLANET VALENTI shall not be held responsible for the consequences that may result from any posted comment or outside opinion or commentary as provided in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and this website’s terms of service. All users of this website — including readers, commentators, contributors, or anyone else making use of its information — hereby agree to these conditions by virtue of this notice. When PLANET VALENTI ends with the words “The Usual Disclaimer,” that phrase shall be understood to refer to the full text of this disclaimer.

 

 

 

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Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
2 years ago

July 1, 2021

Smitty Pignatelli and the other federal, state and local politically connected backstabbers want to put an toxic waste dump full of GE’s industrial chemicals in Lee (Massachusetts) over the objections of the people and property owners who live there.

The Lovely Linda is all for selling out the Towns of Lee and Lenoxdale/Lenox. After all, Pittsfield politics sold out their own people over 2 decades ago with the flawed Consent Decree with GE where local people refer to Pittsfield as GE’s dump. I believe that if Mayor Linda Tyer wants GE’s industrial chemical dump in Lee, bike projects at Springside Park, and Pittsfield’s chronic “houseless” families to get booted out of city parks and shelters, then she should lobby to put all of the industrial chemical pollution leaky landfills, bike projects, and the “houseless” families in her own wealthy gated community neighborhood near the Pittsfield/Hancock border. Lead by example, Lovely Linda!

On Donald Trump’s businesses and CFO Allen Weisselberg being indicted on multiple alleged tax crimes today (Thursday, July 1, 2021), why isn’t the same or similar laws being used against Hunter Biden, who allegedly money laundered hundreds of millions of dollars from China, and millions of dollars from Russia and Ukraine? Hunter Biden wrote and published a book earlier this year of 2021 where he explained all of his “bad boy behaviors” as a middle aged man who used to smoke crack cocaine every 15 minutes, drown himself in alcohol, frequent strip clubs where he got a young woman stripper pregnant and falsely denied he was the father to a Judge who then ordered Hunter Biden to take a paternity test – he was the father of the stripper’s baby, hired sex workers for sex both at home and abroad, has at least 5 children by at least 3 women, and so on. Yet the State of New York recently suspended Rudy Giuliani’s law license, and then they indicted Donald Trump’s businesses and his CFO Allen Weisselberg, while Hunter Biden goes uncharged on the state and federal levels. Hmmm.

Bill Cosby was released from Pennsylvania State Prison yesterday (Wed., June 30th, 2021), while Ghislaine Maxwell still sits in jail. Bill Cosby has 60 women who accused him of sexual assault and/or rape. Ghislaine Maxwell is accused of sex trafficking underage girls for alleged pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, who either committed suicide or was murdered because he would have brought down important me in big business and big government such as Prince Andrew, President Bill Clinton, and others. Why is Bill Cosby free, but not Ghislaine Maxwell? Could she still spill the beans on the aforementioned important men unlike the late Jeffrey Epstein who may have been silenced to protect guys like Prince Andrew and Bill Clinton, among others?

Martha Stewart went to prison for insider trading, while the Wall Street Investment Bankers, who brought the U.S. financial system to near collapse in 2008 if not for trillions of federal bailout dollars, never face any charges. Why did they prosecute Martha Stewart but not the big wheels on Wall Street? Why didn’t Martha Stewart receive a huge federal bailout like the big wheels on Wall Street?

Beacon Hill is very corrupt, secretive and full of career politicians and greedy lobbyists who are only in it for themselves. I cannot believe that Governor Charlie Baker and Beacon Hill lawmakers are sitting on billions of slush fund and stimulus fund dollars, missed their state budget deadline today (July 1, 2021), and will most likely vote to keep their corrupt sausage making secret after their predetermined State House of Representatives rules vote that will take place sometime in the next two weeks. The people and taxpayers of Massachusetts are being shafted by Beacon Hill’s Salons like never before! How could things get any worse?

– Jonathan A. Melle

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
2 years ago

Hello Patrick Fennell,

What does Ghislaine Maxwell know and will she name names such as Prince Andrew, Bill Clinton, and others who were associated with the late Jeffrey Epstein? Is she still locked up behind bars – unlike Bill Cosby – because she could blow open the entire Epstein scandal and ruin the lives of rich and famous men? I believe that Epstein was just the tip of the proverbial iceberg! You are right, Patrick Fennell, that the MSM is silent about the case of Ghislaine Maxwell, while going after Congressman Matt Gaetz.

How did Joe Biden and the Biden “Crime” Family become so fabulously wealthy? Hunter Biden went to China and brought home $224 million from there. Hunter Biden also brought home millions of dollars from Russia and Ukraine. Donald Trump was impeached the first time for asking about Hunter Biden’s foreign business dealings in Ukraine; I actually agree with Donald Trump on this matter. Federal law enforcement agencies are investigating Hunter Biden for his alleged money laundering schemes from adversarial foreign countries such as China and Russia. And YET, Donald Trump’s businesses and his CFO Allen Weisselberg are facing tax crime charges by the State of New York, while Hunter Biden goes uncharged on the state and federal level. Why isn’t the MSM investigating Hunter Biden, Joe Biden, and the rest of the Biden “Crime” Family?

What about Hunter Biden’s long list of other illegal and immoral activities? Hunter Biden wrote a book this year of 2021 about how he used to smoke crack cocaine every 15 minutes and hire sex workers for sex. He made millions of dollars by writing his book telling the nation and world that he is a dirt bag. I always thought a man should have only one wife. I always thought that having multiple families and children by multiple women was illegal. Yet, Hunter Biden has at least 5 children by at least 3 women. Joe Biden has a lot of grandchildren out there. Perhaps Joe Biden should be looking out for all of Hunter Biden’s children instead of being U.S. President where he is losing support even among his fellow Democrats on Capitol Hill.

Best wishes,

Jonathan A. Melle

Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider
2 years ago

Just take a long look at this and overlay it in your mind onto Springside Park. Do you Morningside neighbors want this? Stand up and be heard……………or sit still and bare the consequences!
https://www.facebook.com/powderhorntrailco/
Take it all in! The pix, the lack of testimonials save one.
Do you want Springside to be raped of it’s lumber, fauna & flora for a few “gear heads?”
And, as Dan said, it will fall into disrepair as most of the parks have in the Pitts!

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
2 years ago

Dan this is a great cause to get behind and thank you for taking it up. I hope this subject grows big legs and exposes and uproots everything that is wrong with how Pittsfield is run from the back rooms. You and this blog may be about to become even more famous because I think this is a cause the masses will get behind.

Lenny
Lenny
2 years ago

https://www.iberkshires.com/story/65317/Parks-Commission-Holds-Public-Hearing-for-Springside-Pump-Track.html

Thanks Dan for illuminating Allison McGee’s conflict of issue in this track issue.

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
Reply to  Lenny
2 years ago

Couldn’t agree more Lenny. Thank you Dan. I’d say this shocks me, but this is Pittsfield after all. It’s so “vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive.”

By the way, I love the new “progressive selling point,” of (fill in the blank) helps people “of color,” enjoy these “new experiences.”

