Towns to Talk Walking, Cycling Improvements Around Tanglewood

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LENOX, Mass. — The town of Lenox and Stockbridge are seeking to improve walking and cycling connections around the area of Tanglewood and nearby institutions. 
 
Stakeholders in the two towns have been working with Berkshire Regional Planning Commission and its technical consultant, Beta Group Inc., to explore what an expanded pedestrian and bicycle network could look like in the vicinity of Route 183, Hawthorne Road, Hawthorne Street, and Old Stockbridge Road.
 
Community members, particularly residents and neighbors of those areas, are invited to learn more about the recent planning efforts at an open house on Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in the Lenox Town Hall auditorium. 
 
At the open house, visitors can view potential concepts and cost estimates for different components of the study, such as sidewalks and independent cycling/walking paths. Beta Group will host a brief discussion of the materials at 4:30 p.m. 
 
Opportunities to provide comments and questions will also be available. Materials will be available online here starting on Sept. 17.
 
The study aims to identify potential future projects that can better link the vicinity of Tanglewood with other surrounding institutions, neighborhoods, and amenities. 
 
No decisions have been made or will be made regarding any projects at this time; this study works to illustrate potential projects and their costs for future consideration by the respective towns. Residents are encouraged to participate to learn more and share how the project concepts could benefit their household, organization, or business.

Tags: bicycling,   pedestrians,   Tanglewood,   

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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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