Minor Change to Dalton Landfill Project in the Works

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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DALTON, Mass. — The Planning Board tentatively approved Citizens Energy's request for administrative approval of a "minor" change to the site plan during its meeting on Wednesday. 
 
To support the Warren Landfill solar project, Citizens Energy is interested in installing utility poles along the access road to interconnect the project to the electrical grid. 
 
Since the access road is public property, the board requested that the organization obtain written approval from the town attorney, the police chief, fire chief, and highway department. Once that is complete the building inspector can approve the permit. 
 
Board member Donald Davis Jr. advocated for obtained approval from the town attorney in an effort to prevent liability. 
 
"Because now we're putting structures on town-owned property that the town doesn't own, it should go to the attorney to nullify the town of any problems," he said. 
 
When the board approved the nonprofit's site plan and a special permit in April it was unclear how the access was going to work so optionality was included in the site plan, TRC Companies Inc. Senior Director Max Lamson said. 
 
TRC Companies Inc. is representing Citizens Energy for solar permitting matters.
 
One option had been to create its own access road parallel to the town's. At the time, the Select Board had not yet approved the organization's Solar Easement that granted unobstructed access between Bridle Road and the Warren farm's landfill, located off Park Street Extension, outside of the transfer station's hours for vehicle and pedestrian access.
 
The Select Board approved this easement during its meeting in July. Citizens Energy is hoping to start construction before the winter season.
 
More information on the project here
 

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Rain Signfies Taconic Class of 2024's Resilience

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Taconic High School graduates were told to stay resilient while seated in caps and gowns on the soggy grass.

The rain eased right before Taconic's 54th graduation ceremony on Sunday. Families, friends, and alumni gathered on the school's lawn in raincoats and smiles to celebrate 190 graduates.

"This rain is a symbol of life's moments that are outside our control, just as you're experiencing right now. Your resilience is about embracing these moments, finding the positives, and turning them into memories," Principal Matthew Bishop said.

"So when life showers you with challenges Let them wash over you, strengthen you, and inspire you to keep moving forward. Remember, your story is unwritten and it's up to you to fill in its pages with perseverance, determination, and grace."

Salutatorian Anna Alexandra Potochevska urged her peers to bring these values into their future.

"As we approach the beginning of our adult lives together for one final time, I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone of the resilience, perseverance, and hard work that went into standing here today. Never forget that commitment and the pride that you feel standing here now. Bring it with you everywhere you go and wear it with honor," she said.

"Embrace every opportunity that lies ahead of you with optimism and enthusiasm and finally, remember to be grateful for the people who are here supporting you today and the privilege we have shared being able to attend an institution that sincerely cares about each and every one of us and who has invested in the success of every one of its students."

Valedictorian Bhumi Harshadbhai Patel also highlighted the class's strength.

"Everyone has had their own story and been through different measures of pain," she said. "Despite all of these treacherous adversities, look at where we are now."

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