Allison McGee even includes how it will “educate” “people of color,” on mountain bike experience…..interesting. She’s on the school committee. So, to make statements like these, she must have the studies to show “people of color,” have limited access to mountain bikes. And how bike trails help further the “education” of “people of color.”

The school committee
The school committee
2 years ago

The bike track should be built as part of our recreation economy.Buddy Pellerin field at Clapp is a much improved playing field.The common is fantastic.The water parks at both are fun for kids.We are blessed with great parks in Pittsfield and Springside is a fantastic softball complex on the east end and this will be another recreational use.I do not understand being against everything.Use the parks for healthy fun recreation. Pittsfield never invested in parks.Every new basketball court built or resurfaced court is used.Stockbridge cant get a rotary done after 5 years.

Johnny99
Johnny99
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

Listen Pal. It would have been a great place for a public golf course too, years ago. But that’s not what parks are for. And FYI most parks are a mess, Clapp included. Sure there is lipstick on the pigs but if you actually walk around them you will see the truth. Booze bottles, broken glass, digs shitting everywhere, scumbags galore, and of course the houseless.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Johnny99
2 years ago

Grew up in the parks.They were awlful in the 60s and 70s with broken glass everywhere with litter and vandalism.The parks are greatly improved from those days.Our ballfields were disgusting.There are still problems in our parks….So you are a Listen pal guy.Do you also go with champ and hey buddy?

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

Not my experience back then. Wonderful councilors and team events. i remember the annual watermelon fights at Onota lake when all the parks would compete against each other. Also softball and volleyball games between parks. Movies at night.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

Absolutely not! This is private business. Not municipal business. Question though, why are the sleezy teachers unions pushing for this? What graft is in it for them? Very shady.

Pittsfield had the worst schools and the highest paid teachers. Give the gd money back to the parents and one can afford to stay hime and teach the kids.

SC, if you are a Pittsfield teacher you must be a crook. Or stupid.

Allison Scam
Allison Scam
2 years ago

They are working in BVW and in a resource area. The plan for this “pump track” is 3ish acres and at a projected cost of over $1.2-2 million.
This is a “foot in the door” project, with at least three “phases”.
All you have to do is ask for the full plans. It’s a public document.
They are pretending that it is not in a resource area and are saying the project is limited in scope AND that the surfaces are already impervious to get around concom and DEP requirements.
The concom was in on it from the beginning, BNRC stayed out because they want their pet projects to go through.

Saying that this will bring kids and teach them how to interact with nature is pretty stupid. Arguing that low income families and children will have greater access to nature is an outright lie.
What’s easier and cheaper to do, walk in the woods or drive across town with a $2000 mountain bike on car rack that costs $350?

Want to get poor kids into nature, that the million plus dollars and sponsor day camps, nature walks, lecture series.

Alison McGee is inconsistent to the point of hypocrisy.
On the one hand she talks about this being an economic engine for tourists, then claims it’s for the “poor kids”.
It’s not going to be both. It’s going to be a place where a special interest group will have near exclusive access to this resource.
Some facts, the bike group supporting this, the average cost of their bikes based on photos from events is over $2000.
They have already made an informal agreement to “run” the facility and plan to have six events as soon as it opens.
The Garden plans to sponsor events and when they put the full dirt track and stunt course they plan to sponsor more events.
There are other places that would work for this limited scope activity if it were just this one phase. The old Osceola Park tow rope hill would work except it wouldn’t accommodate the other planned phases.
Ask Allison how many comped trips she’s gotten and how much free product she’s gotten while doing this.
Her saying it’s for the kids is nuts. This isn’t about underprivileged and implied poc. This is about a bunch of privileged white folks doing what they do, lying to get what they want.
The argument that people mountain bike there anyway, we’ll people camp there anyway, people live there anyway, why not turn it into a camp ground and condos? Maybe some section 8 housing units.

Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  Allison Scam
2 years ago

Why on earth would the Parks Commission approve a plan which turns our public park over to the hands of a private entity?
Anyone have the complete list of Commission members?
Follow the money – who stands to profit off this endeavor?
This is an outrageous destruction of a beautiful wooded park. Those who voted in favor of this destruction should be thrown out of office. There are plenty of eyesore areas in this town which would be suitable for a dirt track – let this group purchase a plot of land instead of taking over public park lands. Raise your voices now, people, before your park is destroyed!

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  Lenny
2 years ago

This parks commission is one more arm of the ruling special interest party of Pittsfield and has been for a long time. An independent Forensic Audit of the whole park expenditures over the last ten years might blow peoples socks off.
It would be one thing if all these mega projects were happening without huge yearly tax increases, but that is not the case. And the added ongoing cost of keeping all these new and renovated parks up is staggering in of itself.
Are there any new people running for council that are NOT backed by special interests? Because we may be headed for a long series of 11-0 votes on everything this mayor can dream up.

Nomad
Nomad
Reply to  Lenny
2 years ago

Chairman
Anthony DeMartino – ademartino@berkshire.rr.com
Paula Albro – paula.albro@yahoo.com
Michele Matthews – michele5610@aol.com
Simon Muil – simonmuil@hotmail.com
Clifford Nilan – cliffnilan@gmail.com

Nomad
Nomad
Reply to  Lenny
2 years ago

MGL Chapter 45; Sect. 2: “A commissioner may be removed by a vote of two thirds of all members of a city council”. Fat chance of that happening in Pittsfield.

Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  Nomad
2 years ago

Thanks for the info Nomad

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Lenny
2 years ago

Almost happened with Jim Bouton

J2S
J2S
Reply to  Allison Scam
2 years ago

Using the “it’s for the kids” is right out of the oldest playbook around.They know that most all citizens want good things for the children and especially for those less fortunate. They are tugging on the heartstrings of people to accomplish the final goal of the project that will benefit some children, but not the ones she is talking about. Most people I know that have been traumatized like a more peaceful and less hectic and anxious free setting. This isn’t the spot for this project.I believe a new spot can be found.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

So being outside recreationally does not expose you to nature.I need to think about that.

Rule 5
Rule 5
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

Don’t strain your brain.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  Allison Scam
2 years ago

Most of my friends who live near Egremont School, which is a nice little part of the city, have had their kid’s bikes stolen out of their yards.

This is a massively stupid idea, this bike park.

Shirleyknuts
Shirleyknuts
2 years ago

Personally I feel Springside Park should be managed as a natural ecosystem of our area. That being said I believe it has been basically ignored by the city government. Will this project continue the eradication of the natural ecosystem that was started with the baseball and softball fields? Or will the city take charge and work on Springside Park to make sure it remains a place of nature? I would suggest moving the idea to where humans have already ripped into the forest such as the gated community at the end of West St. The mountain bikers would be able to ply the skills at this monstrosity and then rip some new trails in the Pittsfield State Forest. The mayor would be able to watch as the bike riders from outside our area continue to make Pittsfield vibrant!

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  Shirleyknuts
2 years ago

Boy do I like that idea. All the mayors friends riding back and forth waving to her all day long.

Shirleyknuts
Shirleyknuts
2 years ago

Another issue I have today, and sorry it’s off topic, but why is the President making the tragedy in Florida political? Before any investigation is done and the families who have lost their loved ones are done grieving, he is out spouting that climate change was the culprit…really??? Classless!!

