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RUSTY ANCHOR OWNERS BLAST CITY FOR ‘RAILROADING TYLER FIRE STATION PLANS: ‘OUR MAYOR AND HER CRONIES ARE DEVIOUS’

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BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, THE WEEKEND EDITION MAY 15-7, 2020) — Hess Forest has long been a source of laughing-to-keep-from crying among readers of THE PLANET. One of the most popular sketches we did on PLANET VALENTI TV came the day we took the law and a weed wacker into our own hands and began hacking our way through the forest. It could have made a great site for a Tarzan movie.

The other eyesore that less often came up for frustrate ridicule was the former Morningside Fire Station on Tyler Street. The city used the three-story brick building from 1905 to 1970. After that, it became little more than a forgotten storage barn. Pittsfield let the structure fall into disrepair and decay. Think Miss Haversham’s rat-infested wedding cake in Dickens’s Great Expectations.

Finally, this winter, the city issued an RFP asking developers for ideas in bringing the building back to life. That’s the good news. Here are the city documents, including the RFP.

RFP#20-023 Disposition of Former Tyler Street Fire Station

Tyler St Fire Station – Class B1 RAO Report

More good news, seemingly, came in the form of a proposal submitted by owners of the Rusty Anchor on upper North Street at Pontoosuc Lake, Scott Graves and Paula Morin. Graves, you may recall, ran for mayor in the 2019 municipal elections. He didn’t survive the preliminary round. Graves also owns a construction business, with storage Pecks Road.

Graves and Morin said the city took no action on their plan except for the intention to kill it. After hearing much scuttlebutt on the streets about this, we contacted Graves and Moran. They had plenty to say about their ill-treatment at the hands of the city. “Railroaded” is the term they use. We present their claims in their own words:

———- ooo ———-

PAULA MORIN & SCOTT GRAVES:

“This administration hates us. Yes, we are being railroaded and have been for years.    We own the Rusty Anchor and they come after us every chance they get.  We also own land on Pecks Road that we store boats on and Scott’s construction equipment.  These uses are all within our permit.  The city is apparently coming out to this land for an inspection.  That is nothing new to us.  Two years ago at the Anchor, we had to go through eight inspections from the building department.  They finally allowed us to open in October.  We are only open from April to October.

“This has been going on for a long time with us and the city. It all started when we bought the Rusty Anchor.  Clearly they do not want us to be successful. Honestly we do not know why.  When we put the pub in, the previous building inspector did everything he could to stop us from opening.  It was the city’s typical story, where they tell you you can do what your plan specifies for a building and then they won’t give you a certificate of occupancy (CO) because they never thought we could complete the project. When we did, they would throw something else at us that would cost up to $30,000 or more. For example, we got approval to put in the venue upstairs, completed after installing the elevator and a sprinkler system for the entire 8,000 square feet. They would not give us our CO, however, because the building inspector said we were now a nightclub and were required to redo our entire electrical system.  There was no mention of this when they approved our permit. We had to go to Boston to appeal. We won. But we are seasonal and they delayed our CO until October. We close in October. Then any little thing they can find they come at us for.  For example, Mila, the licensing clerk, typed up our beer and wine license on the wrong form. We didn’t know it was wrong. But somehow someway they did. They shut is down and made us pay another licensing fee of $3,000 to fix her clerical error. It took weeks to get the new license.
“Then Scott ran for Mayor.  We had a great season last year at the Anchor [2019].  As soon as Scott lost, [the harassment] started again. We requested the RFP for the [Morningside] fire station, which they revised from 28 pages to over 300.  Some of the data is good info. Hazardous material removal etc., but the new RFP included bonds and insuring the city.  When we went to the public viewing, there was supposed to be a meeting after for questions and clarification. That never happened. We inquired with purchasing and community development.  They pushed us back and forth, and no one would speak with us at all.  We submitted our RFP on time with exceptions to insuring the city. We agreed to indemnifing the city.  Regardless, we were supposed to get a response from the city the week of the pandemic.  We never heard a word. Still haven’t.
“Now we have land on Pecks Roadwhere we store boats and construction equipment. All within our permit. The property is right next to the bridge that is now one lane.  They put a sign that said no right turn. Well, we can’t get out of the driveway with a trailer if we do turn right. Now they are coming to inspect the property next week for who knows what reason. They have not told us yet.  This winter the city hit our fence and destroyed a section of it with their snowplow. Someone saw them do it and called us. We reported it. They pretty much said tough shit, and we had to repair it ourselves.  Then we get a letter in the mail that we have to remove the snow from the sidewalk ourselves or we will be fined.  The rest of Pecks Roads sidewalks are plowed by the city and their sidewalk snowblower. We called other businesses on Pecks and they said we have never had to plow the sidewalks [because] the city does it. Just us.   I can go on and on. These are just a few examples.

“There are Tyer lovers out there that will say anything to bash me [Scott]. I only offered to save it and they have been nothing but unprofesional.

“Our original plan was to open a restaurant dedicated to first responders.  We were very excited about this idea. But then restaurants and businesses  started closing in the city   So we decided to split the first floor into two and have retail space or a Cher cafe with rental on the other side. The upstairs would have been rental office space with a shared, common, break room.  Our main goal was to save a historic building and maintain a piece of the city.  If you read through the RFP, you will see they imposed strict guidelines as to quickly you had to have it rented (ridiculous) and who you would rent to.
“Current situation with COVID, who in their right mind would open a new business right now?  We still would like be to save the structure. Clearly the city is not interested in us. Of course if we were to get it, we would need new the proverbial tax incentives that the rest of the city gets and our own timeline for restoration.  COVID has a huge impact on us all. Scott and I are not ones to ask for financial Assistance on anything. We have always supported our own projects.
“The city has a plan for that building. They want to knock it down   Same with the Hess station across the street. It was supposed to be a pocket park but their are drawings for an eight- or 12- unit hosing project. That housing needs parking. They will knock down the fire station for that purpose.  I also think city council may have approved funding to purchase and clean up the Hess station to make it green space  You might have to verify that fact.  It was last year I think.  Our mayor and her cronies are evil and devious. Oh and one more thing.  I think the bids for the fire station were due on 2/5 or 2/9 — something like that.  The city had 30 days to respond, which would be 3/2 or 3/9.  These dates are pre-COVID, although I’m sure they are blaming [the fact that they never got back to us] it on COVID.  Why not, right?”

———- ooo ———-

If the claims are true, Morin and Graves have a legitimate quarrel with the city. THE PLANET has contacted the Office of Community Development (Deanna Ruffer), Purchasing (Coleen Hunter-Mullet), and the mayor for comment.  If they respond to our request, we will present what they say on Monday. If they don’t respond, that will speak for itself, won’t it? Stay tuned.

Have a great weekend, everybody.

—————————————————————————

“Under the brown fog of a winter dawn, a crowd flowed over London Bridge” — T.S. Eliot, from The Waste Land, Section 1.

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

The views and opinions expressed in the comment section or in the text other than those of PLANET VALENTI are not necessarily endorsed by the operators of this website. PLANET VALENTI assumes no responsibility for such views and opinions, and it reserves the right to remove or edit any comment, including but not limited to those that violate the website’s Rules of Conduct and its editorial policies. PLANET VALENTI shall not be held responsible for the consequences that may result from any posted comment or outside opinion or commentary as provided in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and this website’s terms of service. All users of this website — including readers, commentators, contributors, or anyone else making use of its information, hereby agree to these conditions by virtue of this notice. When PLANET VALENTI ends with the words “The Usual Disclaimer,” that phrase shall be understood to refer to the full text of this disclaimer. Copyright (c) 2020 by Dan Valenti.

