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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.
Another snowstorm is expected to move through the region overnight on Friday, bringing 5 to 8 inches of snow. This is updated from Thursday's winter weather advisory.
The National Weather Service in Albany, N.Y., has posted a winter storm warning for all of Berkshire County and parts of eastern New York State beginning Friday at 4 p.m. through Saturday at 1 p.m.
The region could see heavy to moderate snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour overnight, tapering off Saturday morning to flurries.
Drivers should exercise caution on Friday night and Saturday morning, as travel conditions may be hazardous.
Saturday night should be clear and calm, but warming temperatures means freezing rain Sunday night and rain through Monday with highs in the 40s. The forecast isn't much better through the week as temperatures dip back into the teens with New Year's Eve looking cloudy and frigid.
Samuel Currence served his country in the Air Force with distinction, professionalism and unparalleled humility from 1962 to 1985, retiring as a technical sergeant. click for more
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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