BRPC Home Modification Loans Available

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission closed a total of nine Home Modification Loan Program projects in Berkshire County throughout fiscal year 2025. 
 
These loans ranged in size from $4,555 all the way to the program limit of $50,000. The project components included items such as stair lifts, bathroom modifications, driveway improvements, fencing, ramps, and one accessory dwelling unit. 
 
All these projects were completed to allow aging individuals and individuals living with disabilities to remain in their home and communities of choice.
 
BRPC will continue to accept applications to the loan program in FY26 beginning July 1. 
 
HMLP is a state-funded no-interest loan program to provide modifications to those in need of accessibility improvements to their homes. Eligible applicants include homeowners and landlords (with fewer than 10 units) with necessary changes needed to their homes to keep disabled or elderly family members in their own homes.
 
Possible modifications include bathroom and kitchen modifications, ramps, stair lifts, platform lifts, sensory/therapy spaces, hard-wired alarm systems, fences, accessory dwelling units, and more. 
 
This is not a home repair program; repairs to roofs, windows, and heating are not eligible. All work must be completed by licensed and insured contractors.
 
For property owners, zero-interest loans range between $1,000 and $50,000. For manufactured or mobile home owners, zero-interest loans range from $1,000 to $30,000. No monthly payments are required but repayment is required when the property is sold or transferred. 
 
All applications are subject to HMLP eligibility requirements. The program income guidelines are based on household size and are generous. For example, a household of two can make up to $264,800 per year.
 
For more information or eligibility questions, visit www.cedac.org/hmlp or contact Brett Roberts at HMLP@berkshireplanning.org.

Tags: accessibility,   BRPC,   loan progams,   

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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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