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I didn't think they were approved yet ...not past the zoning board of appeals
Editor: Zoning met Monday but I couldn't go. They were on the agenda. Have to call Friday and find out.
I wanted to add some late-breaking details to this wonderful story about the Minerva Arts Center and its efforts to make a home in the former Our Lady of the Incarnation Church at 1288 Mass Ave in Historic Blackinton (now North Adams). Minerva Arts Center is actively and cooperatively working with our landlord, our neighbors, the City Solicitor, Zoning Board, Building Inspector, and the Mayor of North Adams to secure proper approval for the use of the wonderful former Our Lady of the Incarnation Church at 1288 Mass Ave, in historic Blackinton (now North Adams). A Zoning Board of Appeals meeting that we hoped would decide the issue was held on Monday, August 16th, but lacking a quorum, voting on the building use variance was postponed until September, resulting in the open question of whether Minerva Arts Center may use the space we are currently renting for performances. Temporary approval may be an option, but we will not know this until an opinion is handed down on Monday, August 23rd, at the earliest. Meanwhile, we have arranged for a change of location for the performance of the new musical ALIZA, should it become necessary, and will make that announcement once we know where we stand. We remain hopeful and committed to the ideal of The MAC that was so nicely presented in the recent article appearing on iBerkshires! I would also like to thank all of the Blackinton neighbors who came out to show support and to offer kind words during our two "FAQ at the MAC" meetings!
Edward Cating
Managing Executive Director
The Minerva Arts Center
1288 Mass Ave
North Adams, MA 01247
413-212-7897
edwardcating@gmail.com
Editor: Thanks for updating us. Hope everything works out on Monday.
Actually, I believe the ducks were in a row, it was the ZBA that did not have a quorum. They'll meet again in September, and then we'll learn whether North Adams is interested in supporting community and neighborhood development.
If I understand correctly, five people disagreed with E. Catling's remarks. You can disagree with an opinion, but how you can disagree with a statement of facts?
I need to make correction to my comment of last week, for the record. The reason for the Zoning Board of Appeals not voting at their August meeting did not, in fact, have to do with the lack of a quorum, as I had stated. I was incorrect. I am indebted to the person who pointed out my error and offered a better explanation, which I am going to attempt to relay clearly.
Four members does constitute a quorum; however, any issue coming to a vote requires unanimous consent of the members present.
A board member had a concern about the legality of the request for a use variance not connected with a building permit, certificate of occupancy, or business license, and the ZBA thought it prudent to refer the matter to the City Solicitor for a legal opinion. If the matter had been put to a vote, it is likely that we would not have gotten a 4-0 result, effectively closing down Minerva Art Center's possible use of the space in question. Instead of voting to deny our request, the ZBA voted to give the solicitor time to review the matter.
Next, the ZBA will read the Solicitor's opinion when it comes back--there is a chance, even, that his opinion may result in our not even NEEDING a variance--and if he says it is an appropriate function of the ZBA to grant a variance in absence of a permit, license, or C.O., then the ZBA will put the request to a straight-up vote. I hope that this better explains the issue, and is an accurate description of the details.
Edward Cating
Managing Executive Director
Minerva Arts Center
413-212-7897
www.minervaartscenter.org
Unanimous vote?? Seriously? This isn't the first time that I've heard of a board unable to vote on a matter because someone was taking a little vacation. It's time to either change the structure so that a very small number can actually vote or to get with the times and institute electronic (email) voting. City government needs to be in the business of moving things forward, not stopping up the works.
Come on North Adams - we can do better than this. Alcombright ran on this very platform and it would be great to see some real change in the structure and membership of the various city planning boards to facilitate some real streamlining of the process.
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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