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Berkshire Bike Path Council
December 2009 Update
An unusually warm November saw active trail use captured by our "resident" photographer, John Yuill. This month's issue includes some wonderful briefs on some special trail users.
In the spirit of ring out the old and bring in the new, BBPC committee members honored Charlie Tracy, our National Parks Service liaison and welcomed Steve Golden NPS Regional Director with a delicious Harvest Feast.
Steve Golden
The group also adopted an ambitious list of 2010 goals. As you make your New Year's resolutions, consider how you can get involved in bike path development this year. Also check out our gear wear for holiday gifts at Berkshirebikepath.com. You can also make a tax deductible gift to BBPC.
Wishing you a happy holiday and a healthy new year.
Marge CohanMarge Cohan President, Berkshire Bike Path Council |
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Dec 16 - Wednesday - Great Barrington Bike Committee - 6 PM - Town Hall
Jan 7 - Wednesday - Pittsfield Bike Path Committee- 5 PM - 1 Fenn Street |
Spotlight on
Harvest Feast
Twenty one people attended the recent Quarterly BBPC Board Meeting to honor Charles Tracy. After 2 years of supporting us through the NPS River, Trails and Conservation Assistance program ( http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca), Charlie is taking on NPS leadership of the New England National Scenic Trail. We thanked him for all his help with some unique tokens of appreciation from the bike path community committees. "It is rare for federal employees to receive gifts and not many are honored with a slab of Stanton bacon, local eggs and a huge Florida turnip" said Steve Golden. Creative contributions to the gift basket included a tote designed by a Williamstown artist, a painting of Wood Pond, a mug with an Adams scene, David biscuits from Pittsfield and a BBPC tote. Charles Tracy with Florida (MA) turnip
Enjoying the feast |
About Special Trail Users
A New Way to Wait for Car Repairs
Helen Lanoue, her daughter, Rita Toombs, and her very happy and content granddaughter, Kate along with dog Buddy enjoy a stroll on the Ashuwillticook. They were waiting for their car to be serviced and stated " Bedard's actually lists "Access to Ashuwillticook Rail Trail" as one of their perks on the service literature. I hope there are many like us who would rather get out on the trail than sit in the service lounge for two hours!"
Mr. Snyder
Mr. Edward Snyder regularly takes a bus from North Adams to Adams just to walk on the Trail. He considers walking the Ashuwillticook an important activity in his overall quality of life. In fact he said "As important as my diet." Why is he unique? Mr. Snyder is totally blind and walks the path alone!
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Bike Path Planning
LEE LEAPS FORWARD
With the support of town officials, "in kind" support from Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, Community Development Corporation leadership and Town appropriation of $50,000, the Lee Bike Path Committee has develop a conceptual design for a multi-use bikeway along the Housatonic River. They have submitted an application for $150,000 to Congressman Olver for a proposed design and engineering study to assess opportunities for a greenway from the Lee/Lenox town line at Mill Street south to Route 102 (about five miles). Keys to their success include support of local officials from the start, community collaboration, local financial investment and a focused committee.
PITTSFIELD REJUVENATED
Fifteen Pittsfield residents, determined to have a bike path in Pittsfield, attended the most recent subcommittee meeting. With five new City Councilors, the group hopes to enlist new support and respond to some of the concerns raised by the Mayor. Issues include: working with the Housatonic Railroad, determining the best route to Williams Street and where to go south of Williams Street to meet Lenox at New Lenox Road. Their next meeting is Jan 7, 5 PM at 1 Fenn Street. |
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BBPC Year End Report
This has been an exciting year with activity throughout the county. We can look back with pride about what has been accomplished and look forward to the work ahead.
2009 Accomplishments
- Established new relationship with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission as a fiduciary partner and coordinator.
- Supported the development of Great Barrington and Stockbridge bike path committees
- Joined the Housatonic Heritage efforts and collaborated on the Trail symposium
- Completed Implementation Plan - developed county-wide vision map and memorandum of understanding with officials from 11 cities and towns
- Developed enewsletter, increased email membership and transferred responsibilities to BBPC volunteers
2010 Goals
The Berkshire Bike Path Council Board of Directors established a list of goals for 2010 and highlighted three to concentrate on:
- Enlist the support of local and state officials for the Berkshire Bike Path Implementation Plan. The Implementation Plan describes a route concept and has been signed by 11 Berkshire Communities willing to work together to resolve basic issues such as making sure the path flows continuously from one town to the next.
- Develop a brochure for distribution at events and place them in public places such as town halls.
- Present the Housatonic Railroad with a countywide plan for path interfaces with HR property.
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Thank you for your continued support!
Please support our efforts to advocate for better bicycling in Berkshire County. Mail your check, made out to Berkshire Bike Path Council, 55 South Mountain Rd, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Per IRS regulations, your donation to the Berkshire Bike Path Council will be treated similarly to a donation made to a 501(c)(3) organization and will be tax deductible. | |