 

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Bunco Squad
Bunco Squad
3 years ago

More bullshit from the Tyer Crony 19 bunch.

Tony Blair
Tony Blair
Reply to  Bunco Squad
3 years ago

Actually sounds like more bullshit from Graves. I’m sure there is equally plenty that could be told from Tyer/the City – hopefully they spill.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Tony Blair
3 years ago

I have followed and studied Pittsfield politics for decades. The Good Old Boys who run the show in Pittsfield politics are mostly interrelated families that go back generations. If you are not a G.O.B., you have to kiss their dirty behinds or be a voiceless outsider. Linda Tyer has kissed Jimmy Ruberto’s dirty behind since 2003 – or for 17 years now. Pittsfield politics practices retribution against those who do not follow the G.O.B.’s orders. They will take away your job, blacklist you from ever finding a new job, spread vicious rumors against you, and block your communications to them. In closing, like GE’s industrial chemical toxic waste PCBs that pollute Pittsfield (Mass.), Pittsfield politics is toxic!

Bunco Squad
Bunco Squad
Reply to  Tony Blair
3 years ago

If you can prove BS have at it buffoon

TellitLikeitIs
TellitLikeitIs
Reply to  Bunco Squad
3 years ago

Another BS sandwich

Paul
Paul
3 years ago

If Dave Carver wanted it he would have a construction crew on the job by now. When you’re not one of the city’s pet people they just piss all over you.

Speck
Speck
Reply to  Paul
3 years ago

Excellent Paul. Or….follow the money.

Mr. Worldwide
Mr. Worldwide
3 years ago

I’m confused when they write “Of course if we were to get it, we would need new the proverbial tax incentives that the rest of the city gets and our own timeline for restoration. COVID has a huge impact on us all. Scott and I are not ones to ask for financial Assistance on anything. We have always supported our own projects.”

Do they want to suck off our teats or not? If they want to suck off the teats I say knock the dump down.

the school committee
the school committee
3 years ago

We are waiting for Trump to lead and we are waiting for Bill Barr to bring charges against Biden and Obama in 2 weeks.We all know their crimes said Trump.

Acute Angina
Acute Angina
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

Take our meds and stay on topic.

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  Acute Angina
3 years ago

The talking points by Trumper and the White House is to run as far away from his virus failure that has cost….35….MILION AMERICAN CITIZENS THEIR jobs.

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

Blah,blah, and blah.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

Did you see that the Allendale principle got a new job in Lenox after the GE negotiations? This school gets a 3 in equity and a 3 in test scores but yet she gets a promotion. Right around the same time the Lee brewery was funded. Do you think it was just coincidence? You don’t seem upset about the toxic sludge anymore.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

TSC

We are still waiting, 4 years now for ONE, just one, D-Rat accusation against the POTUS to be truthful.

Now the accusers will face treason charges

RN
RN
3 years ago

As bad as Tyer is this Graves seems to be pretty stupid.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

Ha! My thoughts as well.

TellitLikeitIs
TellitLikeitIs
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

You mean stupid for investing in Pittsfield?

RN
RN
Reply to  TellitLikeitIs
3 years ago

No stupid as in can’t form two sentences, stupid as in uneducated, stupid as in a simpleton.

Jumpin Joe Curtis
Jumpin Joe Curtis
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

That’s funny coming from a local RN. Pretty sure a prerequisite to get into the BCC program and eventually work at BMC as an RN is to get pregnant in high school and/or be a former drug addict.

RN
RN
Reply to  Jumpin Joe Curtis
3 years ago

Not quite. I didn’t go to BCC I went to Elms college. I have my BSN and Masters in nursing and public health.

Scottgraves
Scottgraves
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

I’ve been self employed since 19 years old. So 32 years now . Also very successful. So I make probably 10x what you make weekly. Live in something you’d never afford and this is my third custom home built from scratch in less then 10 years. I buy 5 new vehicles every 2 years lol. If stupid pays this well then I will stay here . I’m offering classes on how to make real money if your interested lol. There’s people who have to be told what to do and those who tell those what to do.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  TellitLikeitIs
3 years ago

For trying to work with them. I apologize for being insulting to him.

Sojourner Truth
Sojourner Truth
3 years ago

Discriminate against a self made Pittsfield native who started with nothing and rose out of housing projects on Wahconah St. ? This administration is too collaborative to do that and Tyer and friends will prevail long after Mr. Graves hires out of town private investigators and attorneys to find and tort the hidden dark side of the many skeletons in the Allen st. closet. If these claims are documented, Federal Court perchance ?

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Sojourner Truth
3 years ago

Look at crack/heroin infested Wahconah St. now.

It used to be a nice place to live, BEFORE, the D-Rat housing projects, filled with section 8 Moms and their dealer boyfriends from NYC, Springfield, and Albany. Scary to walk to Harry’s for groceries.

Mr. G
Mr. G
3 years ago

Aren’t these the folks who denied access to the lake for the Taconic Crew team then blamed it on “Insurance?” That alo e makes me not trust them. I dont know any of the parties Involved, but it sounds to me like these guys wanna be in the “in crowd,” the in Crowd won’t let them in so they are bitter. They want their TIF. They want their applications rubber stamped and they are looking to make common cause with Dan and the readers here who they feel have a propensity to despise their common enemy already. I could be wrong certainly…it’s happened before!

Gluadinumb
Gluadinumb
Reply to  Mr. G
3 years ago

Wasn’t the whole idea like Dumpster Diver at the council Tuesday, said,it’s just sitting there and wouldn’t they pay taxes? that was the argument for the brewery money the other night. So,why wouldn’t they let Schiff and his partner do the same as Pontoosuc? You know? Get a t I f and Put it on the tax rolls. Something doesn’t jive here.

Research
Research
Reply to  Mr. G
3 years ago

Fact Check, The Williams College Sailing Club sails from the Rusty Anchor and has for many years. Taconic Crew Team? Never heard that one. What I did read is that there was a private individual who was running a boat rental on the lake. When Mr. Graves purchased the property, it became a liability issue for him. He was willing to let the gentleman stay if he provided his own insurance. He was not willing to insure himself. Therefore, Mr. Graves had no other option than to protect himself from being sued if something should happen. Fact

Gluadinumb
Gluadinumb
Reply to  Research
3 years ago

Yeah,I’ve seen the run around at the License Board Schiff and partner have got months ago, maybe years. Is that bozo on board still around?

Scottgraves
Scottgraves
Reply to  Mr. G
3 years ago

That guy had the rubber stamp , rich cote had a business on city property with no Marina license . No inspections . No bathroom . Renting boats . No insurance and every step of the way he was back stabbing me trying to find a way to stop my project . When I was willing to work something out . To be legal here In pittsfield isn’t cheap . He had nothing legal about his business. So even after the backstabbing I said your customers can’t utilize my property unless your legal. Even my insurance said they’d cancel me if I didn’t add a rider and get copies of his insurance to give To them . I’ve been self employed for 30 years. Can you say that lol . Oh and it was Williams college sail team and I still have them since I opened .