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  Shirleyknuts
2 years ago

What pisses me off about Biden is that he did not even have the decency to toss paper towels to the crowd. Seems like the least he could have done huh?

Rule 5
Rule 5
Reply to  Fizzlehead
2 years ago

Or let them feel his hairy legs and then he could tell us about corn pop who was a bad dude.

Pat
Pat
2 years ago

All we hear about is the environment, climate change, and saving our forests and hug a tree and plant a tree, but these same people want to forever change a beautiful park into something other than the peaceful refuge it was intended to be. Be transparent with us so we know what the intentions are for this park so we don’t have to guess and think the worst. Who decided that Springside Park is the approved location for this project?

J2S
J2S
Reply to  Pat
2 years ago

The powers to be love to keep the citizens guessing otherwise we would know what they are up to. You know “ Just when you think you have the answers they change the questions.”

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  Pat
2 years ago

Who decided we need it at all?

J2S
J2S
Reply to  Fizzlehead
2 years ago

The ones who can afford big $$ on the bikes that will be used at the park decided everyone needs it. Same ones who can afford the use those expensive indoor Pelton Bikes .

Nomad
Nomad
Reply to  Pat
2 years ago

Look no further than Deanna Ruffer and Jim McGrath

Johnny99
Johnny99
2 years ago

GOBSIGS to Planeteers- Go Eff Yourselves. We don’t care about the little people.

LegalEagle
LegalEagle
2 years ago

If you don’t like it here you can always go to Portugal where everything is perfect, just ask DA Harrington. Portugal is a it’s a “definite success story” according to her eagle interview.

Now check out this fact sheet from the Obama administration. It debunks Portugal’s claims about drug legalization.

The whole story is based on a study by libertarian anti police/drug legalizing/ Cato Institute, founded by the Koch Brothers.

“Portugal’s decriminalized drug policy has been cited as proof that softening drug laws does not increase illicit drug use or the consequences of drug use. This contention is based primarily on the findings published in a 2009 Cato Institute report.1 It is difficult, however, to draw any clear, reliable conclusions from the report regarding the impact of Portugal’s drug policy changes.”

Further, the Cato Institute report “does not present sufficient evidence to support claims regarding causal effects of Portugal’s drug policy on usage rates. More data are required before drawing any firm conclusions, and ultimately these conclusions may only apply to Portugal and its unique circumstances, such as its history of disproportionately high rates of heroin use. However, it is safe to say that claims by drug legalization advocates regarding the impact of Portugal’s drug policy exceed the existing scientific basis.”

Once again, Harrington doesn’t even now what she doesn’t know. This is just another example of the disinformation the fake Berkshire DA is feeding the public.

https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/ondcp/ondcp-fact-sheets/drug-decriminalization-in-portugal-challenges-and-limitations

James
James
Reply to  LegalEagle
2 years ago

Just like the wiffle ball tournament Harrington is sponsoring on the west side full of holes!

Sure thing
Sure thing
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

James hates wiffle ball however I’m sure he will be at the Park stalking the DA you can bet on it.

Last edited 2 years ago by Sure thing
Flat Albert
Flat Albert
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

Wiffle ball was invented in Pittsfield in early 1792 in an effort to cut down on pocket pool and to save church windows. A man by the name of Wiffle White (Pete’s ancestor) invented the game.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  James
2 years ago

Great idea

Real DA
Real DA
Reply to  LegalEagle
2 years ago

The Portugal experiment was never about drug use really it was about needle exchanges to curb AIDS/HIV.

Portugal has socialized medicine, treatment for an AIDS/HIV patient is about $35k a month per person there. Treatment for addicts is about $2k a month per person.

“ Portugal had one of the highest rates of HIV diagnoses in Europe in 2016, with 10.0 diagnoses per 100,000 population [1]. Despite the fact that new diagnoses have decreased within the country in the last years [2], the patterns of HIV-1 transmission remain uncertain. Phylogenetic analyses are powerful tools to understand the dynamics of viral transmission [3–7] and to provide insights for designing prevention policies.”

So they figured it was much cheaper to keep addicts on drugs and give them clean needles.
The “decreases” in use and drug deaths are false. Since they decriminalized 10 days worth of personal use heroin and cocaine, the number of arrests have dropped dramatically. It doesn’t mean the use stopped, they just don’t have the driver for stats anymore (arrests). The equivalent would be pot use in MA. I’m sure pot arrests are WAY down but it doesn’t mean use is down. In fact all indications are, the use is way up.
As to the OD deaths. Since it’s no longer a crime to use those drugs, the death reporting has changed in Portugal. They now list only the physical cause of death, not the driver of that death. Prior to this they would list heroin or whatever the drug was that was causal to the death, now they just list the physical manifestation of that death.
The equivalent here would be to decriminalize drinking and driving, make it legal to have open containers in your car, and you’ll see OUI and DUI arrests drop through the floor. Then treat OUI and DUI as a disease, and do outreach. Send people out with shot glasses and koosie cups that say don’t drink and drive.

Louie
Louie
Reply to  Real DA
2 years ago

You get a Burger King crown for the effort. Do some research please.

Last edited 2 years ago by Louie
Real DA
Real DA
Reply to  Louie
2 years ago

Same old useless crap under a different name. Grow up your defense of wrong way is comical.

Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth
2 years ago

Attempting the visualize the affected location of the proposed Jeremiah Johnson unicycle Cirque du Soleil which will ultimately grow exponentially as the money trail expands. It must be where we as North Junior High students were mercilessly forced to run cross country in P.E. class while wearing our gym uniforms by Coach Kowalski.
Maybe MEMBA should talk to Howie Commander as another addition to his Valley of Speed.

Joe D.
Joe D.
2 years ago

Oh wow. I’d certainly be against that… if I thought any of what you’re saying here was based in reality.

Did Digg
Did Digg
Reply to  Joe D.
2 years ago

Where is contaminated Jane on this? Wouldn’t this be an environmental problem Jane at Springside.

Sum Dict
Sum Dict
Reply to  Joe D.
2 years ago

Time to dump or redact. Tyere,shot spotter,the arts,the Russo configurations,Springside bike crap, the phony home assessments,schools spending,carver housing,.

Joe D.
Joe D.
Reply to  Joe D.
2 years ago

Of course, based on the wording, there is no question whatsoever that Dan’s source here is Elizabeth Kulas, a Cheshire resident who was voted off the Springside Conservancy unanimously by representatives of every volunteer group involved in the park, due to unstable and toxic behavior. Not that Dan has ever cared whether something has a shred truth to it before spreading it around.

Agent 86
Agent 86
Reply to  Joe D.
2 years ago

Is this Barry or his halfwit sidekick Shawshank?

Joshua
Joshua
2 years ago

Mr. Valenti – You need to learn to do research to help understand what you are referring to.

