South Berkshire Community Corp. Awarded State Grant

07:59AM / Tuesday, May 05, 2026Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — Gov. Maura Healey announced $12.8 million in Community Investment Tax Credits (CITC) to 52 Community Development Corporations and Support Organizations across Massachusetts.

These awards will support local nonprofit organizations as they advance affordable housing development and preservation, strengthen neighborhood-based programs, and expand economic opportunity in communities across the state.

In Berkshire County, Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire was awarded $225,000.

The CITC program provides a 50 percent refundable state tax credit that incentives donors to contribute funds to Community Development Corporations and support organizations. Since its creation in 2012, the program has been an important source of flexible funding for community-based organizations supporting affordable housing development and preservation, community planning, economic development, homeownership assistance, financial education, foreclosure prevention and workforce development. The Affordable Homes Act, signed into law by Governor Maura Healey in 2024, expanded the program and established a permanent funding source for CITC.

"We are focused on building more housing and lowering costs across Massachusetts. Communities know best what they need to grow and succeed, and the CITC program gives them the resources they need to deliver," said Governor Maura Healey. "These investments will help build more housing, support small businesses and strengthen neighborhoods across Massachusetts. We’re proud to partner with all 52 communities receiving awards to create opportunity and make our state more affordable."

The CITC program is designed to enable local residents and stakeholders to work with and through Community Development Corporations to partner with nonprofit, public and private entities to improve economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income households and other residents in urban, rural and suburban communities across the state. Community partners do this through Community Investment Plans that guide programs, policies and activities tailored to local needs.

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Victim Identified in Fatal Richmond Crash

Staff ReportsiBerkshires
11:23AM / Friday, October 30, 2026

RICHMOND, Mass. — A 25-year-old South County man died Thursday in the fiery crash on Route 41.

The Berkshire District Attorney's Office on Friday reported that the victim was Christopher Lee Kilmer, 25.

The single-vehicle accident took place on Route 41 in Richmond near 2715 State Road. A Hyundai Sonata driven by Kilmer was travelling northbound when it crossed into the southbound lane and off the road; the car was engulfed in flames when first responders arrived.

According to the DA's Office, West Stockbridge Fire and County Ambulance declared Kilmer dead at 9:53 a.m. when the Fire Department "was able to extinguish the fire."

"It was at this time (when the fire was extinguished) that first responders observed a single occupant in the vehicle and made the declaration of death," according to the press release.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has taken custody of the body.

On Friday morning, several South County fire departments posted tributes on Facebook to Kilmer, who they reported was a member of the West Stockbridge and Alford fire departments.

"Every first responder carries a fear that one day the next emergency call will involve someone they know, a friend, a neighbor, or someone they love. But perhaps the greatest fear of all is when that call involves one of our own," the post read.