RN
RN
Reply to  Mr. G
3 years ago

Taconic Rowing club?!? Wtf is that? Or do you mean Berkshire Sculling Association which is a private not for profit and has very little to do with the school?
A group that primarily sculled and rowed on Stockbridge bowl? They got free use of a shack on onata but had insurance and now they don’t. Your a not for profit. Get freaking insurance.

Scott Graves
Scott Graves
3 years ago

I didn’t ask for this write up . I didn’t seek out Mr. Valenti . Others set it in motion . I wish it wasn’t said this way . I’m not a person who wastes much time talking . I do what I say simple. I’ve never was a person who talked without following through . If I did the project it be done with a loan as like all my other developments . My only point is why pay 300,000 of tax payers money to knock it down ? When it can be saved at my cost for 250,000 ! My cost and someone hiring me are two very different numbers . Obviously a business is in business to make a profit and survive. It would of been nice to partner with the city and get some money’s since they give it out to other new businesses. I’d be saving the city 300,000 to demo it . Why not give someone? anyone? Even 100,000 to help save it and put it back on the tax roll ? Also I’m one who will always make sure my name is clear . I don’t quote or comment with a made up name . If you truly know me and know how much I do for others you’d think twice about your negative comment. Peace ✌️ to all . I wish everyone to be safe and healthy I hope we all financial survive this covid 19 issue we are facing. .

juicylucy
juicylucy
Reply to  Scott Graves
3 years ago

Scott, Thank you for what you contribute to the economics of Pittsfield.

Speck
Speck
Reply to  Scott Graves
3 years ago

Nicely said Scott. Remember during the debate the Mayor as a friendly gesture put her arm on your shoulder? You can’t trust anyone,but I think the Planet nailed it. Again! He’s on your side. We are on your side.

Mr. Worldwide
Mr. Worldwide
Reply to  Scott Graves
3 years ago

What is your proposal for this building? How many jobs are you going to create? I’m tired of these tax giveaways.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Mr. Worldwide
3 years ago

Millions of “Kapan$ki Ka$h” dollars went to the so-called “Ruberto renaissance” downtown arts & cultural projects and institutions, including around $3 million from GE’s settlement fund. No living wage jobs were ever created, while Pittsfield’s inner city is still a poverty zone and dangerous place, especially after hours.

Scottgraves
Scottgraves
Reply to  Mr. Worldwide
3 years ago

I have many ideas . First save it . Next I’m up for anything that makes sense . Street level have something dedicated to our first responders which after this covid issue they need a memorial . Second floor short term office rental . Basement 2 tenants that are contractors that need minimum storage and an office . So it becomes a multi business with multi tenants .

Dave Bubriski
Dave Bubriski
Reply to  Scott Graves
3 years ago

Scpttt and Paula thank you. This story needed to be told.

Be The Change
Be The Change
3 years ago

Public funding for controlled substances industry ? Interesting.

Jorkalcht Perdbich
Jorkalcht Perdbich
Reply to  Be The Change
3 years ago

Scott about three months ago I was driving to Pecks Rd on a Sunday. The smoke spewing out of a pipe on your roof stunk like all get out? Do you burn wood? Because it didn’t smell like it?

Scottgraves
Scottgraves
Reply to  Jorkalcht Perdbich
3 years ago

Weird I don’t have a building or a roof to have the pipe lol . That’s the neighbor lmao. River bend mill give him a call . Man people who comment and don’t even have a clue where property lines are and or buildings lol .

Paula Messana
Paula Messana
Reply to  Jorkalcht Perdbich
3 years ago

We don’t have a roof or any buildings on sight. We have storage containers and equipment. We have no heat or burning of any kindness on this property. Never have Perhaps it was a neighbor?

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
3 years ago

Will there be jewelry stores getting taxpayer funded handouts from Mayor Tyer along with her council friends? So far we are figuring (because we have to assume without definite information given by the mayor) that her friends on the council who have business interests will be getting piñata money. Does councilor Moon have close business ties as well? Does councilor Moon feel that taxpayers have zero right to know who to or where their tax money is being spent?
And Dan, does Pete Marchetti, who attempts to come across as knowledgeable, have an opinion on whether taxpayers have a right to know who the mayor is giving money to? Does he answer tough questions or just Sturgeon type softballs?
And speaking of Sturgeon, does he feel the mayor has a right to withhold the names of business s benefiting from taxpayer handouts? He seems to like to talk but would he address this? Not asking him who they are but just if he feels it is unethical to hide such information.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  danvalenti
3 years ago

Dan,

RN had a post about a survey by the “Left Winged Parrot”, concerning local news and newspapers.

What were they looking for? The questions asked were geared towards certain answers, as my answers would have been NONE of the above, but that was not an option. I looked at it, for entertainment purposes only.

They asked about “local TV”? Where is that? Albany or Springfield!

I can count on the Parrots editorials/op eds being lunatic rants from the far left. Could you comment on those?………..

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  danvalenti
3 years ago

Eagles response:
“We are a newspaper of record. It never happened.
We can establish that it never happened because we are a newspaper of record.”

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
3 years ago

Who said that the names of the individuals/businesses receiving money will not be a matter of public record?

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
3 years ago

If you know something say something.
Chuck, do you, as a former city councilor, believe the taxpayers have the right to that information? And if not why not? Thank you for your opinion.

Chuck Vincelette
Chuck Vincelette
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
3 years ago

That information should be public information.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Chuck Vincelette
3 years ago

Thank you. It seems quite logical to me.

RN
RN
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
3 years ago

It’s public information you simpleton. Any money handed out is public information when it’s a business. Just file a request for the information

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

Can you tell me why the mayor, if she believes this is a program beneficial to the whole city, would not be proud of it and come out herself to the local paper with the information? Why should the taxpayers have to dig for it unless the mayor is kind of embarrassed by the shady overtones it creates?
By not being open and honest, and with her history, the whole thing reeks of cronyism.

JohnnyTwoCents
JohnnyTwoCents
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
3 years ago

You are correct Johnny. Whether public information or not, it shouldn’t be kept under wraps until sought out. In fact it should be posted on city’s web site for all to see.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

Most towns around here and COP are not direct in how they handle FOIL. It’s actually a Berkshite thing.

the school committee
the school committee
3 years ago

Trump wont wear a mask.Trumpers wont wear a mask.There wont be a return of the economy without a mask.Democrats want a job and they will mask to work one.Republicans wont mask and wont work.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

TSC, you need a bag not just a mask, your vile left rants blow over hill and dale!!!!

Horace HasenfeffYOUer
Horace HasenfeffYOUer
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

TSC….You mispelled. Trump and Trumpers
Its. …,,,,TRiUMPh. and TRiUMPhERS

Merry & Bright
Merry & Bright
3 years ago

Scott, while reading today’s article I thought of a few years back when Jabari Powell had Madjacks on North Street. It was a beautiful bar and he put out delicious food and a great catering menu. He was treated very unfairly by the City of Pittsfield also, as they wanted his property for Hotel on North. Felt so bad for him and told him so. I remember him saying he would open again and trust me it won’t be in Pittsfield. He has succeeded in Lanesboro. Just in the past few weeks look how the City has treated Pine Cone Hill and the run around they gave John’s Building Supply. I liked your idea for the old fire station and I remember your associate speaking at one of the City Council meeting about the run around you were given. Felt so bad for her and was disgusted as I watched the CC puppets and Bowtie Kerwood just sat staring at their laps. If you have a “dream” for this bar, find a building out of Pittsfield and go for it. Thanks for all you do and best of luck.