The location is approved, as Ms. McGee correctly states – See: https://www.iberkshires.com/story/63885/Parks-Commission-OKs-Location-of-Springside-Pump-Track.html

City source claims this is Phase 1 – Someone needs to remember not to bring the Mary Jane brownies to work. 4 times as large would make this about the largest skills park in the country, as big or smidge larger than skills area of Valmont in Colorado. Springside Park doesn’t have the topography for that kind of expansion, nor the associated infrastructure requirements. If said “source” can’t produce a map or document to back up their claims, its false.

Conflict of interest – To use an altered quote from Princess Bride, I don’t think that term means what you think it means. NEMBA is a regional 501(3) non-profit, of which Ms. McGee is a volunteer of. NEMBA has retained the services of a New Hampshire based company, Powder Horn, to consultant on a project. Ms. McGee, as the local volunteer representative, is representing NEMBA, not a company nor any commercial entity. As a member of the education committee, what would be the benefit to herself or said committee? “Education opportunities” are an ill defined benefit, especially since it could refer to anything, from the Little Bellas to PE classes. In order to be a conflict of interest, Ms. McGee would have to benefit finically from the project or create some sort of secondary benefit to herself through her being on the education committee. We all where different hats, and are members of different organizations, including clubs or political parties that benefit from our volunteering. As an example, your writing here could be a considered a larger conflict of interest to some other group you are part of, like a political party or city committee or vice versa.

Project impacts, i.e. Conservation Committee – As discussed in various meetings (read the minutes people), the project is under the minimum required size to trigger an environmental review under the NEPA or the MEPA and does not involve impacts to waterways or wetland (401 WAF). All the requirements and existing conditions are available for all to look at, including OLIVER (GIS data viewer for MA, including topography), NRCS Map (soil types), NWI Map (wetland location) & the associated statues. Literally 20 minutes of Googling and reading would easily illuminate the situation as to why review by these bodies isn’t what is legally required.

Spider
Spider
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

Dan – I couldn’t agree with you more and thank you!

daniel miraglia
daniel miraglia
Reply to  Spider
2 years ago

right on point dan ,

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

The wagons are circling Dan. Great job!! You exposed corruption, pure and simple.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Markus Aurelius
2 years ago

Now lets get Dan on the case of the insurection

Rule 5
Rule 5
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

If your insurrection lasts more than four hours contact a doctor.

Joe D.
Joe D.
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

Dan, by your statements, you seem confused about both the project proposed and the finer points of municipal government regarding parks.
As the statutory authority on something like this, approval by the parks commission is approval by the city, as they are the sole regulatory authority for this action. Approval by any other body is not required. See MGL Title VII, Chapter 45, section 5.
Secondly, there is no need for it to go out to bid, because it is not city funded. That fact seems to have been lost on a few people, that Alison McGee and co. are volunteering all their time and raising the funds themselves to do something for the local youth- only to be pissed on for it by a tiny mob of angry yokels who have absolutely no idea what they are talking about.

Allison Scam
Allison Scam
Reply to  Joshua
2 years ago

I will start sharing some of the text messages that I have from this project because of lies like this.

“Project impacts, i.e. Conservation Committee – As discussed in various meetings (read the minutes people), the project is under the minimum required size to trigger an environmental review under the NEPA or the MEPA and does not involve impacts to waterways or wetland (401 WAF).”

It was specifically done in phases with a much larger master plan for more acres but Allison, the Mayor, and a number of other people in city government (including two concom members and counsel for tge city) colluded to make sure it was under the minimum size to make sure there would be no review. The fact that the project will end up being built in phases, using this first section as a “foot in the door” project is what is of concern.

What Joshua ignores in the conflict of interest statements he so cluelessly makes is that because of her elected position as well as her employment she is already in violation of state ethics laws. Dan, not being an elected or a appointed official or an employee of a municipality is not subject to the same rules.

I like how he tries to turn the tables, it isn’t about Dan, it’s only about Allison’s Scam.
I’ve already forwarded the texts and a complaint to the state ethics commission.

daniel miraglia
daniel miraglia
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

just because a project is undersized does not mean there can not be impacts to wetlands resourses,, non point source pollution from runoff from parking areas and upland dumping areas will negitively impact wetland resourses, the bordering wetland vegitated areas of this proposed project still can be subject to environmental review,, secondly the open space parks director should not be speaking on hehalf of the conservation agent or commision stating there is no need for a wildlife impact review, this proposed site also borders the american chestnut plantings and a diverse number of fruit and nut trees that benifit numerious species of wildlife.

John Muir
John Muir
Reply to  daniel miraglia
2 years ago

I am rolling over in my grave at the very thought of this insane selfish invasion of a beautiful ecosystem. The proponents wear an invisible cloak of shame. Expose them. Call them out. Do it for me.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  Joshua
2 years ago

Imagine if the person (s) who planned the North Street biking fiasco situation actually admits they had eaten some brownies then they might have an excuse for the poor planning. If you can’t trust them with the little projects, how do trust input or planning on bigger projects?

The school committee
The school committee
2 years ago

I’m asking everyone to come out against Allendale elementary school to be closed and not used one more day.Trump gutted the EPA for the poison corporations.I bet there is more opposition to ridding bikes foe fun that teaching young children on a poison former GE swamp toxic dump……Joe Curtis

Fugimoto Hockalugi
Fugimoto Hockalugi
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

I’ll bet that the Lee PCB dump is moved to Allendale school

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Fugimoto Hockalugi
2 years ago

Pittsfield is GE’s dump!!!!

Shirleyknuts
Shirleyknuts
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

TSC I totally agree with you. Allendale should have been closed the minute they agreed to site the dump and a new school built on GE’s dime in a safer place.

Joetaxpayer
Joetaxpayer
2 years ago

Two things I don’t understand, why does Elm st. Convenience doesn’t have to have handicap parking. Why is the largest high school in Berkshire county (Taconic) playing the small schools.

J Dehmer
J Dehmer
Reply to  Joetaxpayer
2 years ago

Back in the day sixties there was parellel and curb parking on north st. Have photos

Keep Trying
Keep Trying
Reply to  J Dehmer
2 years ago

& 10 cars/day.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Joetaxpayer
2 years ago

Based on student population across the state.

Joetaxpayer
Joetaxpayer
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

Taconic has the most students of any school in Berkshire County. Yet they continue to play in the lowest division. No wonder there having success playing schools half there size. You would think they would want to move up .

Joetaxpayer
Joetaxpayer
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

Pittsfield High I believe gave them the closest game 6-1 . Of course Pittsfield High is a division higher because they aren’t a Vocational school. If they played in the higher division they could win, teams that good, why not give it a whirl.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Joetaxpayer
2 years ago

Pittsfield has exceptional talent in baseball.Taconic is facing very good teams.Many small schools are better because school choice allows you to build the school you want.

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

Maybe they get to play the smaller schools because of their low, very low, scholastic standing. Maybe the people who set up the schedules figger Taconic kids don’t have the mental capacity to compete on a higher level. Maye they just feel bad for them that they are from Pittsfield and are cutting them a break?

