Berkshire County Arc Awarded $250K for its New Pittsfield Home

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire County Arc (BCArc) was awarded $250,000 from the Federal Home Loan Bank to help offset the cost of building a home in Pittsfield for four men with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
 
"This new home will enrich the lives of four men who need an accessible and supportive place to live," said Maryann Hyatt, BCArc president and CEO. "The list is long for individuals waiting for a residential program like this, and BCArc is pleased it can continue to expand and provide these opportunities."
 
BCArc runs 44 residential programs in Western Massachusetts – from Berkshire County to the Pioneer Valley, supporting individuals with intellectual/development disabilities and brain injuries, along with numerous other programs to support the population.
 
In addition, the Agency employs individuals with disabilities to run a bottle and can recycling center (The Green Redeem) and a fulfillment operation (Speedy Fulfillment). The Agency has 850 staff members and supports more than 1,000 people and their families.
 

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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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