Pittsfield's Boost North Street Cohort Celebrates Program Launch

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI) and the Pittsfield Economic Revitalization Corporation (PERC)  announced the launch of the 2024 Boost! North Street Cohort. 
 
This program is supported with funding from TDI Local Funds, provided by MassDevelopment's Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), and matched with additional funding from the Pittsfield Economic Development Revitalization Corporation. The partnership aims to empower and support local businesses on North Street through competitive grants and professional consulting, said a press release.
 
Professional consulting services will be provided by Revby LLC., a technical assistance grant provided by MassDevelopment's Transformative Development Initiative.
 
Twelve downtown Pittsfield businesses have been selected to join the 2024 Boost North Street Cohort through a competitive process that considered applicant's initiative, proposed feasibility, purpose, and collaboration efforts. Participation in the Boost North Street Cohort is designed to enhance various aspects of business operations, including sales, marketing, digital presence, financial organization, growth strategy, website development, and operations workflow. 
 
Businesses will receive grant funding upon completion of program requirements which include one-on-one business consulting sessions.

The 2024 Boost North Street cohort participants are:

  • ASTScuba/Aquatic Roots
  • Berkshire International Market
  • Clark Vintage Lighting
  • Dottie's Coffee Lounge/Dorothy's Estaminet
  • Empire Pizza
  • Espetinho Carioca
  • Methuselah Bar and Lounge
  • Otto's Kitchen and Comfort
  • Placita Latina Restaurant and Market
  • Steven Valenti Clothing
  • Tito's Mexican Bar and Grill
  • Witch Slapped
 
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Peace Officer Standards Commission Strips Former Pittsfield Cop of Certification

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A former Pittsfield Police officer was one of five statewide who recently had their licenses revoked by the  POST Commission. 

Last week, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission voted to strip five former officers of their licenses to work in law enforcement, including former PPD officer William Straub

The commission had determined that these workers were unfit to carry a badge and gun in Massachusetts; so far, 92 state police officers have been decertified by the commission. 

Records indicate that Straub faced charges tied to a 2024 incident, but details are redacted.  On Oct. 31, 2024, the POST Commission suspended Straub's law enforcement certification, and he resigned from PPD in April. 

"According to Pittsfield District Court records, Straub pleaded guilty in April to two counts of misdemeanor assault and battery tied to a 2024 incident," MassLive wrote on Monday. 

"Three other charges, including drunk driving and carrying a firearm while intoxicated, were continued without a finding. While that resolution allows the charges to be dismissed after a period of time if Straub abides by certain conditions, the commission treats them as a criminal conviction."

According to records, he was certified as a police officer in July of 2021, and recertified in July 2024.  

"The Respondent's appointing agency, the Pittsfield Police Department ("PPD"), submitted a final report to the Commission finding that the Respondent had engaged in criminal conduct and conduct unbecoming [of] an officer," the Aug. 20 final decision to decertify reads. 

"The Respondent resigned from PPD on April 9, 2026, prior to the imposition of any discipline." 

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