Roundabouts, Bump-Outs & Speed Humps: Pittsfield Seeks Input

Some people just don't like change, and with Pittsfield's recent changing traffic patterns over the past 10 years, you probably have an opinion.

Have you ever gripped your steering wheel a little tighter navigating one of Pittsfield's newer roundabouts, or found yourself slowing down over a speed hump and muttering under your breath, the City of Pittsfield wants to hear from you.

The Department of Public Services and Utilities is hosting the first open house for Pittsfield's Safety Action Plan on Wednesday, April 15, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hot Plate Brewing Company, located at 1 School Street. The event is free and open to the public.

The City of Pittsfield recently received federal funding to develop a Safety Action Plan and Traffic Calming Program. The goal is to create a long-term roadmap for transportation safety investments across the city, covering everything from improved infrastructure to updated policies and community programs.

This open house is your opportunity to show up, learn what the city is planning, and give direct feedback on how Pittsfield can make its streets safer for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and everyone in between.

And let's be real. Pittsfield residents have opinions. The recent rollout of bump-outs, roundabouts, traffic signals, and speed humps has sparked plenty of conversation at kitchen tables, in parking lots, and on social media. Some people love the changes.

Others, not so much. Either way, this is the room where your voice can actually make a difference.

City officials have emphasized that this will be the first of several community meetings, so even if you can't make it on April 15, there will be additional opportunities to get involved down the road.

But if you can make it out on Wednesday night, pull up a stool at Hot Plate, grab something cold, and let the city know what you think. Pittsfield's roads belong to all of us.