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Joetaxpayer
2 years ago

I believe you can choose to play a higher division but must stay for 3 years

OJ
OJ
2 years ago

1. Stop paying tax.

royal hartigan
royal hartigan
2 years ago

dan, your points and questions are right on the mark. there are so many unanswered questions and issues that have not been discussed over the 8+ months this has been formally proposed. here are a few, why was the meeting last night the first where roughly equal time was given for people to speak on the issue, as opposed to 7 month of proponents being allowed unlimited time and others restricted to 3 minutes?

when an alternative proposal for considering the parks and city’s own approved master plan to make the entire park an arboretum was stated at last night’s meeting, why was there no attention or discussion given to it? the only discussion was for and with the biking proponents, an (un)conscious bias?

there is a wide discrepancy between the number of original and current items of the proposals and the actual items given in the design, which is far larger.

statements by the bike advocates themselves and the NEMBA website document their aim is for the whole park.

the NEMBA website also contains false statements – that the park is unused and in disrepair; it is actually used daily by many people and is in good shape, in part because of the friends’ cleanups, and despite the city’s lack of maintenance. this is typical hidden agenda strategy to starve a site and then accuse it of being in need of ‘development.’

there are other appropriate places in pittsfield for this activity that would not violate the unique character of springside, and they were noted at last night’s and previous meetings. why no discussion of same?

why is springside considered the only viable place?

we were told that alternate sites were looked at and ruled out. follow up questions on that –

where is the documentation for the alternate site visits?

when did they take place?

what were the sites?

who was present at the walk throughs and analysis of the alternate sites?

what were the factors used in judging a site?

where is the documentation for each site considered

when will all these items be made available to the public?

who is supplying the money for this and why?

if the actual proposed bike park is to be confined to an acre (or now, 2, 3, 10, or more acres) why would the bike industry, IMBA, NEMBA, and other private/non-profit funding organizations drop $400,000-500,000, unless there is far more to their expected outcome, like the entire park, as was noted in your article. it wouldn’t be ‘cost effective’ with half a million dollars for an acre or two.

youth of all backgrounds, including so-called ‘low income’ and people of all ages are already are coming into the park to connect with and enjoy nature, and they don’t need to be on a $500 mountain bike to do that. in fact that would prevent meaningful connections.

‘giving youth an education about nature’ is done by bringing them into nature, here springside park and teaching them slowly while walking, seeing, smelling, and touching plants, trees, flowers, hearing birds, etc. this is only possible in quietude and concentrated awareness. it cannot be done while seeing only the few feet of a path in front of you while on a moving and usually speeding bike. if you don’t, you’re falling off the bike, and this guarantees you can never seeing anything is depth while riding on a mountain bike on trails that change rapidly.

there are two differing views of the natural world, wildlife, and one’s environment – one is that humans can control nature and use it for their singular pleasure as a dominion; the other is that humans are part of nature and wildlife, responsible for its custody, honoring it as an equal. the first is parallel to the historic thirst for control of the planet, its resources, and peoples in the never-ending quest for power on a national, community, or individual level; the second is a consciousness of all humanity as part of the world and equally responsible for all its living things, and the environment. mountain biking in inappropriate places like springside is reflective of the former, while our reverence for nature, springside, and all things natural – real and through our actions for over 40 years – as opposed to scripted sound bites, reflects the latter.

this is the choice that the city must make for springside park: adventure for the few, or reverence for all.

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  royal hartigan
2 years ago

Excellent. Hope you sent this to the local media and that they are not prevented from printing it. All real nature oriented groups should get behind this.

Shirleyknuts
Shirleyknuts
Reply to  royal hartigan
2 years ago

You bring up something, where are all the environmentalist? Shouldn’t they be up in arms and out making sure the city doesn’t screw up another natural resource

Allison Scam
Allison Scam
Reply to  Shirleyknuts
2 years ago

BNRC will stay away from this issue because they need the support of local politicians for grants, for sign offs, for future projects. There’s a lot of money on the line for BNRC so they are not going to bite the hand that feeds them.

Mike Vandeman
Mike Vandeman
2 years ago

What were they thinking??? Mountain biking and trail-building destroy wildlife habitat! Mountain biking is environmentally, socially, and medically destructive! There is no good reason to allow bicycles on any unpaved trail!

Bicycles should not be allowed in any natural area. They are inanimate objects and have no rights. There is also no right to mountain bike. That was settled in federal court in 1996: https://mjvande.info/mtb10.htm . It’s dishonest of mountain bikers to say that they don’t have access to trails closed to bikes. They have EXACTLY the same access as everyone else — ON FOOT! Why isn’t that good enough for mountain bikers? They are all capable of walking….

A favorite myth of mountain bikers is that mountain biking is no more harmful to wildlife, people, and the environment than hiking, and that science supports that view. Of course, it’s not true. To settle the matter once and for all, I read all of the research they cited, and wrote a review of the research on mountain biking impacts (see https://mjvande.info/scb7.htm ). I found that of the seven studies they cited, (1) all were written by mountain bikers, and (2) in every case, the authors misinterpreted their own data, in order to come to the conclusion that they favored. They also studiously avoided mentioning another scientific study (Wisdom et al) which did not favor mountain biking, and came to the opposite conclusions.

Mountain bikers also love to build new trails – legally or illegally. Of course, trail-building destroys wildlife habitat – not just in the trail bed, but in a wide swath to both sides of the trail! E.g. grizzlies can hear a human from one mile away, and smell us from 5 miles away. Thus, a 10-mile trail represents 100 square miles of destroyed or degraded habitat, that animals are inhibited from using. Mountain biking, trail building, and trail maintenance all increase the number of people in the park, thereby preventing the animals’ full use of their habitat. See https://mjvande.info/scb9.htm for details.

Mountain biking accelerates erosion, creates V-shaped ruts, kills small animals and plants on and next to the trail, drives wildlife and other trail users out of the area, and, worst of all, teaches kids that the rough treatment of nature is okay (it’s NOT!). What’s good about THAT?

To see exactly what harm mountain biking does to the land, watch this 5-minute video: http://vimeo.com/48784297.

In addition to all of this, it is extremely dangerous: https://mjvande.info/mtb_dangerous.htm .

The latest craze among mountain bikers is the creation of “pump tracks” (bike parks). They are alleged to teach bicycling skills, but what they actually teach are “skills” (skidding, jumping (“getting air”), racing, etc.) that are appropriate nowhere! If you believe that these “skills” won’t be practiced throughout the rest of the park and in all other parks, I have a bridge I’d like to sell you! …

For more information: https://mjvande.info/mtbfaq.htm .

The common thread among those who want more recreation in our parks is total ignorance about and disinterest in the wildlife whose homes these parks are. Yes, if humans are the only beings that matter, it is simply a conflict among humans (but even then, allowing bikes on trails harms the MAJORITY of park users — hikers and equestrians — who can no longer safely and peacefully enjoy their parks).

The parks aren’t gymnasiums or racetracks or even human playgrounds. They are WILDLIFE HABITAT, which is precisely why they are attractive to humans. Activities such as mountain biking, that destroy habitat, violate the charter of the parks.

Even kayaking and rafting, which give humans access to the entirety of a water body, prevent the wildlife that live there from making full use of their habitat, and should not be allowed. Of course those who think that only humans matter won’t understand what I am talking about — an indication of the sad state of our culture and educational system.

colBatGuano
colBatGuano
Reply to  Mike Vandeman
2 years ago

Wrong, Mike. Stop worrying about grizzly bears smelling humans a mile away. The real obscenity here is humans spending $500,000 on an obstacle course while other humans are struggling to survive just a few feet away. What is that teaching the kids?