RN
RN
Reply to  Merry & Bright
3 years ago

WTF are you talking about? Mad Jacks on North Street was in a space owned buy the people that owned the entire building, Lawrence M. Rosenthal and Joyce S. Bernstein.

I told him when he was going to move not to get involve with them.

Every business there failed the only thing Lawrence M. Rosenthal and Joyce S. Bernstein knew how to do was to get city money and fuck over taxpayers.
They’d get a new business in, ask for tax stuff or grants, then when the business failed they’d sucker someone else. Mad Jacks was one of those suckers.

the school committee
the school committee
3 years ago

We expect leadership from Tyer and the CC but not from Trump Pence or McConnell.At this point in time in America Pelosi is leading Cuomo Baker are leading.Trump is watching Morning Joe reruns.

Johnny99
Johnny99
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

You sir are, as we used to say in the army, OTL (Out To Lunch), at least your brain is, on this stuff. When it returns, post some truth, and oh, you might want to get a democrat to run against Trump that can string two sentences together, and not confuse Covid deaths with job losses. Biden’s brain left the reservation years ago, and Plastic Pelosi is nuttier than squirrel poop. MAGA.

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  Johnny99
3 years ago

More Fox thoughts.I watch Fox.They are the best brainwashing operation in the world.There is evidence everywhere.Because if you people would demand he be a leader and not a divider who supports white armed government takeover we could get out of this problem.

Sgt. Bazooka
Sgt. Bazooka
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

TSC you are king of the jack wagons.

Sonny
Sonny
3 years ago

Kudos to you Mr Graves. You are a self made man. Too many politicians have no real world business experience so in their minds they are doing something by creating regulation after regulation. Mayor Tyer has a prime seat at the Public Trough because of the Bleeding Hearts who voted for her. Mrs Mazzeo would have been a much better choice. I would hope the people of the Planet would take it easy on you until the City Cabal comes back at you. I’m sure Barry is feverishly crafting Mayor Tyer’s response.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  Sonny
3 years ago

Donate $1,000 to the lovely Linda Tyer’s campaign coffers, tell Matt Kerwood his creative accounting skills are the stuff of legend, have Barry Clairmont cook the books, open a couple of financial accounts at Peter Marchetti’s bank, buy TFB a grocery store gift card, petition for a legislative pay raise for Adam Hinds, buy advertising space in the Berkshire Eagle, and propose a business idea for PEDA.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

On the national level, the trouble is just as bad. Nancy Pelosi did a power grab yesterday allowing proxy voting. It’s supposed to only be temporary, but many fear it will not be. It wasn’t needed and it isn’t welcome. Now bills can be passed without the speaker having to answer any questions from the comfort of her expensive ice cream freezers. Pelosi is NOT to be trusted.
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/rep-andy-biggs-new-house-rule-allowing-proxy-votes-is-outrageous-increases-pelosis-power

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

A power grab is when you get elected president (maybe) and then install your family and corporate raider friends to help you melt down a country.
By the way, Putin is rolling on the floor laughing at how Americans are setting up their own civil war which will leave the country a total basket case and no longer anything close to a world power. Hannity and Limbaugh are stoking the fire everyday urging people to take up their guns and participate in civil disobedience. And the rest of the world will not even care because they know America is no longer their friend anyway.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
3 years ago

That’s a lie. When some people did gather with guns, Hannity told them in no uncertain terms, that was a stupid idea. President Trump didn’t bring the Chinese Virus to this country. Wake up call: The far left is working day and night to bring down this country to make way for their socialist/communist agenda. It’s horrible of us to send ventilators to our “enemies” around the world. We are such meanies.

TellitLikeitIs
TellitLikeitIs
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

Johnathan, you are finally coming around.

Jonathan Melle
Jonathan Melle
Reply to  TellitLikeitIs
3 years ago

Good people like you and blogger Dan Valenti inspire me!

Acute Angina
Acute Angina
Reply to  Jonathan Melle
3 years ago

It’s probably just gas.

the school committee
the school committee
3 years ago

Who on this board supports the threat of gun violence in our state goverments.Trump supports the threat of violence to our state goverments.It is domestic terror.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

TSC, the men in the nice clean white suits are coming to take you away

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  Mad Trapper
3 years ago

The media corporation brigade at Fox brain is not working in favor of Trump.Nothing will take America’s eyes off his pandemic response failure and his personal inability to lead all of America.Fox brain made Trump and Fox brain will destroy Trump by trying to refocus your attention to Hillary gate Obama gate Biden gate….I know you guys are buyers of the Fox brain message but I think down the line its another Trump lie exposed as we near 20,000 fantastic statements of Trump magic spellbinding message of deceit. We go over 90,000 dead from the hoax.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

They’re coming to take you away , Ha Ha , Ho Ho, He he to the Funny farm..

Where life is beautiful all the time……..!!!!!!!

Those nice clean Men in their white suits…..

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

I support our Republic, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Do You TSC?

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  Mad Trapper
3 years ago

yes

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

I wish everyone would read up on our last civil war and how is devastated families and the country. We seem headed down that slippery slope again. Is that what we want for our children to live with for the next generation?

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

I’ll tell you who supports gun violence. Those who have their pants down around their knees protecting their drug dealing turf.Those who think an FID Card and gun courses and legal gun ownership doesn’t apply to them.

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  Johnny2Shoes
3 years ago

Try not to avoid talking about Trumps failure by looking somewhere Trump and Fox brain tell you to

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

I don’t need Trump, Fox or and media outlets to tell me anything at all. My eyes and ears and experiences tell all I need to know.

JohnnyTwoCents
JohnnyTwoCents
Reply to  Johnny2Shoes
3 years ago

Thats right Johnny. This city is full of these derelicts. Lock em up,throw away the key, and give em a dose of Covid. Just another shooting last night. Drop em off at BMC and drive away, just as they do with the OD deaths. Nothing to see here is in this vibant and dynamic city. Except pants on the ground. Why doesn’t the government make a law against that, and leave the law abiding people alone.

Pat
Pat
3 years ago

Nancy Pelosi is trying to mobilize her base by this 3 trillion dollar stimulus bill that will be rejected by the senate. It’s loaded with goodies for pot businesses, illegal immigrants who the far left eventually wants to give the vote, and pro-abortion activists. These groups are a big part of the base of the Democrat party who they are trying to mobilize to vote for Biden. It also give a BIG tax cut to wealthy people in blue states. More incentives to say see all the goodies we will give you if you vote for us in November. Biden will be the puppet of the far left and that’s just what they want.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

Pelousey is also trying to hide mail-in voting for next November in the bill.. Great way to get 22 million+ criminal aliens on the voter lists.

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  Mad Trapper
3 years ago

No hiding dems want everyone to know about mIl in voting

the school committee
the school committee
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

Nancy will takes care of business and you Pat

Gigi
Gigi
3 years ago

NY Dems are joining state Republicans in calling for an independent investigation into Gov. Cuomo’s nursing home policies, as deaths skyrocket to over 5,300. Cuomo’s 3/25 directive prohibiting nursing homes from testing recovering covid hospital patients prior to intake has resulted in the virus spreading like wildfire among NY’s most vulnerable population. On top of that, his aides inserted provisions into the budget bill providing legal protections for nursing home operators from lawsuits regarding the failure to protect residents from coronavirus. Hopefully the victims’ survivors will sue his butt off!

