2024 Regional Transportation Plan Under Development

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) has begun work on developing the next Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) for Berkshire County. 
 
The RTP has a 20-year planning horizon and is updated every four years. The plan serves as the County's overarching transportation planning document and is required to ensure the region remains eligible to receive federal transportation funding. The RTP employs a systematic approach to evaluate the performance of the transportation system, to identify "needs" or deficiencies in the system, and to develop solutions that best address any existing gaps to meet the region's needs.
 
Berkshire County residents are invited to give their input to help develop the RTP.
 
Three public information sessions have been scheduled to provide an opportunity to learn more about the RTP purpose, process, and products. The first will be held at the Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield on Wednesday Nov. 2, from 5:30-6:30pm. 
 
The second will be held at the North Adams City Hall on Thursday Nov. 10, from 5:30-6:30pm. The third session will be held on Tuesday Nov. 16, at the Great Barrington firehouse from 5:30-6:30pm. All meetings will also be broadcast live as a
Zoom webinar. Spanish interpretation for these webinars is available by request.
 
 

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Suspect in Circular Avenue Shooting Arraigned

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

William Harrison is being held without bail for 120 days. 
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A suspect is being held without bail after being arraigned on charges related to last month's shooting at Circular Avenue and Division Street. 
 
The prosecution alleges that Willie Harrison, 26, shot Yandel Osorio on Aug. 18 inside a multifamily building in broad daylight when there were a number of people in the general area.
 
Harrison appeared in Pittsfield District Court on Wednesday; he was taken into custody on Tuesday after arriving at court on another matter. He was charged with: 
  • Assault and battery by discharging a firearm
  • Discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building         
  • Possession of a firearm without a FID card
  • Possession of ammunition without a FID card
Given the circumstances and Harrison's prior criminal history, prosecutors argued that no less restrictive conditions would adequately ensure public safety and asked that he be held without bail for 120 days, which was granted by Judge Rebecca Michaels.
 
"The commonwealth would assert that there are no less restrictive means to assure not only the safety of the victim in this case, but also to assure the safety of the civilians, individuals inside the home, or any other individuals at this point, the investigation continues to be ongoing," said First Assistant District Attorney Marianne Shelvey.
 
"Given the facts concerned in this case, the fact that the shootout occurred in broad daylight when there were individuals present, this could have been a much more significant circumstance." 
 
At the arraignment, Harrison was represented by attorney William Barry, who asked that his client be released with GPS monitoring and no curfew. 
 
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