2nd Street to Host Berkshire United Way's 'United in Conversation' Session on Criminal Justice

03:57PM / Friday, October 17, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Second Street Second Chances (2nd Street) will host Berkshire United Way's "United in Conversation" on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 4-6 p.m. at Wander, located at 34 Depot Street, Suite 101.

The topic of the session is criminal justice. Registration is encouraged, though not required, and the sessions are free.

United in Conversation is a series of real stories shared by real people who are passionate about making a difference and who want to build bridges of understanding. All are invited to these valuable community conversations to listen, learn and share.

What are the challenges of being unhoused, of struggling with a substance use disorder, to not know what your next steps are, and to not be what others think you are? Hear directly from those with lived experience as well as experts in the field. Gain deeper understanding and foster empathy in a brave and safe space. Your voice matters — and united, we can create real impact.

To register, visit www.berkshireunitedway.org/conversations.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

Save & Earn with Greylock

3.30% APY 6-month certificate. Click to learn more! Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Lanesborough Seeks State Support for Berkshire Mall Redevelopment

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires.com
05:58PM / Monday, October 12, 2026

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The town plans to petition the state to take ownership of the Route 7/Route 8 Connector Road, which officials believe is a "critical component" of the Berkshire Mall’s redevelopment strategy.

On Tuesday, the Select Board approved a letter to state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. John Barrett III to request their support for the vacant mall's redevelopment by helping advance transfer of the Route 7/Route 8 connector and considering funding for essential infrastructure.

"We have held discussions with the Baker Hill Road District … which will take the necessary steps to formally petition the commonwealth to take over ownership of the Route 7, Route 8 connector…Your continued support in facilitating this transfer is greatly appreciated," the letter says.

Berkshire Mall owner JMJ RE Holdings has said the potential sale and redevelopment of the mall hinges on dissolving the Baker Hill Road District, a condition of the agreement that, if unmet, would render the contract null and void.

As a result, the mall will continue to deteriorate and the litigation will proceed forward, said Tim Grogan, of JMJ.

Vera Farrell, the liaison to the Baker Hill Road District, said the district board had discussed at one of its most recent meetings that the connector road could be transferred directly to the state, rather than returned to the town; Barrett and Mark were also a part of the discussion.

"The representatives recommended that as an option, that it could transfer the connector road directly to the state, as opposed to deeding it back to the town to dispense it. If we get to that point, that would be a better option to do it that way," Farrell said.

View Full Story