BRPC Seeks Input On Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) is seeking public comment on a draft Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for Berkshire County, which will be in effect from 2023 through 2027.
 
The CEDS is a coordinated regional planning process that documents current economic conditions, identifies priority economic development projects, and sets goals and strategies for the upcoming 5-year period. Two previous CEDS have been published for Berkshire County, in 2011 and 2017. The 2023 edition will include an expanded Resiliency Planning chapter, as well as an overview of COVID-19 impacts on unemployment rates and labor force statistics.
 
The Berkshire County CEDS is developed by BRPC staff in partnership with a regional CEDS committee, made up of representatives from local government, priority industries, non-profits, and regional agencies involved with economic development. After the public comment period completes on November 12th, 2022, and the CEDS document is endorsed by the BRPC Commission, it will be submitted to the US Economic Development Administration for approval. Implementation occurs over the course of the next five years, with annual progress reports filed each year.
 
The draft document can be found on BRPC’s website at berkshireplanning.org/initiatives/berkshire-comprehensive-economic-development-strategy-ceds/ or at bit.ly/BerkshireCEDS, along with more information about the initiative and copies of former CEDS documents and annual reports.
 
The PDF document includes links to online forms for members of the public to suggest additions to the Action Plan and Resiliency Recommendations included in the draft. General comments can be emailed to BRPC Economic Development Program Manager, Laura Brennan, at lbrennan@berkshireplanning.org, with the subject line "CEDS draft."

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New Trial Denied for Caius Veiovis

Staff Reports

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Caius Veiovis' request for a new trial was denied.

Veiovis, now 46, was one of three men convicted in the murder of David Glasser, Edward Frampton, and Robert Chadwell in 2011.  He is also known as Roy Gutfinski. 

In 2014, he was sentenced to three consecutive life terms for the alleged kidnapping, killing, and dismembering of the Pittsfield men. They were last seen at a city apartment shared by Glasser and Frampton on Aug. 28, 2011; their dismembered bodies were found in Becket that September.

According to AP News, Veiovis told the jury, "I'll see you in hell" after the conviction. 

On Tuesday, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office reported that following a final hearing held on June 26, 2026, Justice Michael D. Ricciuti issued an order on Oct. 23, 2026, denying Veiovis's motion for post-conviction relief. 

The motion had requested a new trial based chiefly on claims of ineffective assistance by his trial attorney and newly discovered evidence.

Post-conviction relief is a legal process that allows a convicted person to challenge a criminal conviction or sentence in the trial court after direct appeals have ended or were not filed.

"District Attorney Capeless' unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring it is maintained in this case has been truly remarkable," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said. 

"His efforts in handling this difficult and complex criminal matter have helped make Berkshire County a safer place."

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