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Police Seeking 'Armed and Dangerous' Suspect in Thursday's Shooting

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Terry Martizna
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Lanesborough man with a history of violence is wanted in the murder of 29-year-old-Pittsfield resident Justin Crawford.
 
Terry Martizna, 35, is wanted for one count of murder. Martizna should be considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached by members of the public, according to police.  
 
Crawford was one of two individuals who were shot on Thursday, June 18, near the intersection of Pleasure Avenue and Tyler Street in Pittsfield. The second person, who has not been identifield, was treated for a non-life-threatening injury at Berkshire Medical Center.  https://www.iberkshires.com/story/82991/Pittsfield-Targeted-Shooting-Leaves-One-Dead-One-Injured.html
 
Police have described the shooting as "targeted" and say the charge is the result of an extensive investigation. Pittsfield Police have been assisted by members of the State Police, Berkshire County Sheriff's Department, other agencies, and in conjunction with the Berkshire County District Attorney's Office.   
 
Martizna was sentenced in 2017 to 4 1/2 years in prison after pleading guilty to firearms charges that violated his probation on two counts of armed assault with intent to kill in 2015.  
 
Anyone with information on Martizna whereabouts is asked to contact the Pittsfield Police immediately at 413-448-9700. Information can also be provided anonymously by texting PITTIP and your message to TIP411 (847411.)   

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Pittsfield Conducting Housing Production Plan with BRPC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Berkshire Regional Planning Commission will conduct a Housing Production Plan for the city. 

Last week, the Affordable Housing Trust heard some points they are asked to consider in the infancy of this project.  This includes the types of housing missing from Pittsfield, where insufficient housing affects other efforts, and housing wins. 

A housing production plan helps create a pathway for municipalities to build housing through specific goals while contributing public input and a survey of community needs.  It also sets targets for the amount of housing to be produced. 

"We have worked with Berkshire Regional Planning before. I think you all remember where they did a housing needs assessment for us when we first convened," Director of Community Development Justine Dodds reminded the board during its July 22 meeting. 

BRPC will kick off the project this month with data gathering, meeting with city staff to see the metrics, capacity, and what Pittsfield has undertaken so far. 

In December and January, additional chapters will be presented around demographics, housing conditions, and barriers to housing.  In February, they will work on goal setting and setting forth an action plan.

A big part of this, Dodds explained, is community outreach and engagement, which will occur in the spring 

A final plan will be submitted to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities in May. 

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