WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The community came together to officially start a construction project, over a decade in the making, that will provide a safer, cleaner future for the town.
"What an amazing day today is for Williamstown," Prudential Committee Chairman Dave Moresi said Wednesday during the ceremony. "As a community, we should be proud to witness the groundbreaking of a new state-of-the-art fire station, ensuring that life and property continue to be protected to the highest and best of abilities."
The newly constructed 22,000 square foot facility will be built on Main Street, replacing the aging station on Water Street.
Chief Craig Pedercini said he first brought the idea to the Prudential Committee some 18 years ago. At that time, the Water Street Station was 56 years old. He said even 18 years ago, the department had outgrown the facility that could not keep up with modern fire fighting needs.
"Over the next couple of years, the progress began. Fast forward to today, we stick our shovels in the ground and move forward towards building a state of our fire station for the firefighters of this community," he said.
He said the new facility will have space to operate all of the department's vehicles and equipment safely. He said the new station will have an area to decontaminate gear as well as office, meeting, and training space. He was also happy to say the new facility will have plenty of parking.
Speaker State Rep. John Barrett III agreed that the project had been in the works for some time joking that some of the now Prudential Committee members he went to grade school with were talking about it then.
He added that the town should be proud to be able to make such improvements while maintaining solid financial ground.
"The town should be very proud. Proud of not only the fire department…but also as a community," he said. "You have a new police station, you're going to have a new fire station. I can't tell you how many communities around the state of Massachusetts would like to be in this position today. And you're in good financial condition after it happens."
In 2023 a special fire district meeting authorized the town to use $22.5 to complete the project. Through a series of meetings, working with the contractor Consigli Construction, the Prudential Committee locked in a guaranteed maximum price of $17.9 million.
Chairperson of the select board Jane Patton said the project also furthers the town's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions in line with its police station and middle school.
"It's been designed with an eye on the future. It's meant to operate with Net Zero carbon and to be adaptable to the changing needs of small fire departments," she said. "This is no small feat, and it's not for the faint of heart. This is a big deal to commit to this and to make it happen in this fashion. It makes me very proud to be a member of this community."
Moresi closed his portion of the ceremony by thanking the firefighters past and those present who will use the new fire station.
"The men and women are the heroes of our community. Always there to answer the call. This station is about a safe and healthy working environment for them," he said. "To allow them to serve our community to the best of their abilities for many years to come."
The project is estimated to be completed in late 2025/early 2026.
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Williamstown Business Owner Calls for Action on Economic Development
By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — A Spring Street business owner and former town official is sounding the alarm about the economic health of the Village Business District.
Amy Jeschawitz, who owns Nature's Closet and formerly served on the Planning Board, went to the Finance Committee last week to raise concerns about what she characterized as the lack of an "overall plan" for economic development in the town.
"Economic development, housing, new growth and business all go hand in hand," Jeschawitz said, alluding to the topic that dominated the Fin Comm's meeting before she addressed the body. "I know what a struggle it is for housing in this town."
Jeschawitz sent a letter to both the Fin Comm and the Select Board in which she called on town officials to take action.
"As a community we can no longer sit and pretend we are insulated because we live in Williamstown and have Williams College," Jeschawitz wrote. "We need growth, we need new homes, we need jobs, we need better transportation options and we need to start filling the needs of the tourism industry who come here from NYC and the Boston area.
"We do not need to form a committee to study this – we have done that repeatedly over the years to no action. Reports sitting on shelves. We need you, the Select Board and Finance Committee to start taking actions."
Jeschawitz appearance before the Finance Committee on Oct. 29 was followed by a "Williamstown Business District Walking Tour" on Thursday afternoon that was posted as a public meeting for the Select Board to have what the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce billed as "a constructive conversation … to discuss ways to improve the economic development of Williamstown."
Amy Jeschawitz, who owns Nature's Closet and formerly served on the Planning Board, went to the Finance Committee to raise concerns about a lack of an "overall plan" for economic development in the town. click for more
This month, students depicted life at the four-generation family-owned and operated Ioka Valley Farm at 3475 Hancock Road, specifically highlighting its winter season when they sell Christmas trees.
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Mila Marcisz ripped a shot from the top of the 18 that slipped just under the swing of teammate Adele Low and past the Mustangs keeper in the fourth minute of the second overtime to give Mount Greylock a 1-0 win. click for more
Mount Greylock dominated for much of the game, compiling a 17-4 advantage in shots on goal, not to mention numerous Mountie chances that went just wide or high of frame. click for more