And this guy is orchestrating the multi-state reopening plans?? He’s an idiot!

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Gigi
3 years ago

Republicans are putting a hit job on Cuomo just in case he decides to make a last minute run for president. Hit jobs are what they do best with Hannity, Limbaugh and Beck slinging mud 24 hours a day from all angles. Shows desperation don’t cha think?

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
3 years ago

Cuomo deserves to be criticized. Putting sick COVID-19 patients back in nursing homes with healthy patients when President Trump had provided him with a ship and a hospital built by soldiers? Very stupid Governor Cuomo. Many died in nursing homes because of this stupid and dangerous policy.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

But Cumuo is not lying to the people telling them he has millions of tests when he clearly does NOT. Cumuo never said only 15 people would get the virus only to watch 87,000 die (so far). Cumuo never said it was a democratic hoax. Cumuo never said he knew better than all the doctors who studied viruses all their lives. Cumuo is not telling people to go out and mix and mingle and have a good time and spread the disease even more. Cumuo is not telling people to get their guns and storm state buildings and risking inciting riots. I CAN go on.
So there is that.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
3 years ago

In fact Cuomo did say all that. Just like Mayor DeBlasio of New York. He encouraged people to not worry about something that was not as bad as the flu. From Cuomo in the New York Times: “Excuse our arrogance as New Yorkers — I speak for the mayor also on this one — we think we have the best health care system on the planet right here in New York,” Mr. Cuomo said on March 2. “So, when you’re saying, what happened in other countries versus what happened here, we don’t even think it’s going to be as bad as it was in other countries.”

That was on March 2nd after President Trump had already closed travel from China on January 31st. Still he and DeBlasio were downplaying the danger of the virus.

Gigi
Gigi
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
3 years ago

So Johnny you agree with Cuomo’s written policy of sending covid-infected seniors into the NY nursing homes? You keep changing the subject. Try to stay focused, I know it’s hard.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
3 years ago

Cuomo is a bigger crook than his father, enough said

Gigi
Gigi
3 years ago

Gov. Baker has made the headlines at The Federalist for his unconstitutional closure of churches. While Home Depot, liquor stores, grocery stores and golf courses are open, Baker has deemed churches non-essential which is an overreach of his power. In addition, his re-opening task force, headed by pay-to-play Polito, the Lt. Gov., has no representation from the church community.

https://thefederalist.com/2020/05/15/mass-governor-targets-churches-for-shutdown-rules-he-didnt-apply-to-home-depot/

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Gigi
3 years ago

Nancy Pelosi trying to sneak in tax cuts for wealthy people in blue states, and other goodies for the pot industry, pro-abortion activists, and illegal immigrants in the latest stimulus bill is also disgusting. This should be ONLY about help for people hurt by corona virus shutdowns and NOT a far left liberal wish list.

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

Your right Pat,
Any bill put forward should be to address this virus and nothing else. These politicians can’t help, but help themselves, families and associates. Remember though , politicians are the face of the bills. Lobbyists write the bills.

truthsayer
truthsayer
Reply to  Gigi
3 years ago

Just because epidemiologists – who are way smarter than any writer at The Federalist or Breitbart or talking head at Fox – have stated that church congregations, especially choirs create massive hot spots that can infect a whole congregation, simply tells most people with a brain that Jesus might promise Resurrection, but we just don’t want to have to test that theory on ourselves over the next few days.

I believe in science, not bullcrap internet posts, not talking heads, and certainly not anyone with an agenda whether right or left. I have this penchant to actually comb information from hundreds of sources and then make informed decisions.

For example, I have yet to find a doctor in any state (and I work in 43 of them with doctors at all levels) that can explain or understand our one-way grocery aisles. Let alone why the rest of a Walmart or Target don’t have this feature. Stops nothing.

I know that COVID-19 is unique, yet we are attempting to throw known methods for dealing with a disease against it, and when the virus progresses naturally claim to flatten the curve.

For God’s sake, stop trying to make this virus political. Because if you insist on doing so, we can write the following on your tombstone: “Here Lies A Republican KIlled By COVID-19. Live Free or Die. The Virus Made Me Choose Die.”

Gigi
Gigi
Reply to  truthsayer
3 years ago

For a guy who continually tells us how smart he is, you completely missed the point of my post. This is a constitutional issue dealing with the rights of the individual vs. the power of the state government. You are the one making it a political issue. Why is it okay for Home Depot, etc. to be open but churches closed? I agree, the one way aisles in grocery stores are ridiculous, as are the “every other checkout lane must be closed for social distancing” rules. The stores are crowded and customers spend more time in the stores checking out due to these rules. Why can’t churches be open if they adopt social distancing policies? Why can’t salons be open if they also follow social distancing and sanitation procedures? Baker is treading on dangerous ground. He should focus more on his nursing home and veterans home policies where thousands in the state have died.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  truthsayer
3 years ago

Lockdowns are not the answer according to Stanford University doctor because the virus has already spread across the county. I see people in their backyards gathering in large groups and ignoring social distancing with lots of friends over right here in my own neighborhood so people may be staying home, but they are not doing what they should be doing so why bother? Why destroy the economy since it seems that people can’t do the whole social distancing anyway.

https://www.theblaze.com/news/stanford-university-doctor-mistaken-coronavirus-lockdowns?utm_source=theblaze-dailyAM&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily-Newsletter__AM%202020-05-16&utm_term=TheBlaze%20Daily%20AM%20-%20last%20270%20days

JoePesci
JoePesci
Reply to  truthsayer
3 years ago

Yes, but that’s just it. It is our choice. The government has no business tell you you can’t go to church, but you can buy lottery tickets, booze, chain saws, etc.

Lenny
Lenny
Reply to  Gigi
3 years ago

Speaking of church, for those of you in need of spiritual refreshment, check out http://www.moodychurch.org live stream at 11:00 every Sunday morning.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
3 years ago

It’s hard to think anything will ever change when iBerkshires is who Hind End wants to be involved in working with the state. It’s a collective of money grabbers and money launderers. I guess you can see his puppet masters, and the guy before him and the guy after.

Chuck Garivaltis
Chuck Garivaltis
3 years ago

I’ll start with a couple of questions.1) Do you like college football? 2) Does Division 1-A college football still exist? Here are my answers. College football doesn’t exist as we knew it. Not at Division 1-A for sure. I still like college football. It remains popular as a Saturday afternoon crowd pleaser but it is now a pro football minor league program where players are big, fast, often brainless, and are in it for one reason – to get recruited by a pro football team..Many are not collage scholars but pro football prospects. How did we get to this point? Here’s a couple examples. Today, Taulia Tagovailoa, a quarterback from Alabama transferred from the U. of Alabama to U.of Maryland. Last season LSU Heisman trophy winner Joe Burrow was a transfer from Ohio State. There are many more examples I mention these two because they are recent. Collages recruited these players to fill stands to make money from TV ratings. It is all money, of course. It has to be because coaches at Alabama, LSU, Clemson, etc. are paid 6 to 8 million dollars a year to win games. It’s not just football either. Basketball schools like Duke, Kentucky, North Carolina, are doing the same thing. Collages were nor created to develop athletic skills for professional sports. It has become that. I worry about this because I don’t think it can end well.

