Two Pittsfield Habitat for Humanity Homes Open for Tours

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity is inviting the public to tour two newly built, affordable homes at 21 and 23 Murphy Place during upcoming open houses in February.
 
Located on a dead-end street just off Upper North Street heading towards Pontoosuc Lake, these three-bedroom, one-bath condominiums offer an opportunity for income-qualified buyers to achieve homeownership.
 
The homes will be sold to families earning between 50 percent and 65 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). For Pittsfield, current income eligibility ranges by household size are approximately:
  • Family of 2: $49,150 – $63,895
  • Family of 3: $55,300 – $71,890
  • Family of 4: $61,400 – $79,820
  • Family of 5: $66,350 – $86,255
Prospective homeowners who can afford approximately $1,700 per month may be eligible to purchase one of the homes. Estimated monthly payments include principal and interest at current rates, as well as estimated property taxes and homeowner’s insurance. Rates are representative of recent offers.
 
The open houses will be held on:
  • Friday, February 6, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, February 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
The homes feature modern, energy-efficient construction, Whirlpool Energy Star appliances including full-size washers and dryers, and energy-saving mini-split heat pumps for cooling and heating.
 
 
Anyone with questions can call 413.442.3181 x7 or email Homes@BerkshireHabitat.org.

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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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