Pointstoponder
Pointstoponder
2 years ago

Side note:
Worldwide Covid deaths will hit 4 million this week including over 8000 just yesterday. This pandemic is far from over though many seem to have put the blinders on. The Delta variant is widespread in the USA and will take many more and it is taking many younger people as well. Folks should keep abreast of what is happening with Covid these days so that they do not get a very bad surprise.
Is the mayor doing her job keeping this subject out front? Are our health care officials doing there due diligence as well? How about the local media?

Joetaxpayer
Joetaxpayer
Reply to  Pointstoponder
2 years ago

Keep drinking the kool aide. 94% of the deaths were from elderly sick patients (3 or more other deadly conditions) . Keep your mask on so that I can steer away from you. PS the variant is coming for you.

Pointstoponder
Pointstoponder
Reply to  Joetaxpayer
2 years ago

says clueless redneck Joe ..I hope when you get it you only spread it to other morons like yourself

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Pointstoponder
2 years ago

Just the same fear-mongerer, posting under another name.
Shut off CNN & grow a brain!

https://www.zerohedge.com/covid-19/panic-porn-dressed-science-exposing-truth-about-delta-variant

The school committee
The school committee
2 years ago

Pennsylvania is now wanting to do a 5th vote count hoping the lying Trumps find out they won.The diversions are sad for fascist.

No More Lew
No More Lew
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

Chappy 507 is this you?

No Klew Lew
No Klew Lew
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

Chappy 507?

Andover Bendo
Andover Bendo
Reply to  No Klew Lew
2 years ago

Isn’t it time f c c that the Stooge gets back into the pctv radio station building which his show was appropriated by license for? Where’s the a g?.

Rule 5
Rule 5
Reply to  Andover Bendo
2 years ago

Call Sean Sears .

Pointstoponder
Pointstoponder
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

can’t fix stupit These are the same folk that get sucked into Scientology and give up all their possessions and even their kids…

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Pointstoponder
2 years ago

Stupit?

Name withheld
Name withheld
2 years ago

So wrong way is screwing up again.
Remember those backpacks? The dozens they bought to accommodate the 3 human trafficking victims? Well realizing they are taking up space and actually have things that will age out of use, the brain trust at the DA’s office decided to give away some of the backpacks to the homeless (in violation of the grant terms). What are those homeless folks doing, trying to sell components from the backpack to people on the street and trying to trade the gift cards included in the backpack at liquor stores.

I’m on the group chat/IM of a merchant association and I got this today.

“Warning some of the homeless have been coming into my store with stop and shop gift cards. They are trying to sell them to me at 50-75% face value for either cash or nips.
Three of these new north street wanderers have come on. Today.
I thought it was a sting but they got them for the DAs office. It’s part of a homeless backpack giveaway.
I’m telling you don’t fall for it It might be sting by the DA.”

So wrongway is handing out the backpacks and the homeless junkies are trying to trade them for cash to buy booze and drugs.

Spider
Spider
Reply to  Name withheld
2 years ago

Will we be reading about this in “The Eagle”?

Aerin
Aerin
Reply to  Spider
2 years ago

The Eagle reported the puff about the backpacks why not this? One of the reasons stupid ideas like this one are occurring is because Harrington did away with the requirement to have a degree to be an advocate. No one wants to work there.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Name withheld
2 years ago

Your “wrong-way” DA is not a law & order DA. Shame on any of you who voted for this inept incompetent woman.

Rise of the Moops
Rise of the Moops
2 years ago

Were the guys who were arrested in Wakefield. On their way to train at Spring side Park?

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  Rise of the Moops
2 years ago

Trying to find DA’s office to get their survival backpacks.

Johnny99
Johnny99
Reply to  Fizzlehead
2 years ago

That’s a good one right there!

Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider
2 years ago

I don’t know why I’m engaging myself in this pissing contest with the ‘pump park.” I have no Rottweiler in this dog fight!!!!
(If anyone REALLY wants to know where there is a REAL” pump” park in Pittsfield, just go up into to the parking circle @ Onota Lake at any given time. But that is a topic for another show!!!). Wink wink, nudge nudge!!!!!!!!!!!
I’ve got a lot of time on my hands in my retirement villa so today I researched as many “pump parks” in the USA and other countries as I could stand before Happy Hour @ the rec ctr @ 3 P. (Gated community, unlike the Mayors’it keeps people in & not out)!
Back in the mid 90’s, my Wife & I did mtn biking. We went to a place in VT; Catamount. It was just a 10 mile uphill and downhill course and it was brutal! My Wife still has a primary sprocket tattoo on her inner fore leg; we were both treated for hypothermia and our bikes were broken beyond belief. It rained all 3 days and THEN there was the competition! THAT didn’t happen! The hot tub @ the motel was a respite!
Maybe that’s why I am so against this self imposed brutality AND the destruction of Springside Park. People WILL get hurt and the environment will suffer!!
The trail(s) at Catamount were horrendous and they weren’t altered by heavy machinery or concrete valleys or manufactured “catch air” jumps, like the pump parks. It was all bicycle imposed! Ruts, downed, broken trees, altered drainage, small ponds. NOT family conducive! Mosquitoes, biting flies, snakes. Local denizens. I did an endo and taco-ed my front wheel and came face to face with a small, orange lizard with black markings. I swear he was saying “WTF are you doing in my backyard?”
Every “pump park” proposal that I reviewed on line, across the U.S, was a “Phased in” project. First, so many acres to develop were approved and then, more acreage for a larger park (like more parking), little pieces at a time; like flying under the radar of some “commission” or other regulatory body. And, they weren’t single digit acres. It was in the double digits and more.
These parks were in so-called “under developed areas” (read ‘slums’) and the promise of “an influx of money” into the community was always present.
And, as they pull on the heart strings, there is a photo of a little girl, in a pink tutu, on a small pink bicycle WITH TRAINING WHEELS, stating that it it good for the kids.
I’m just sayin’; offering this stuff up for the people of Pissfield that have been shat upon since I was able to smell doo-doo and caa-caa @70 Allen Street!
People of Morningside and others who want a recreational area, DON’T LET IT HAPPEN! McGrath can’t handle what he has now, FCS and Alison McGee will morph into the background and become some Administrator of this behemoth!
As in EVERYTHING that the City has done, and failed at, this is just another one that is doomed!

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Ghost Rider
2 years ago

Sarcasm: Breaking News!!!! Pittsfield screws over locals!!!! Big Surprise there.

Ghost Rider
Ghost Rider
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
2 years ago

Ayah!!!

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  danvalenti
2 years ago

Sadly, at some point the mayor will convene a public meeting on this subject. It will be poorly advertised and held at at midnight on a Sunday. Only the special interest in favor of the project will show up and the Eagle will have headlines reflecting the overwhelming enthusiasm for it. This is part of the master plan as usual for all underhanded Pittsfield subterfuge.