Chuck Garivaltis
Chuck Garivaltis
Reply to  danvalenti
3 years ago

Loved your response, Dan. Jim Brown, the all-time great running back from Syracuse, earned his degree in 4 years. He knows what he’s talking about. Indeed, “Div. 1” football has sunk to a truly sad state.

Milt Plum
Milt Plum
Reply to  Chuck Garivaltis
3 years ago

I guess college baseball never got big because of an extensive minor league system. There was never a minor league system for pro football so college football took on that roll. I must admit that college football programs bring in a lot of money for big education to spend.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  danvalenti
3 years ago

All that aside I absolutely LOVE watching college football. Pro football is almost so predictable that the announcer will tell you what play is probably coming next. College football is mostly wide open and more exciting. Sure gonna miss it if it does not happen this year.

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  Chuck Garivaltis
3 years ago

Finger painting 101 is the choice of many athletes. Sad part is that the colleges offer it knowing they will never be Renoir ‘s.

Wilfred Adumbs
Wilfred Adumbs
Reply to  Johnny2Shoes
3 years ago

And basket weaving. I didn’t go to Trump U but did attend the University of None.

RN
RN
3 years ago

I know a lot of you are pretty stupid but the numbers are coming in. A 71% increase in COVID cases in palm beach county one week after limited reopening.

Marshal County AL 517% increase in cases since their phase 1 reopening on May 8th.

San Bernardino 100% increase in cases since phase II
These are hundreds if not a couple thousand new cases in one week because of simple things like mall openings.

You can only build herd immunity slowly with this because it’s so virulent and lethal.

Blare
Blare
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

As per usual, you are spreading bad information and have no freakin clue what you are taking about. The ridiculous claims you make all come from one Yahoo News article supposedly relying on an internal DHS memo. Not corroborated by ANY other news organization and not taken seriously by anyone…because it’s Yahoo News, a complete joke.

https://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/20200516/coronavirus-florida-county-among-three-national-hotspots-federal-numbers–way-off

RN
RN
Reply to  Blare
3 years ago

Ahhh bullshit on you yet again. Federal numbers are actually accurate. The local numbers are off because they want to…. keep opening up. Same shit here. The court here is off by over 200 now and 16 deaths.

You really are the dumbest person on here.

Blare
Blare
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

Dear Brainless,
The pont is that the “federal numbers” you quoted came from a known liar at Yahoo News who is not taken seriously by anyone. His mention of this “memo” is the only mention on the planet. Anyone who relies on that for his/her arguments is dumber than a box of rocks.

RN
RN
3 years ago

It just takes one idiot

KINGSTON, N.Y. — A barber who was cutting hair in a Midtown shop, in violation of the “New York on Pause” order, has tested positive for COVID-19, the Ulster County health commissioner said Wednesday afternoon.

Dr. Carol Smith said in a prepared statement that the barber “has been providing haircuts during the last few weeks” at a barbershop on Broadway and tested positive for COVID-19 this week.

Smith did not identify barber or the shop, but said in her statement: “Anyone who has received a haircut in a Kingston barbershop in the last three weeks is urged to promptly contact their primary care physician and seek testing” or contact the county’s COVID-19 hotline at (845) 443-8888.

A Google search shows at least four hair-cutting businesses on Broadway.

The “New York on Pause” directive, issued in late March by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, includes a prohibition on personal hygiene services at such businesses as barbershops, beauty salons and nail salons.

“We are taking extraordinary measures to try and minimize the spread of this dangerous disease, and learning that a barbershop has been operating illicitly for weeks with a COVID-19-positive employee is extraordinarily disheartening,” Smith said in her statement. “As much as we would all like to go out and get a professional haircut, this kind of direct contact has the potential to dramatically spread this virus throughout our community and beyond.”

Ulster County has had 1,533 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 194 in the city of Kingston, since the outbreak began, the county said Wednesday. There have been 62 deaths countywide from COVID-19, and 657 county residents have recovered from the illness.

Dongar Saloon
Dongar Saloon
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

Wait till you see next weeks numbers. Then you’ll know if it was to early.

JoePesci
JoePesci
Reply to  Dongar Saloon
3 years ago

Open the country all the way. Encourage social distancing. You can’t fix stupid. Let people make their own choices. These governors orders are unconstitutional.

Mr. Worldwide
Mr. Worldwide
Reply to  JoePesci
3 years ago

You’re right, you can’t be fixed.

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  Mr. Worldwide
3 years ago

Oh no, TSC has a twin!

Johnny Absurds Doctor
Johnny Absurds Doctor
Reply to  Dongar Saloon
3 years ago

Sailors on our aircraft carrier are being reinfected. That is a major complication to the whole issue.

RN
RN
Reply to  Dongar Saloon
3 years ago

Already know the answer. There’s no real way to safely reopen anything. It’s just a matter of opening slow enough so that hospitals don’t fold under the pressure.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

I think for those on the front lines in health care it might always feel like it’s too early to open. Who knows — if BMS didn’t cock things up so much — it might not have been as bad. But with all the NYC people ignoring shelter in place it’s rotten all over. The press will pick at the poor people who want to go to church or who are unwisely taking it to the streets but the debacle is largely a result of selfishness. I don’t recall Cuomo saying anytime – hey rich assholes stop traveling to your second homes.

the school committee
the school committee
3 years ago

ARE YOU BETTER OFF TODAY THAN YOU WERE 42 MONTHS AGO?

Acute Angina
Acute Angina
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

You’re dumber than you were 42 minutes ago. Give it a rest. You’re more annoying than that water guy.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

We didn’t have a Kenyan who hates America President, or a first “lady” with a wiener!

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
3 years ago

E-Mailed post to me. Excellent

Let’s look at Washington realistically
It’s the biggest “business” in the world, a business where money (tax dollars) flows in no matter the business climate, a business where those “managing” it don’t need to work or do much of anything
A business filled with perks most Americans can only dream of. They live like kings and queens, bathed in luxury in their city in a city buildings. Free everything, staff, guards, etc.
Lobbyists vie for their attention and throw gobs of money at them
The only people that “work” less than them are unemployed, and they retire with lavish pensions and benefits
The American people bestow all that on them. We allow it, so what do we expect?
Only a very few honorable and moral people with integrity won’t get caught up in it, won’t bow down to the corrupt influence. Sadly, going along for profit is human nature
Power and wealth is an addiction, an addiction very few can resist
All of this grotesque corruption, criminality and lust won’t go away until we the people change the rules, force our “betters” to abide by strict guidelines, stop the royalty perks and the money influence.

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Johnny2Shoes
3 years ago

Thought you were talking about Pittsfield till I reread the first line.

RN
RN
3 years ago

On Facebook some of the newly COVID negative homeless that have been imported into the area are looking for handouts and meals.

“Just trying to find a place that does meals around here got pushed out of the hotel cuz no more corona. I’m not I’ll no more but not being from here where do you gets the food and food pantry stuff”

The other one wasn’t worth the it was not understandable but basically a woman and her new “boyfriend” were looking to “trade” sex for food.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

That’s “vibrant and dynamic ” for Pittsfield AND Lenox!

You useless SOB Tyer Imported bums/whores/homeless!!!!

