BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION MAY 15-7, 2026) — Don’t tell anyone, because you’re not supposed to know. In fact, no one is supposed to know, not even THE PLANET.

According to a well-placed source, Guardian, the insurance company at 700 South St., will be will be leaving Pittsfield. THE PLANET has been unable to officially confirm the news, since it’s all hush-hush at the moment. Considering our sources, however, we have no reason to think it’s anything but true.

Guardian’s exit, of course, will mean the loss of a good number of high-paying, white-collar jobs — the last thing Pittsfield needs. Apparently, whatever efforts, if any, by the city to get Guardian to remain, obviously have not worked. That’s assuming that the city even knows about it.

What will happen to the iconic “John Hancock” building across the street from the Pittsfield Country Club? THE PLANET is hearing that HospiceCare of the Berkshires will be moving into the space. This will mean a huge tax loss, since HospiceCare is a non-profit company.

———- ooo ———-

We don’t know the reason for the move.

We do know this: Adding up the loss of jobs and tax revenue, Guardian’s exit would be a devastating loss for the city.

We wonder if the company is moving out because of the anti-business attitude of the Marchetti Administration, which has driven out countless business since the 2023 election.

Have a great weekend, everybody.

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“The Kapanskis: Shipwrecked on an island of economic exploitation” — Sir Donald Turpentine, Knight of the Bath.

“OPEN THE WINDOW AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

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