PITTSFIELD DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROJECT SET TO BEGIN MONDAY

PITTSFIELD — Work is set to begin Monday, February 16, on a major downtown revitalization project that city leaders say will modernize infrastructure and improve streets and sidewalks throughout the heart of Pittsfield.

Mayor Gary Mendenhall said construction crews are expected to move in with more than 60 workers downtown as the long-planned project officially gets underway. The effort has been in development for several years after the city secured multiple state grants in 2022 and 2023. Rees Construction is handling the work, and city officials have been told the goal is to complete the project within a year.

The project includes replacing aging water pipes and storm sewer lines, rebuilding sidewalks and curbs, and resurfacing streets. Planned work areas include Madison Street from Jefferson to Washington, Monroe Street from Jefferson to Washington, and Adams Street from Monroe to Memorial. Additional sections of Monroe Street and Adams Street are planned for future phases.

City leaders acknowledge the construction will impact downtown businesses, but say efforts will be made to minimize disruptions. Business owner Robert Brewer, who operates Nucci’s Pasta House near the edge of the construction zone, said the work will bring some inconvenience but believes the improvements will be worth it. He said while the noise and temporary access issues may be challenging at times, the long-term benefits for the community outweigh the short-term disruptions.

Mayor Mendenhall said crews will work block by block and coordinate closely with businesses, particularly restaurants, to limit service interruptions. He noted water shutoffs will be scheduled during off-hours whenever possible, with outages expected to last about an hour when lines are switched.

The total cost of the downtown revitalization project is more than $6 million and is being fully funded through grant money, according to city officials.