The school committee
The school committee
Reply to  Ghost Rider
2 years ago

Springside park right now is a party area and a homeless forrest.Its time to develope the many hundred acres.Ski areas are a developement that ruined a mountain.Tanglewood is a forrest of people and parking lots.Same for the Rockwell museum located to glendale.

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

Honestly, if I had to choose between the homeless and mountain bikers I would rather see the homeless there. Leave it public land instead of turning it over to the elitists. The Indians, who once hunted and fished there would have wanted it that way.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

Now that they want a pump track there you might see Mr. White finally do something about the houseless problem. They will be thrown under the bulldozer coming soon to destroy the houseless condominiums. He knows where election campaign $ comes from .

Shirleyknuts
Shirleyknuts
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

Glad you brought up ski areas, there are 2 I can think of that are not being used anymore, why not use them for this mountain bike park. I can’t figure out how our economy would get boosted. The riders come with all their stuff in the car ride around then put everything back in their car and driveway. Sounds like the only thing we get is all the pollution from the vehicles they drive.

Nut
Nut
2 years ago

What were the Moors thinking? Only the government can be heavily armed lol. Besides, unless you’ve got F-16’s and nuclear weapons, what’s the point? After they were arrested, the prosecution is thinking about what they’ll charge them with? Interesting lol

Take away? Don’t run out of fuel while simultaneously bearing arms, not a good idea. And if you do, just remember, there’s authority in the world and it’s not you, it’s some guy you’ve never seen before, and his friends lol. You can’t not consent! Consent is mandatory lol but that doesn’t mean that it’s arbitrary lol

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  Nut
2 years ago

Wondering if these guys were just one troop of many out there heading to meet up. May be the black Oath Keepers.

Nut
Nut
Reply to  Fizzlehead
2 years ago

These guys have been around for a long time. They claim that they are not members of this society, which is a completely lawful claim by the way. Apparently the State Police is claiming that they are in fact members of this society, and so, this means that they are forbidden to travel down the road, and run out of fuel, which road they probably funded at some point, against their will of course, and also that they can’t bear arms in order to defend themselves.

And so, since they traveled down the road, and ran out of fuel, on their way to do weapons training, like the police often do, this means that they must present state identification, which identification would indicate that they are members of a society to which they claim they don’t belong.
So, since they didn’t fall in line, they have to go into the cage while the prosecution figures out, either, how it will prove that they are consenting members of this so called society, or, who they can get to step forward and claim that they were personally injured by one or all of these individuals. I would like a front row seat to that shit show lol

The school committee
The school committee
2 years ago

Under Biden Ma. has gone from 6,000 cases of covid a day to 57 now.

Shirleyknuts
Shirleyknuts
Reply to  The school committee
2 years ago

Thank you President Trump for warp speed

Pat
Pat
2 years ago

Happy Independence Day! Let’s demand transparency from local and federal government to keep our freedoms!

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  Pat
2 years ago

also, freedom from insurrections

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Fizzlehead
2 years ago

Freedom from Critical Race Theory, crazy government officials who want to get rid of the police, crazy government officials who want to get rid of voter ID, get rid of prisons, have open borders, get rid of guns, placate China, tell us we have 100 genders, and dictate to us in every area of our lives. Freedom from this crazy far left agenda.

Pat
Pat
2 years ago

The National Education Association, the largest teachers union, has said teaching Critical Race Theory to K-12 is reasonable. Even as the liberal media has been telling us that they do not teach this to very young children. They want to partner with BLM on October 14th, George Floyd’s birthday, to spread their message that America is structurally racist and white people are the oppressors. They are now being very transparent about what they want to do to this country and it’s time for Americans to not allow their children to be indoctrinated with their lies.
https://www.foxnews.com/us/largest-teachers-union-critical-race-theory-reasonable-and-appropriate

Last edited 2 years ago by Pat
Merry & Bright
Merry & Bright
2 years ago

First, Happy 4th of July to all!

After reading this “proposal” my immediate thought was that the Pittsfield Park’s Commission can’t even maintain the parks we have now. Parks are filled with litter and needles. Parents have to keep ball fields in condition as evidently the Parks Dept. does not have time, does not know how, but most likely the Administration does not care. Proven point, Taconic High School baseball team just won and is headed for the State championship, yet they don’t have a decent home baseball field to play on. How pathetic is that! Another point, East Street Softball field was taken over by the City and they let the complex run into the ground. Ken’s Bowl was entertainment for all ages, but there was a back sided sellout to one of the Mayor’s “clique” pals, Andy Nuciforo, to build another pot farm to fill the air of pot stench in the Allendale neighborhood. Strange how the Mayor has yet to reveal to the taxpayers as to how much tax revenue has been taken in by Andy’s business. Wonder why? Look at the Carousal on West Street. With all the Mayor’s secret stash, how about purchasing and moving the Carousal to the Common, Wahconah Park or one of the lakes for all to enjoy. Then again, the City would not maintain it and that would go to ruins. Few years back, my career had me working in the Northampton/Hadley area. As I commuted to work I noticed that every morning at 6:30a.m. the Hampshire County Sheriff’s department had inmates cleaning up the streets. Can’t help but wonder why this can’t be done in Pittsfield. Then again, most likely our Sheriff is not in the Mayor’s “clique”.

J2S
J2S
Reply to  Merry & Bright
2 years ago

Funny that we never really hear much on the tax money from these legal marijuana facilities and yet article in the local newspaper stated a person selling illegal weed was charged with the illegal weed and also listed the exact amount of taxes he owed from the sale of it.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  J2S
2 years ago

Are the Host Community Agreements public record Dan? They should be, no? They agree who gets what with the pot set ups. That said – Mr Barry thought he was getting money from his association with N’s weed business and was involved in some summary capacity before he got kicked out/business restructured, which I think happened after the host community agreement was signed. Chess and checkers.

Last edited 2 years ago by Kermit Frog
Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  J2S
2 years ago

I feel bad for the working class Allendale neighborhood on many levels. The stinky stench from (not my) friend’s marijuana growing building on Dalton Ave., GE’s 2 toxic waste leaky landfills that abut Allendale Elementary School, Level 5 schools, the very high municipal tax rate while the Mayor & Matt Kerwood sit on tens of millions of slush fund and stimulus fund dollars, inner city violent crime, Chrome Dome living in his new $690,000 home in Amherst, Massachusetts, Trippy Country Buffet fighting Boston’s progressive battles while Pittsfield gets the shaft, PAC Man Richie Neal representing K Street instead of the people in his Western Massachusetts Congressional District, Ed Markey living in Chevy Chase Maryland, while his promises to save the world from global warming are really more hot air, Elizabeth Warren promising to fight for Main Street, while Wall Street is at record highs and Main Street is at rock bottom, Kamala Harris abusing her staff, and Joe Biden spending $6 trillion in his first 100 days, while inflation is at decades high. To be clear, the Allendale neighborhood has to be one of the worst served places in the city, state, nation and world by big business and big government. If I lived in the Allendale neighborhood in Pittsfield, Massachusetts I would have lawn signs on my front yard that would read, “Thanks for the toxic waste dumps”, “Thanks for the skunk-like stinky marijuana odors”, “Thanks for the Level 5 public schools”, “Thanks for City Hall’s high municipal taxes, slush funds and stimulus funds”, “Thanks for Beacon Hill’s DISSERVICES”, “Thanks for the Swamp’s hot air”, “Thanks for the decades high inflation”, and “What else will big business and big government do to me?”.

