2nd Street Elects New Executive Director

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The 2nd Street Board of Directors has elected Sergeant Lindsay Maynard as its new executive director following the departure of Jason Cuyler, who recently announced he has taken a position as Assistant Deputy Superintendent of Community Engagement at the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office. Maynard will take the reins at 2nd Street on April 1, 2024.
 
"Jason's leadership has been a key element in the extraordinary success of 2nd Street. His knowledge of our clients' needs and available services, as well as his vast network and credibility in the community, assured a level of trust and confidence from those we serve and those who support us. We are happy to see him advance in his career," said Mark Gold, president of the 2nd Street board of directors. "We look forward to working under the leadership of Lindsay, who brings considerable skills and ability to lead 2nd Street into the next phase of its growth."
 
Maynard, a native of Lanesborough, is currently a corrections officer and corrections caseworker for the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office. She holds a bachelor's degree in rehabilitation and disabilities studies with a minor in psychology, along with a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling, from Springfield College. She is also a graduate of the Western Massachusetts County Correctional Officers Academy.
 
Maynard has been "an integral part of 2nd Street since its inception," Gold said, noting that the organization works closely with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to place referrals, facilitate aftercare case management, create workshops and other events, and help maintain a seamless transition between incarceration and reentry into the community.
 
"Gratitude fuels my excitement as I step into the role of Executive Director of 2nd Street. I'm grateful for the trust of Sheriff Tom Bowler and the advocacy of Mark Gold, and I give special thanks to Jason Cuyler for his leadership and guidance," Maynard said. "I am ready to carry forward the community 2nd Street has created."
 
Jason Cuyler said his experience at 2nd Street will help drive him forward at his new position.
 
"Working collaboratively with fellow Berkshire County community agencies and the 2nd Street support staff has been an honor, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to sustain these partnerships in my new capacity with the Sheriff's Office," Cuyler said. "Providing services and support for formerly incarcerated clients has been a rewarding journey, and I look forward to continuing this vital work for the betterment of our community."
 
Sheriff Thomas Bowler praised both Cuyler and Maynard for their accomplishments.
 
"I am extremely proud of the incredible work Jason Cuyler has done as executive director of 2nd Street. What started as a simple vision — to work collaboratively with community agencies to address the needs of the formerly incarcerated — resulted in the creation of something very special," Bowler said.
 
"Jason proved to be the right fit at the right moment in time. The time has come, however, for Jason to take on an even bigger role within the Sheriff's Office," Bowler continued. "I could not think of a better person to assume his role than Sergeant Lindsay Maynard. Lindsay is extremely qualified and is respected by her clients and her peers. I am confident that she will continue what Jason has started with great success. Our community is blessed to have such talented individuals devote their lives to helping others in need."
 
 
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Lanesborough to Vote on 34 Articles at ATM

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Voters will decide 34 warrant articles at the annual town meeting on June 11.

The Select Board endorsed a long list of articles during its regular meeting on Monday, most without discussion. 

A $11,846,607 spending plan has been proposed for fiscal year 2025, a 4.3 percent increase from the this year. The budget includes a net increase of $237,129 in education costs for the Mount Greylock Regional School District and McCann Technical School, less than the $271,478 increase in FY24. 

Three articles are related to short-term rentals, or Airbnbs: To impose a local excise tax of up to 6 percent of the total amount of rent for each occupancy, a 3 percent impact fee on "professionally managed" short-term rentals, and a 3 percent impact fee on short-term rentals in two- or three-family dwellings.

"These are the proposed language as provided by town counsel," Town Administrator Gina Dario explained.

Included in the 34 articles is one citizen's petition, which the board was not required to endorse. If passed, this petition would increase the Select Board from three to five members with an annual election of the chair. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes in that election would serve a three-year term, the candidate receiving the second highest number of votes would serve a two-year term, and the candidate receiving the third highest number of votes would serve a one-year term, with three-year terms to follow.

Two articles needed clearance from the Planning Board before coming to the Select Board, one being a request to amend the town's zoning bylaw to raise the cap on accessory dwelling units from 900 to 2,500 square feet.  

The proposal is in response to the lack of housing availability in the community and is the second go-around.

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