Beacon Cinema Construction

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PITTSFIELD – Over the next few weeks, construction activity will be increasing on the Beacon Cinema project. This means Allegrone Construction and the City will be implementing the traffic changes approved last fall by the Traffic Commission. A diagram, illustrating the temporary changes, is attached. The anticipated time frame for each change is also shown on the diagram.

As a reminder, at various times during construction these changes will include:

North bound traffic on McKay Street being diverted through the McKay Street parking garage;

South bound traffic on McKay Street dead ending at the Central Block;

The open short term parking area on McKay Street, directly in front of the parking garage, being closed.

The City is working to provide:


Temporary parking along West Street, east of McKay Street;

A temporary loading zone along West Street, west of McKay Street; and

Relocate 2 handicap parking spaces – one into the garage and one on to West Street.

As with any major construction project, these changes will cause short term disruptions in pedestrian and vehicle access in the area of the cinema construction project. Steps have been taken to limit the duration of changes, while recognizing that public safety on and in the vicinity of the construction site is the first priority.

The City appreciates the cooperation being given by all affected by these changes. When completed, the cinema center will bring 200,000 plus people downtown each year, continuing the renaissance of downtown Pittsfield, the urban center of the Berkshires. For more information, please contact Matt Dindio in the Mayor’s office, 413 499-9322
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pontoosuc Under Public Health Advisory

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A blue-green algae bloom was confirmed on Friday at Pontoosuc Lake that may present harmful health effects for users of the lake.
 
The city has issued a health advisory as recommended by the state Department of Public Health for both people and pets. 
 
• Do not swim.
• Do not swallow water.
• Keep animals away.
• Rinse off after contact with water.
 
Warning signs are being posted around the lake.
 
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, occur naturally in lakes and ponds throughout Massachusetts. These microscopic organisms are components of the aquatic food chain. In ordinary circumstances, cyanobacteria cause no apparent harm. However, warmer water temperatures and high nutrient concentrations may induce a rapid increase in their abundance. 
 
This response is commonly called a "bloom" because algal biomass increases to the extent that normally
clear water becomes markedly turbid.
 
Harmful health effects from the bloom can result through skin contact with the algae tainted water, swallowing the water, and when airborne droplets are inhaled. Pets are especially prone to the health effects not only through skin contact, but also by ingesting significant amounts of the toxin by licking their wet fur after leaving the water.
 
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