DPW to pause Thomas Street water main work for four days
WILLIAMSTOWN — The Department of Public Works will pause its Thomas Street water main replacement project for four days this week, while Town Hall confirmed plans for the annual National Night Out celebration next month.
TOWN HALL
The town's News Flash feed announced that construction on the Thomas Street water main replacement project will be paused from Monday, July 20, through Thursday, July 23. The project, run by the Department of Public Works, is part of a broader summer effort to replace aging water infrastructure on the street.
Town Hall also confirmed that National Night Out 2026 will be held Tuesday, August 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Spruces Park, 60 Main Street. The town describes the event as a free, town-wide celebration of community and public safety.
Separately, the town's homepage listing shows an ongoing air quality alert for the northern Berkshires, with the Air Quality Index above 100 — unhealthy for sensitive groups — due to wildfire smoke drifting in from the north and west. Residents should also expect narrow travel lanes on Route 7 in South Williamstown near Five Corners through mid-August as crews complete a bridge resurfacing project, and oversize truck loads may cause additional delays in that area.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Milne Public Library's Holistic Sharing Circle meets Thursday, July 23, at 6 p.m., with this month's focus herb being mullein. The library says attendees can learn about the plant's traditional uses and enjoy snacks and shared resources.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
"Selldorf Architects reveal new design for the Clark Art Institute in Massachusetts" — Wallpaper Magazine reports that the Clark Art Institute in Williamstown is set to receive a new building design from Selldorf Architects, per a Google Alert item drawing from Wallpaper Magazine's coverage (read it at https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/public-buildings/selldorf-architects-clark-art-institute-design-reveal).
"Williamstown: Hoosic River group plans river critter program" — The Berkshire Eagle reports that a local group focused on the Hoosic River is organizing a program on aquatic insects and river ecology for the community (read it at https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/community-news/williamstown-hoosic-river-group-plans-river-critter-program/article_c6f6cd1f-5899-48e7-b8ca-1c94e82f41fe.html).
COMING UP
The Milne Public Library Holistic Sharing Circle meets Thursday, July 23, at 6 p.m., focused on mullein.
The Conservation Commission meets Thursday, July 23, from 7 to 9 p.m., in a hybrid format and streaming on willinet.org and Spectrum Channel 1303.
The Historical Commission meets Friday, July 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room at 31 North Street.
The Select Board meets Monday, July 27, from 7 to 9 p.m., hybrid and streamed live on willinet.org and Spectrum Channel 1303.
The Affordable Housing Trust meets Tuesday, July 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., hybrid and streamed on willinet.org and Spectrum Channel 1303.
The Thomas Street water main project pauses Monday, July 20, through Thursday, July 23.
National Night Out takes place Tuesday, August 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Spruces Park.