The Select Board is hoping the dangerous unfinished pedestrian way at East Housatonic Street and Carson Avenue can be included in the proposed federal infrastructure bill.
DALTON, Mass. — Dalton is keen to get a deferred pedestrian bridge project in front of Congressman Richard Neal for possible inclusion in the anticipated federal infrastructure bill.
The pedestrian bridge at East Housatonic Street and Carson Avenue is an infrastructure need that was already drafted, but deleted from a previous federal road construction project completed a few years ago. Select Board member John Boyle proposed now is the time to revisit it.
Neal, who Boyle says has been "very conscientious about taking care of the western part of the district," is a key architect in the legislation, as chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.
The previous project, which was undertaken from 2014-2018, included the installation of a sidewalk that now dead ends abruptly at the bridge, forcing pedestrians to cross traffic dangerously.
"Obviously this is a very unhealthy situation," said Boyle. "In my mind, it's a disaster waiting to happen."
Boyle recommended that the town submit a presentation including the previous study and design work, along with traffic commission endorsement, and other narrative materials explaining the importance of the project to Dalton.
Member Joseph Diver was reserved about the proposal, questioning if other town projects, such as needed sewer reconstruction, might be higher priorities to pursue in this bill. Diver suggested this bill has "some hill to climb" yet, offering time for a more exploratory conversation with Neal's office.
"I think we need to move very quickly," disagreed Boyle. "Everyone in the country is going to be having the same thought."
He maintained that the pedestrian bridge option has the advantage of being essentially shovel-ready, with a great deal of costly engineering already completed.
Town Highway Superintendent John Roughly added that upfront engineering costs for any other major project would need to be paid by the town, and it's unlikely they'll be able to fund studying such a project in the immediate future.
"This looks like a good opportunity that we could get a little slice of that pie," said board member Dan Esko.
In the end, Esko and Chairman Robert Bishop favored having Boyle "begin the conversation" with Neal's office about submitting the bridge proposal.
One percent of the approximately $3 trillion 2021 Infrastructure Bill will be devoted to congressional earmarks.
In other town business, the Health Department will make final determinations on Tuesday about plans for reopening Town Hall on Monday, April 5. Dalton will be one of the first town halls in Berkshire County to return to in-person business this year, following re-surging numbers in the region beginning in the fall.
After discussing various options and locations, the Select Board has decided to continue to permit the informal, wooden ramp "skate park" located at Pine Grove Park, for the time being. It was clarified that the town is not liable for their use, since the structures are the property of the youth who set them up.
"I'd rather see them doing it there, than doing it out in the street," said Bishop.
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Berkshire Officials Back Bills to Protect Minors From Sexual Abuse
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
Berkshire DA Timothy Shugrue says current consent laws constrained his ability to bring charges in the recent Miss Hall's School case. Left, state Rep. Leigh Davis has signed on to bills that would close that loophole.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Local officials urge the passage of "long overdue" legislation to protect minors from sexual abuse by adults who are teachers, mentors, or other positions of trust.
"When I began my career as a prosecutor, I specialized in the prosecution of child sexual abuse cases. In the mid-1980s, this was a taboo topic. Something rarely discussed, much less prosecuted. During those early years, I worked to normalize the prosecution of child abuse cases and to protect our most vulnerable population, our children," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said during a virtual press conference on Monday.
"In 1993, I founded the Berkshire County Children's Advocacy Center, now known as the Kids' Place, which appropriately supports children during such a traumatic life event. It's deeply troubling and frankly enraging that we find ourselves here today, still fighting to protect children from sexual abuse. How can it be that in a forward-thinking state like Massachusetts, we still lack laws that fully protect minors from sexual assault, particularly from adults in positions of trust and authority?"
"In Massachusetts, the problem arises because once someone reaches the age of consent, they are legally considered capable of consenting to sexual activity with adults in positions of power in their lives. I argue that such so-called consent is not possible. Proving a lack of consent becomes nearly impossible," he said.
"Young adults are in the process of discovering who they are. It's natural for them to seek mentorship, guidance, and support from trusted adults. Unfortunately, a small but dangerous group of adults seek to exploit this vulnerability."
He said pedophiles are "particularly skilled" at grooming their victims and in Massachusetts, there are cases where predators groom minors before they turn 16 and upon their 16th birthday or shortly thereafter, manipulate the victims to enter into a sexual relationship.
"In what world can a 16-year-old truly consent to sex with a teacher, a coach, or any adult in a position of authority and trust? I believe that such consent does not exist," Shugrue said.
Local officials urge the passage of "long overdue" legislation to protect minors from sexual abuse by adults who are teachers, mentors, or other positions of trust. click for more
Democratic leaders railed against the Republican administration on Sunday and urged residents to take action — but offered little on what their strategy is to oppose President Trump's agenda. click for more
A state grant has boosted the Berkshire Trail Building revitalization by $400,000, a project that has been in the works for over six years. click for more
On Presidents Day weekend, a storm dumped around 6 inches of snow on Berkshire County. Just before, the city was able to onboard a few more contractors.
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