Letter: Alex Blumin for City Council

To the Editor: I am excited to endorse Mr. Alex Blumin for Ward 2 City Council. When we elect Mr. Blumin, we continue Ward 2's tradition of self-governance. We consistently choose the independent voice to represent our interests. We have a tradition of preserving a philosophy of reasonable inquiry of elected officials, and we demand responsible financial governance.

Ward 2 awaits the city's fulfillment of its promises to complete roadwork and fix abandoned homes. Mr. Blumin will push the city to achieve these promises. The mayor aggressively hiked water and sewer rates twice in the last two years, and she promised more increases. Ward 2 residents worry about the ever-expanding city budget they are forced to fund. Alex Blumin shares your worries and will fight for responsible budgets. Mr. Blumin will continue to promote reducing your taxes and reducing water rates by using your tax dollars locked in free cash and the cannabis reserves.

City Hall spending lacks transparency. The next councilor will see the $41 million in ARPA funds spent down. The ARPA Advisory Committee meets in secret and spends money on projects that do not appear to benefit Ward 2. The City Council has not had any input on a single dollar spent. Mr. Blumin would dare to ask the hard questions: What did the ARPA Committee discuss in their secret meetings? Pittsfield Economic Development Authority (PEDA) has new funding coming up. Will it support the destitute business environment in Pittsfield and Ward 2? Mr. Blumin will insist that it does.

When Mr. Blumin whispered "corruption" in his debate, he dared to state a fact of our government that many councilors privately discuss. I saw a man display his love and admiration for our legal traditions and institutions. You saw his courage to hold our leaders to high standards and principles.

Mr. Blumin has a long involvement in city politics, and the time is now for him to lead. He has the intelligence and courage to do the job. Ward 2, you must turn out on Sept. 19, and I strongly urge you to vote for Alex Blumin for your councilor.

Charles Kronick
Pittsfield, Mass.

Charles Kronick is the current Ward 2 councilor and is not running for re-election.

Work Underway On Blighted Dalton Home But Issues Persist

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
11:59AM / Monday, June 22, 2026

The first phase of remediating the property includes cleanup and exterior work. The property is in receivership through the Attorney General's Office. 

DALTON, Mass. — For over a decade, neighbors have called 27 Mountain View Terrace an eyesore and a safety risk, and now, after a year in court, work is being done to address the blighted condition. 

 

The single-family home was condemned by the town's Board of Health in October 2025 following little progress to address the code violations despite multiple months. 

 

The property was cited for several safety issues, including clutter blocking egresses, a collapsing roof and porch, mold throughout the house, especially in the basement where there is water damage, and the lack of water, electricity, and gas. 

 

Neighbors also attended Board of Health meetings to complain about the rats that have infested their homes coming from the "abandoned" property and the unkept grass in the back yard. According to court documents, there is evidence of pests. 

 

Kathryn Kohlenberger, who lives right next to the property, said she has been dealing with the decaying conditions for 12 years and had to put mouse boxes and cayenne pepper around her house to prevent mice from entering her property. 

 

On March 11, 2026, the Attorney General's Office approved the appointment of a receiver, TM Properties Inc., which has a four-phase plan to rehabilitate the home. The anticipated cost of the project is estimated at $160,714.00 inclusive of all fees.

 

According to court documents, the property has been vacant since 2004. It was appraised, in May 2026, at about $250,000 after rehabilitation and about $50,000 in its current condition.