Berkshires Gets $200K in State Grants to Boost Housing, Conservation & Development

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. The Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded over $2.1 million in grant funding through the Planning Assistance Grant Program, with a significant portion benefiting communities in Berkshire County. 
 
These grants, administered by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), aim to improve community land use practices by promoting conservation, sustainable housing and economic development, and climate resilience. The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) is the applicant for most of these local projects, providing crucial support for efficient land use, increased housing options, and climate change initiatives.
 
Specifically, the following Berkshire County communities and projects have received funding:
  • Berkshire County (200-300 locations): The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission has been awarded $37,500 for a Priority Redevelopment Sites Strategy for Berkshire County.
  • Great Barrington: The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission has received $37,500 for a Priority Redevelopment Sites Strategy for Berkshire County.
  • Lee: The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission has been granted $41,250 for Downtown Zoning Modernization.
  • Pittsfield: The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission has secured $41,250 for an Open Space and Recreation Plan Update.
  • Sheffield: The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission has been awarded $32,900 for Housing Planning Implementation.
  • Pittsfield: The City of Pittsfield has also received a separate grant of $23,900 for a Community Food System Study.
"This funding will help our communities plan to grow, develop, and conserve," said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "We are giving local leaders the tools to work with residents and experts, helping them to develop practical plans that improve land use and increase housing options." 
 
The Planning Assistance Grant Program will also help local governments engage the public and find expert help. This support allows municipalities to implement smart land use practices that align with Massachusetts' Sustainable Development Principles and comply with the Zoning Act.

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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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