Blame lame Gov Baker too!!! A no good RINO. Whoops I forgot silent Smitty, Hinie, and the bivot

Let YOU and Barry put them up!!!! Lyin Linda

How many more beggars/panhandlers at Lenox Price Chopper, or B + E in neighborhoods nearby?

Lock and load!!!

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

Been going on weeks now RN.

Might do new signs for the property.

No Trespassing!!!

We have Guns and shovels

Pat
Pat
3 years ago

Mayor Bernard of North Adams is not able to impose a $1,000 daily fine on Crane Stationery for defying the mayor’s order to shut down. The Board of Health took care of that by voting against it. Good news! The far left liberal reporter had to take a shot at the current administration in Washington during their interview, however, because no subject can go without some sarcastic question. “You mean Mrs. Pence can’t get her writing paper?” They are shameless.

RN
RN
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

Wrong. They didn’t vote against it, they took the more pussy route and just didn’t vote

Pat
Pat
Reply to  RN
3 years ago

Same result.

RN
RN
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

Not really it shows what cowards they are. They could have voted, they met, they chose not to. It smacks in the face of good governance.

Pat
Pat
3 years ago

A dangerous violent criminal was recently released from our local jail due to a heart condition. He was shot in the heart area during a violent encounter in which he had kidnapped and assaulted someone. Tom Bowler is not happy about this and says what many believe, that these released prisoners would be safer in jail especially since the jail population has gone down due to so many releases and releasing a criminal with a violent past is not a good idea. Do we also really expect that these released prisoners will be following hand washing, social distancing and wearing masks when they are just released on to the street with no follow-up plan?

Johnny2Shoes
Johnny2Shoes
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

Heart condition didn’t stop him from committing crimes again. What a bunch of shit. Social Justice Warriors across the country jailing and harassing innocent people during this crisis and at the same time letting out the the worst of the worst criminals. Until it hits home and often these clowns will continue doing so.

Mr. Worldwide
Mr. Worldwide
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

He was stabbed twice in the chest, not shot.

Dongar Saloon
Dongar Saloon
Reply to  Mr. Worldwide
3 years ago

Sheriffs department let a con get away a year ago down at bcc, maybe the d a is onto something.

James
James
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

This story in the Eagle is so spun I can’t even understand it. Can someone net it out for us?

Sheriff, DA, courts roiled over jail releases
Posted Saturday, May 16, 2020 4:09 pm

By Heather Bellow , The Berkshire Eagle
PITTSFIELD — In 2017, Michael Ayinbora was convicted of assault and battery.

Just two years later, he was facing the same charge — and kidnapping — in connection with another incident. He’s also charged with assaulting a police officer in yet another unrelated dispute.

Still, Ayinbora was was released from the Berkshire Jail and House of Correction last month while awaiting trial because a heart condition puts him at high risk should he contract COVID-19.

The state’s high court on April 3 sanctioned early releases to thin prison and jail populations to curb the spread of disease. Since then, courts have freed more than 600 inmates statewide, as more than 300 prisoners have tested positive and eight have died.

The provision would give inmates fair protection from a sometimes-deadly virus, particularly where there’s overcrowding. It also would, in turn, protect the public.

But it was intended for the nonviolent offender.

Now judges have to weigh these new factors when making decisions about whom to release amid a pandemic. And the Berkshire District Attorney’s Office has opposed a number of these early COVID releases since the requests began in late March.

Corrections officials are alarmed.

“If we’re reserving jail for the most dangerous offenders then why are we releasing them?” said Berkshire County Sheriff Thomas Bowler, referring to shrinking jail populations due to criminal justice and bail reform.

Bowler says that a well-run jail with good medical care that is operating below inmate capacity might be safer than releasing a defendant charged with violent crimes.

But should the virus rip through any jail like wildfire, what about the risks to inmates and pretrial detainees with health problems?

Ayinbora, 35, of Pittsfield, was released on April 7. His attorney had asked the court on April 3 to free his client due to a heart problem caused by a stabbing.

According to police reports, Ayinbora was stabbed twice in the chest during an February 2019 incident for which he was later charged with assault and battery and kidnapping. He is awaiting trial on these charges, as well as on multiple charges from a June 2019 episode that included assault and battery on a police officer.

He also was convicted of assaulting a family member in 2017. And he violated his bail conditions last year.

A judge agreed to his early release, despite the objections of the DA’s Office, according to documents from Central Berkshire District Court.

Ayinbora isn’t alone, Bowler said. Of the 28 detainees released early in Berkshire County since late March, he added, some had been charged with offenses that include armed robbery, the rape of a minor, strangulation and assault and battery. Bowler said privacy laws prevent him from releasing identifying information.

Of those 28, three were arrested after their release, and two had overdosed, Bowler said.

Balancing risks

The DA’s Office objected to 25 out of 59 of these early release motions made by defense attorneys between March 18 and April 29, according to Andrew McKeever, public information officer. Six defendants were released over the state’s objections. The office had assented to 22 early releases of defendants who were not deemed dangerous by a judge.

Of those those 59 motions, the court denied 23.

McKeever said the office could not comment on the Ayinbora or other cases since those are pending trial. He said that from the beginning, Harrington has tried to balance public health and safety, as well as the concerns of victims. The SJC adopted Harrington’s suggestions in her brief for “protections for the general public and victims, specifically victims of domestic violence and child abuse.”

Harrington also had to consider the potential for the virus to overwhelm the local medical community. Back in mid-March, it was unclear how the pandemic would affect the county.

But Harrington did know that outbreaks had devastated a number of prisons and jails in the U.S., and hit hard at five in the state.

“The numbers of positive tests among inmates and correctional staff continue to rise and exceed more than 700,” McKeever wrote, noting that CommonWealth Magazine estimated that inmates suffer an infection rate more than twice that of the general public.

Bowler thinks his jail can handle it — his inmate population doesn’t need thinning. His count is down to 147 — 28 percent of capacity. Inmates currently are not showing symptoms, and five who did have symptoms last month tested negative. There was a brief scare also last month when four staff members tested positive for the virus, including Bowler, who has since recovered.

He says it’s safer on the inside than outside, especially for people who struggle even during the best of times.

“Do we really think [inmates] are going to go out and follow the CDC or Department of Public Health guidelines? I don’t think so,” he said.

Yet, the situation might be temporary, according to the DA’s Office.

“We do not expect the court to see many more of these motions,” McKeever said.

Heather Bellow can be reached at hbellow@berkshireeagle.com or on Twitter @BE_hbellow and 413-329-6871.

Dongar Saloon
Dongar Saloon
3 years ago

Bmc

Pat
Pat
3 years ago

Letter from H. Patricia Hynes of Traprock Center for Peace and Justice in Western Massachusetts in the Eagle today. The Justice Warrior lights into President Trump calling him a “do nothing” President during this pandemic and blaming income inequality for the deaths of non-whites. She let’s Cuomo and DeBlasio off the hook completely for their lack of response to the pandemic until it was too late for New York and for the fact that very far left New York had the majority of deaths in the Bronx and Queens and let’s not forget nursing home deaths. DeBlasio telling everyone to go out and enjoy themselves in March. She says President Trump got rid of the previous pandemic plan, but fails to mention that he replaced it. She fails to mention the lack of N-95 masks because Obama never replaced them during his presidency. Not one word of praise for President Trump’s response and all he has done in the fight against this virus which says all we need to know about her political connections to the far left.

outsidelukinin
outsidelukinin
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

Quite frankly on the Rusty Anchor,it is a prime property. Jealousy abounds. You don’t think some New Porker would liked to have purchased it. Was to go Scott ! The venue down there is endless and only an upside,especially functions like weddings……

Johnny Absurd
Johnny Absurd
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

Trump took preventive measures by putting immigrant children in cages just to make sure they did not grow up and be criminals

RN
RN
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
3 years ago

Obama invented that move.

