Pittsfield Named a Top 25 "Green City"

Tuesday, March 27, 2007
By Susan Bush

The city has been named as one of the top 25 "Green Cities" in America by a nationally distributed magazine in its' April issue.

Country Home magazine designated Pittsfield as the 14th placeholder on the list that gave the top spot to Burlington, Vt..

Ithaca, N.Y. and Springfield, Mass. were included among the list's top five green cities.

And on a list that Country Home identified as the "Best Ten Small Green Cities," defined as hosting populations under 150,000, Pittsfield ranked fifth.

Mayor James M. Ruberto said he was pleased to see the city acknowledged by the magazine.

Recreation Hub

"It's wonderful to see Pittsfield being recognized as a green city, recognizing the wonderful natural resources that make our city such a fine place to live and work," Ruberto said. "As the recreational hub of the Berkshires, we are committed to moving forward with environmentally friendly initiatives that will recognize Pittsfield's open space, parks, lakes, and trails that make us a truly unique and attractive community."

Prius-Power And Green Initiatives

Ruberto has made choices that emphasize the environment and "green purchasing power;" he recently purchased a Toyota Prius vehicle, which is powered by gasoline and electricity.

The city is very open and welcoming of "green initiatives."

Beginning later in the spring, a weekly Saturday morning "farmer's market" will be featured in the downtown.

The city also recently received and approved grant funds that will be used to examine proposals to extend the Ashuwillticook bicycle trail from Lanesboro to Pittsfield, and recently joined the International Cities Local Environmental Initiatives organization. ICLEI was founded in 1990 and focuses on projects such as Local Governments For Sustainability and The Cities for Climate Protection.

The Center for Ecological Technology is headquartered on Elm Street, and the city, in collaboration with the CET, installed solar panels at the Conte Community School. Energy-saving LEDs have been installed at all city traffic lights and energy-efficient equipment has been purchased and installed at the city wastewater treatment facility.

The city is home to the Pittsfield State Forest and Balance Rock State Park and a Canoe Meadows and Audubon Society nature sanctuary.

Bicycle-Friendly Endeavors

And there is no resting on green laurels for the city.

In conjunction with a June 20 national Bike To Work Day, the city has begun working toward a League of American Bicyclists' Bicycle Friendly Community designation, according to information provided by Ruberto.

Confirmed events include a 9:30 a.m.-10 a.m. May 16 "Blessing of the Bikes" at the St. Stephen's Church and an in progress Bike To Work event at the Berkshire Medical Center. A "bike route" and "share the road" sign acquisition project that includes the towns of Dalton and Lenox and funds made available by U.S. Congressman John W. Olver's office is underway. Future plans are to extend the effort in collaboration with the towns of Richmond and Lanesboro.

A large scale "Bike To Work" event is being planned, and the Downtown, Inc. organization has signed on as a Bike To Work co-sponsor.

Eagle Scout candidate Joe Teti of Boy Scout Troop 8 partnered with the city police department for a bike rodeo.

Bicycle "Bill of Rights"

City officials and state Sen. Benjamin Downing D-Pittsfield are working together for the passage of a "Bicycle Bill of Rights and Responsibilities" [SD 1035].

"The legislation's combination of police education and involvement, bicyclist awareness and responsibility will truly make our roads safe for all who use them," said Downing in a written statement. "Being designated a bicycle friendly community would be a great honor for Pittsfield, but would also be wonderful for the surrounding communities to model and to this end, I offer my complete support."

Feel Safe, Have Fun, Get Fit

The LAB promotes bicycling for pleasure, physical fitness, and transportation, according to information available at a www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org Internet web site. The organization has a membership that includes about 40,000 individuals and 600 organizations for a total membership of about 300,000 bicycle enthusiasts.

"Communities that are bicycle-friendly are seen as places with a high quality of life," according to information published in an informational LAB brochure. "This often translates into increased property values, business growth, and increased tourism. Bicycle-friendly communities are places where people feel safe and comfortable riding their bikes for fun, fitness, and transportation."

Bicycle-friendly designations are awarded at bronze, silver, gold, or platinum levels.

As part of the city's quest to achieve bicycle-friendly status, city-based banks have been asked to provide bike racks for employees and customers on bank property.

A proposal to erect a bicycle/pedestrian bridge above the Housatonic River between the Stop & Shop and Barnes and Noble venues is being considered and has been deemed "doable."

Also under consideration are plans for a "Valet Bike-Parking" event. Bicycle contingents may be included in the city's huge July 4 parade and a Halloween bicycle parade is also under review.

A portion of the Country Home Green Cities listings is available at a www.countryhome.com Internet web site.