BRPC Studying Locations For Passenger Rail Stations

LENOX, Mass. — Berkshire Regional Planning Commission wants to know which kinds of amenities the public would want in a train station.

The commission has partnered with the Housatonic Railroad Co. to do a land analysis of potential locations for passenger rail stations along a proposed line to New York City. The commission is looking for buildable areas along the line from the Scelsi Intermodel Center in Pittsfield to the Connecticut border and what amenities would be needed.

Gov. Deval Patrick has already made a pitch to restore passenger rail from New York City to the Berkshires and now with $240,000 in federal funds and $60,000 in Housatonic in-kind work, regional planners are helping the process along.

"The study itself is kind of narrow in focus," BRPC planner Brian Domina said. "We're going to carry out an objective land analysis. We're not building stations."

Domina said the grant tasks BRPC with two focuses. One would be to eliminate areas along the corridor that can't be built on and then identify issues with those that can — such as flood plains or endangered species. The other task would identify what the public would want and need in a train station and how the stations would "interface" with residents.

For the former, Domina said the planners will use geographic information systems (GIS) to identify locations. Domina said the analysis won't look at specific parcels, just narrow it to areas.  

Guest Column: An Honor to Serve

By Smitty PignatelliGuest Column
01:21PM / Friday, December 20, 2024

As I reflect on the past 22 years serving as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, I do so with immense pride and gratitude. Together with my colleagues, I have had the privilege of contributing to landmark legislation that has defined our commonwealth, from marriage equality to health care for all — both of which became national models. 

 

I've worked on major environmental, economic development, and housing bond bills that continue to benefit the Berkshires and will for years to come.

 

Of course, none of this was accomplished single-handedly. The legislative process is a team effort, and I have been fortunate to serve alongside dedicated colleagues who have always put the interests of Massachusetts first. When I first entered the House, I thought I knew a lot, having spent years in local and county government. But I quickly realized I had much more to learn. I was lucky to have the guidance and support of Reps. Peter Larkin, Dan Bosley and the entire Berkshire delegation, who took me under their wing and set me on the right path. I was proud to team up with them 20 years ago to create the first in the nation Cultural Facilities Fund that has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars to our local economy. 

 

Throughout my tenure, we've faced the ups and downs of local, state, and global economies. Yet I've always believed that when we work together, no challenge is insurmountable. The 22 communities I have represented over the years have demonstrated time and again the power of collaboration to make the Berkshires — and what I like to call "BesternMass" — a thriving, vibrant region.

 

The State House is steeped in tradition, with its formal titles and protocols: "Representative this" or "Chairperson that." But I've always reminded my team that while my job may be important, I never felt important. I entered the House as Smitty, and I'm proud to leave it the same way — simply Smitty.

 

Growing up, politics in my household was never a dirty word, and politicians were not seen as bad people. Those early lessons grounded me in the belief that public service is about representing the needs of others, not yourself. I've carried that belief with me every day in the House, never forgetting where I came from or the people I was there to serve. Representing the 4th (now 3rd) Berkshire District — my home — has been the greatest honor of my life. I wasn't always successful, but I gave my best every single day. After nearly 50 years in public service, I retire as a public servant, not a politician.

 

One of my greatest concerns is that public office today risks becoming more about "self-service" than "public service." We need people at all levels to stay engaged, hold public officials accountable, and demand better. I've always set a high bar for myself and those around me. I've never been afraid to admit failure or celebrate shared success, and I've tried each day to lead with the same passion, vision, and integrity my family instilled in me.