Third Thursday Road Closure Extended
By Dick Lindsay
Wednesday August 25, 2010
Berkshire Eagle Staff
PITTSFIELD -- Pedestrians will continue to rule Third Thursdays.
A ban on vehicular traffic during the monthly block party has been extended to September’s event.
Organizers closed North Street from Park Square to Maplewood Avenue in June, July and August to improve pedestrian safety during the three busiest Third Thursdays, a monthly event that runs from May to October.
But the road closure will also be in effect on Sept. 16 because it has made the event safer, and boosted its attendance, city officials said on Wednesday.
"People are clamoring for the road to be closed again in September," said Mayor James M. Ruberto. "It is our goal to ensure that everyone is safe, everyone is welcome and everyone has a good time."
"We are seeing even more attendees as a result of the North Street closing," said Cultural Development Director Megan Whilden, who is one of the event’s coordinators. "It is especially wonderful for our young families who attend with strollers and for folks in wheelchairs."
North Street merchants have also noticed that closing North Street has put visitors to Third Thursday’s at ease.
"The overall mood of people is more relaxed and they are enjoying the events without being rushed," said Joe Mele, owner of The New Berry Place.
The popular downtown event, which debuted in 2007, has drawn crowds as high as 10,000. Many of those people had called for closing Pittsfield’s main downtown thoroughfare to vehicle traffic. The crowded sidewalks forced folks into the busy street and crossing from one side to the other was not an easy option.
Beside improved safety and attendance, closing the road for Third Thursdays’ event has also meant more customers shopping in downtown stores.
"I would compare Third Thursdays to Christmas," said Monique Suters, the co-owner of Persnickety Toys at 141 North St. "The amount of people coming through the store has been terrific."
Live music, street performers, and food and craft vendors join with the established merchants to attract thousands of people every third Thursday from May to October. The goal is to boost the local economy while bringing all segments of the community together.
The recent Ethnic Fair and the classic car show on North Street were also pedestrian friendly, leading some to say Pittsfield has become synonymous with block parties.
"Downtown now has a reputation of big events and people have come to expect them and the road closures," said Yvonne Pearson, the executive director of Downtown Inc.
On Sept. 16, North Street will be closed between Park Square and Maplewood Avenue between 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. Traffic will be detoured onto Center and First streets. Parking on that section of North Street will also be suspended from 4 to 8 p.m.
