Greylock Federal Offers Assistance to Homebuyers Through FHLBank Boston

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Greylock Federal Credit Union has been approved to participate in Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston's homeownership assistance programs, Equity Builder Program and Housing Our Workforce. 
 
Both programs help income-eligible homebuyers who are purchasing one- to four-family homes that will serve as their primary residence.
 
Equity Builder Program (EBP) provides grants to financial institutions to help local first-time homebuyers with down payments and closing costs as well as homebuyer counseling and rehabilitation assistance. Borrowers earning up to 80 percent of the area median income are eligible to receive up to $25,000 in assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. Buyers must complete homebuyer education/counseling.
 
Housing Our Workforce (HOW) enables financial institutions to help local homebuyers earning more than 80 percent and up to 120 percent of the area median income with down payments and closing costs. Borrowers can receive up to $25,000 in assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. Buyers must complete homebuyer education/counseling if they are a first-time homebuyer.
 
"These grant programs are designed to ease some challenges associated with a home purchase, particularly at a time when home prices have risen sharply and are beyond the reach of many individuals and families. We are pleased to participate to help borrowers become homebuyers, while also supporting the financial stability and vitality of our communities," said Tara McCluskey, Greylock's Vice President, Mortgage Originations Manager.
 
Greylock is eligible to reserve up to $250,000 through the EBP and up to $250,0000 through HOW depending on availability of funds in 2025.
 
To learn more about applying for assistance through these programs, contact the Greylock mortgage department at 413-236-412

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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