Pittsfield Seeks Public Input on CDBG Plans

03:19PM / Monday, January 27, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's Office of Community Development is preparing to write its 2025 annual action plan and 2025-2029, five-year consolidated plan, which will determine how the city allocates its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds next year and over the next five years.

CDBG funds are provided annually to Pittsfield through an entitlement grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.

The required plans are designed to help states and local jurisdictions assess their affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions to make data-driven, place-based investment decisions. The consolidated planning process serves as the framework for a communitywide dialogue to identify housing and community development priorities that align and focus funding from the CDBG formula block grant program.

To engage the entire community in this critical conversation, the city is holding a public hearing on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m. at the Berkshire Athenaeum at 1 Wendell Ave. to gather input on the city's greatest priority needs that can be addressed with CDBG funds.

Additionally, an online survey here is available now through Feb. 27. The information provided will assist in the development of both plans. This survey should take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

Under Federal guidelines, at least 70 percent of CDBG funds must be used to benefit low- and moderate- income individuals. Each funded activity must meet one of three national objectives: 1) benefits low- and moderate-income individuals, 2) aids in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight, or 3) addresses an urgent need that poses a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community which occurred within the last 18 months and for which other funding is not available.

For questions related to the plans or the survey, or to request accommodations at the public hearing, contact Nate Joyner in the Pittsfield Department of Community Development at njoyner@cityofpittsfield.org or 413-499-9358.

Tags: CDBG, public hearing,

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Pittsfield Man Pleads Guilty to 2025 Assault, Firearm Charges

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
04:06PM / Friday, October 16, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A city man is facing up to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple assault and firearm charges from last year.

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office has reported that on Thursday, Oct. 15, Jarvis L. Chadwell Jr., 20, pleaded guilty to 10 charges and was sentenced to 7 to 9 years in state prison following an incident on Oct. 18, 2025.

Police say that he fired a gun multiple times in a vehicle over an argument, striking the car and nearby home.

"This incident was not just alarming because there was gun violence, but also because it occurred in such close proximity to a school. I will not waver on my stance towards gun violence in our community — gun violence must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said.

"While I am committed to supporting those who need our help with recovery options and courts of hope, we must also protect our children and communities from the threat of violence that can claim lives in an instant. I commend the Pittsfield Police for their response and dedication to quickly solving this crime."

This occurred near Morningside Community School, which was retired at the end of the last academic year.

Charges:

armed assault with intent to murder
attempted assault & battery by discharging a firearm
witness intimidation
malicious destruction of property
resisting arrest
assault and battery on a police officer
illegal possession of a firearm
illegal possession of a large capacity feeding device
possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card
possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony

Probation conditions include a mental health evaluation and aftercare; sign any releases required by probation; and refrain from abuse of the named victim, including threats of violence.

Pittsfield Police responded to a ShotSpotter activation at 65 Cherry St. just before 1 a.m. on that day in 2025. Upon arrival, police say witnesses confirmed hearing a gunshot and observing a man fleeing the area.

"While outside the 65 Cherry Street residence, officers observed a vehicle parked near the neighboring residence with a bullet hole in the windshield and an additional bullet hole in the side of 67 Cherry Street. Based on witness descriptions at the scene, law enforcement was able to quickly locate the Defendant within 30 minutes of the incident," a press release from the DA reads.

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