Mad Trapper
Mad Trapper
Reply to  Johnny Absurd
3 years ago

false news, that’s a Barry Sotero policy, Biden was VP but he can’t recall yesterday

Johnny Dimentia
Johnny Dimentia
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

When Obama was in junior in high school it was rumored that he let the air out of some kids bicycle tire. He has never owned up to it or apologized either in person or by hand written letter. There is no concrete evidence that he was the culprit but judging by the way he always had that smirk on his face I think he probably did. I think there should be an asterisk put by his name in all history books as well as a notation that he was probably the kid that let the air out of the other kids tire. (who never did anything to Obama by the way)

Hoyt Clagwell
Hoyt Clagwell
Reply to  Johnny Dimentia
3 years ago

That’s funny. We know that O’bama couldn’t figure out how to deflate a tire. Oh gosh, you are funny.

Blare
Blare
3 years ago

So much bad information being peddled. Time for some stats.

In October 1918, 200,00 Americans died of Spanish flu (out of a population of 100 million). Deaths were concentrated among people 20-40 years old. Not many oldsters even around then since life expectancy was about 50 years.

Between Feb. 1 and May 9, 2020, in the U.S. COVID has killed 12 children under the age of 14, about 1,500 people under the age of 45, and about 11,000 people under the age of 65. Out of a population of 330 million.

More than 600,000 passengers arrived in the U.S. on flights from China during December and January, then dispersed around the country. Far more than any other country in the West. THAT is why there was no stopping the spread, regardless of the finger-pointing and political blame being tossed around.

The VAST majority of new “positive” cases in places like New York are people who have been isolated and following the so-called rules.

It is long since time to end this economic catastrophe of our own making. On this board, I can tell you that RN has NO idea what he/she is talking about. A few posts above she was ranting about the “lethality” of COVID. Shrill fear-mongers need to be tuned out. Old or sick people ARE especially vulnerable and need to continue to take every precaution. But in the end, the damage from our RESPONSE to this illness is going to be far worse than the illness itself. History will bear that out, I am sure.

Pallooted Pootin
Pallooted Pootin
Reply to  Blare
3 years ago

Trump Legacy..No Wall. Unemployment highest since Great Depreesion. Most dead of mayhem acts in United States ever,inner city shootings,school and functions with mass killings. Highest ever Debt in U S History. Impeached President. Three wives. Multiple Banruptcy. Alienated many of our allies. Hired illegals at his Trump Hotels and many business,yet sents others packing,including children and sick older people and children. Confirmed liar 10 thousand times and counting.

Pat
Pat
Reply to  Blare
3 years ago

Wow. 600,000 pouring in from infected China in December and January. FAR MORE than any other country. Obviously why we have higher death totals NOT because of President Trump and the blame game coming from the left and the constant comparison to other countries and how much better they have done. Since so many viruses come from China due to their extremely high population and incompetence in warning the world about these dangerous viruses, we should decrease travel from that country even when this virus is brought under control.

Blare
Blare
Reply to  Pat
3 years ago

That also includes direct flights only, that took off from China and landed in the U.S. No telling how many arrived from China via connecting flights but surely a huge number.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  Blare
3 years ago

Where did the stats you quote come from? Aren’t you the guy who got stuck in California? Did you drive a lawn mower back? Will you refuse a vaccine because you don’t believe it is ‘lethal.? Maybe you already don’t believe in vaccines …

Blare
Blare
Reply to  Kermit Frog
3 years ago

Sure Kermit, since you are apparently confounded by Google, I will lend a hand.

https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/Provisional-COVID-19-Death-Counts-by-Sex-Age-and-S/9bhg-hcku

https://virus.stanford.edu/uda/

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/1918-commemoration/pandemic-timeline-1918.htm

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/04/us/coronavirus-china-travel-restrictions.html

As for the flights, 390,000 passengers arrived directly from China in January, before the travel ban, The number for December was likely about the same, but had to be piece-mealed together. I conservatively rounded down to get to my total of 600,000 for December and January.

They also rent cars in California, not just lawn mowers, so I was able to drive one of those back. Thanks for asking.

Talking intelligently about the issue of lethality involves a lot of nuance. Not going to waste my time going down that futile path with you.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  Blare
3 years ago

These do not correlate to anything meaningful. You searched for something to get data to support a outcome that you suggest. Correlation not causation are bad science.,Wtf on the Stanford Flu article? Most epidemiologists are revising modeling against comparisons to the flu. Also, the patterns don’t follow. Southern Switzerland had minimal cases next to northern Italy. First Covid cases were reported in France in December.

Why does RN make you so upset?

Blare
Blare
Reply to  Kermit Frog
3 years ago

You asked for the sources of the “quotes” I included a few posts back, implying you did not believe them. I provided the sources. Some of the articles contained much more info than the quotes I selected. I am sorry, I should have prepared you. I did not mean to overwhelm you with more info than you could process.

Why do you feel the need to personalize things? I have no idea who RN is and could not care less. All I know is that this person is spreading ridiculous, provably false hysteria about COVID. He or she is a complete moron, to put it simply.

We are in a moment in time unlike any other in our nation’s history. We have VOLUNTARILY decided to create an economic catastrophe, out of fear of an unknown virus. Back when the full risks and potential scale of COVID were unknown, it made sense to be overly cautious and none of this could be criticized very much.

We know a helluva lot more now, and there is no defense for not restarting the economy . One of the problems is that you are probably too dim to realize that the economic nightmare you apparently support will result in many more deaths than the virus if you get your way.

Blare
Blare
Reply to  Kermit Frog
3 years ago

Very funny. I presented data from the CDC on COVID mortality. You asked for the source. I provided the link to the CDC site. You said “these do not correlate to anything meaningful.”

You are completely lost my friend. Good luck to you.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  Blare
3 years ago

Glad you got back ok and it didn’t involve ride sharing with John Candy or a clarinet band.

Blare
Blare
Reply to  Kermit Frog
3 years ago

It was actually an awesome drive. Been many years since I have driven coast to coast. Highly recommended. So much to see in this amazing country.

the school committee
the school committee
3 years ago

Next week…FBI and Obamagate .Cant wait to have you guys repeat Fox news

Loosatrumpsupporter
Loosatrumpsupporter
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

Obama predicted in 2014 this could happen.pandemic.

Kermit Frog
Kermit Frog
Reply to  the school committee
3 years ago

No comment yet on the Allendale teacher and the ge settlenet sellout?

Mark Tully
Mark Tully
3 years ago

Scott has done a fabulous job with the Rusty Anchor without public funds. These are the people our city nurture.

Loosatrumpsupporter
Loosatrumpsupporter
Reply to  Mark Tully
3 years ago

Mark,Do you mean torture?

Mark Tully
Mark Tully
Reply to  Mark Tully
3 years ago

Should nurture