PITTSFIELD, Mass. neighborhoods (Housatonic: sales, violent crime, houses)

[newenglandgirl]

My retired sister and her DH is planning a move back home to Mass. I know the city of Pittsfield (one of the places on their list) somewhat, but not really.

Does anyone know about the neighborhoods around Silver Lake? Is is a safer area, or known for crime?

Any info on this neighborhood appreciated, thanks.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by newenglandgirl

Does anyone know about the neighborhoods around Silver Lake? Is is a safer area, or known for crime?

The spotcrime web site shows a couple of robberies several blocks from Lake St, but not violent crimes. The area homes sales show several low-cost, rundown houses. I have been in some rough-looking, working-class areas of downtown Pittsfield, but not sure exactly where they were.

So, if your sister and her husband are looking there, they can judge what they want to spend and whether they want to renovate. They may have spotted a diamond in the rough. In fact there was a cute little house at $89,000 that I would consider buying.

[newenglandgirl]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

The spotcrime web site shows a couple of robberies several blocks from Lake St, but not violent crimes. The area homes sales show several low-cost, rundown houses. I have been in some rough-looking, working-class areas of downtown Pittsfield, but not sure exactly where they were.

So, if your sister and her husband are looking there, they can judge what they want to spend and whether they want to renovate. They may have spotted a diamond in the rough. In fact there was a cute little house at $89,000 that I would consider buying.

She asked about the Silver Lake area--is that close to downtown?

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by newenglandgirl

She asked about the Silver Lake area--is that close to downtown?

Yes, it is close. It looks like an industrial area, with train tracks and large buildings. The are working-man type cottages around 2nd to 4th streets, and Silver and Lake Street. I'm not sure why they are looking there, as most of the houses need renovation. The other big issue is that General Electric has been dumping PCB's and mercury into Silver Lake for decades, and it might be a health hazard to live near there. (Do a google search on Silver Lake.)

OTOH, downtown Pittsfield has some nice libraries, historic buildings and cafes, and you could probably walk to the attractions from the 4th and Lake area. Maybe they find that attractive.

[goldenage1]

More on the PCB contamination around Silver Lake:

Walking the Berkshires: What Lies Beneath: The Housatonic, Part II

http://www.epa.gov/region1/ge/thesit...rts/252360.pdf

PCB Timeline

There is now an array of solar panels at the site:

WMECo Completes 1.8 MW Solar Facility in Pittsfield | Business Wire