Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Pittsfield City Council files proposed median-safety ordinance after extensive public opposition
Summary
After more than an hour of public comments opposing a proposed “median safety and pedestrian regulations” ordinance, the City Council accepted an Ordinance & Rules Committee report recommending the measure be filed and placed on record. Councilors and dozens of residents debated safety data, free-speech risks and possible legal exposure.
The Pittsfield City Council on March 20 accepted a report from its Ordinance & Rules Committee and placed on file a proposed ordinance titled “Median safety and pedestrian regulations” (chapter 14, §14-12), after lengthy public comment and council debate.
Supporters of keeping the proposal off the agenda said the ordinance would criminalize poverty and risk First Amendment challenges, while proponents cited pedestrian safety concerns at several high-traffic intersections. “This ordinance is about kicking poor people out of downtown so that we don't see them,” said Kamar Taliaferro, a Pittsfield resident. “It's cruel.”
Dozens of residents — including pastors, food pantry volunteers and leaders of local advocacy groups — urged councilors to drop the ordinance and instead expand housing, food and outreach services. “Panhandling and medians is not a risky behavior…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