Fizzlehead
Fizzlehead
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
2 years ago

and thank you LInda Tyer for your contribution (or lack thereof) for the mess Johnathon describes

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
Reply to  Fizzlehead
2 years ago

And for who Jonathan expressed his love & support for.
And yes, he also voted for Biden but continues to whine about Biden’s policies.

Markus Aurelius
Markus Aurelius
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

Yeah, because Trump’s prior playboy ways offended JM. I guess he believes billionaires are church going saints? But hey, at least there aren’t any mean tweets anymore….

The City I Hate
The City I Hate
2 years ago

Springside Park is on the National Registry of Historic Places. SO, aren’t there rules as to what “special interests/friends of the mayors” can and cannot do to such hidden gems? Also when corrupt/inept city clowncilors and Ruberto gifted Shaker Village $250,000/$500,000? taxpayer $$$$$$$$$$ in exchange for analysis of paint chips from the money pit Springside House so that it could be restored to it’s original glory disabled/defective screw the taxpayers Yon was absolutely giddy with excitement. Another lie told was that the students attracted to Shaker Village off campus college would come to Pittsfield and enrich downtown/up-street restaurants/business/rental properties, as they would need someplace to eat, shop and live while enrolled at Shaker Village, thus saving Pittsfield.

Pointstoponder
Pointstoponder
Reply to  The City I Hate
2 years ago

Pittsfield did not invent the “waiver” but it sure has used it every chance it could. Sometimes ethically and sometimes not. There are probably several waivers as we speak sitting on deck ready to be hauled out if need be.

Thus Struggull
Thus Struggull
Reply to  The City I Hate
2 years ago

Excellent points as usual. I see Ruberto was also on the Museum Board. Did he have a vote on the Rockwell thievery?

Pat
Pat
2 years ago

Joe Biden needs a cognitive test very badly. A former White House presidential doctor said there is definitely something going on with Biden’s cognitive abilities which is obvious after viewing over 40 years of Biden in politics. Long pauses in his thought process, not remembering important names, and losing his train of thought in important matters that goes well beyond the normal aging process. President Trump took the test and passed with flying colors despite the lies of the Democrats about his mental capability. We should ask no less of President Biden. Take the test Joe! Americans want transparency.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/white-house-physician-democrats-cognitive-demands-biden

kltpzyxm
kltpzyxm
Reply to  Pat
2 years ago

I agree, Biden taking that particular test couldn’t do any harm. The test taken by Trump was a simple screening test, not a real cognitive performance test. Biden would perform at least as well as Trump on that particular test.

Pointstoponder
Pointstoponder
Reply to  Pat
2 years ago

How come Trump told his insurrectionists that he was going with them and then ran and hid in the White House while they tried to dismantle democracy in America?

Pink Hat
Pink Hat
Reply to  Pointstoponder
2 years ago

No balls.

pjmh
pjmh
Reply to  Pointstoponder
2 years ago

Person. Woman. Man. Camera. TV…

kltpzyxm
kltpzyxm
Reply to  pjmh
2 years ago

Exactly.

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

Happy Fourth of July to my fellow Planeteers!

https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2021/07/04/pollak-frederick-douglass-on-the-redemptive-power-of-independence-day/

“Now take the Constitution, according to its plain reading, and I defy the presentation of a single pro-slavery clause in it. On the other hand it will be found to contain principles & purposes, entirely hostile to the existence of slavery.” – Frederick Douglas

”America’s founding set in motion the unstoppable chain of events that abolished slavery, secured civil rights, defeated communism and fascism, & built the most fair, equal & prosperous nation in human history.” – Donald J. Trump

Let freedom ring!

Mr. Fritz
Mr. Fritz
2 years ago
Free Yuki
Free Yuki
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

“The New York Times sparked fireworks with an Independence Day report on the political implications of displaying the American flag — just weeks after being forced to defend an editorial writer who said she was “really disturbed” to see Old Glory flown by supporters of former President Donald Trump.

The Times article — with the online headline “A Fourth of July Symbol of Unity That May No Longer Unite” — suggests that Trump supporters have embraced the flag “so fervently” that liberals have “all but ceded the national emblem to the right.”

kltpzyxm
kltpzyxm
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

Don’t be silly.

Pointstoponder
Pointstoponder
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

Fritz it is even worse than that. My sources on Fox news are saying that the left wants to do away with right handed people. Oh yeah. It’s true Fritz. And it’s not really fair if you ask me. Jeekers… and stuff.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Mr. Fritz
2 years ago

True. They can’t have us celebrating freedom when they want to take it away.

Free Yuki
Free Yuki
2 years ago

If you ever want to know if something is racist, just change the color and see how it feels.

Williamstown Theatre Festival returns to live, in-person theatre with ‘Celebrating The Black Radical Imagination: Nine Solo Plays’

Williamstown Theatre Festival returns to live, in-person theatre with ‘Celebrating The White Radical Imagination: Nine Solo Plays’

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
2 years ago

Mr. Fritz, I support the Lovely Linda, love Palookaville (Pittsfield), regret voting for brainless Joe, will NEVER vote for Nazi Trump, & wish you a Happy 4th of July.

Evel Canitneevul
Evel Canitneevul
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
2 years ago

Put the mountain bike nonsense in the pristine wetland and guarantee you a t v and motorized bikes will follow.

Shirleyknuts
Shirleyknuts
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
2 years ago

But you voted for commie illegitimate Joe and the San Francisco Ho….quite the battle you have going inside you, good luck. And yes I hope everyone enjoys this day that started a great country that allows all its citizens to be free…at least for now and don’t forget big brother is watching as is Dan’s algorithm….Happy 4th!!

Charles Trzcinka
Charles Trzcinka
2 years ago

Nice detective work by the Planet. They want to do this and the $400K is the first step to turn the park into a biker zone. Given than less than 1% of the public ever uses a mountain bike this policy will demolish public lands for a very small group of people. Rather than trying to enforce no-bike, no ATV rule, no camping rules, they give up and make it into a biker waste dump. I am so sorry that people in Pittsfield have to put up with the lack of courage for your elected officials.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
2 years ago

Would SC or another teachers union member share the emails going around asking union teachers to support this public spend on the bike trails?

Would School Committee person confirm if she was paid to lobby for the bike park? Has there been a negotiation between the Union and the city on current school contracts that involve union members supporting this spend?

What has the COP promised the teachers union if they support this spend?

Looks and smells like a conflict of interest.

Ethics Matter
Ethics Matter
Reply to  Kermit Frog
2 years ago

It’s not about getting paid to lobby. It’s that she is a municipal employee who is also an officer of an organization that is lobbying before the city for funds.

Clearly she had an advantage based on her position as she was allowed unlimited time to talk while those not in favor of the project were allowed only 3 minutes.