Bosley Named To Patrick Team, Ware Confirms She's Seeking Rep Term

By Susan BushPrint Story | Email Story
State Rep. Daniel E. Bosley D-North Adams was named an economic development advisor by Gov.-elect Deval Patrick.
State Rep. Daniel E. Bosley D-North Adams has been named an economic development advisor to Gov.-elect Deval Patrick. Patrick added Bosley to a governor's "Development Cabinet" on Dec. 17. "A New Challenge" Speaking during an interview earlier today, Bosley said he will continue to advocate for the Berkshires from the new post. "This is a new challenge," he said of the appointment. "I still get to work for the Berkshires, and I will be in the Governor's office." He brings to the post many unique insights gleaned from two decades of traveling across the state as an elected representative of the state's western-most district, Bosley said. "I've traveled across this state and stopped in towns along the way," he said. "I know what's going on in the different communities. I am able to advocate a one-size-doesn't-fit-all economic approach." Bosley said that he is in agreement with strategies that Patrick has articulated. "He has said to me 'I want to create an economy from the Berkshires to Boston.'" Bosley said. "He's talked about the 'creative economy.'" Eye Of The Beholder Bosley has served as First Berkshire District representative since 1986. He is the senior member of the five-member Berkshire delegation; next in elected longevity was state Sen. Andrea F. Nuciforo Jr., who chose not to seek reelection to a sixth state senate term. Nuciforo was elected as the Central Berkshire Register of Deeds and Benjamin Downing was elected state senator in November. North Adams Mayor John Barrett III described his feelings about Bosley's appointment. "It's like beauty, it's in the eye of the beholder," he said. "It's good news for him and for the state but it's bad news for the First Berkshire District. It's often said that shoes will be difficult to fill, in this case, it's true." The Brightest And The Best Barrett cited Bosley's work as chairman of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies and his significant contribution to a special, economic-driven legislation that earmarked over $300,000 to create business growth and development and motivate the state's economy. "He's recognized as one of the brightest members of the legislature," Barrett said. "He did his homework, he knew the issues and he could articulate them. And I always said he had the best sense of humor of everyone." Williamstown Town Manager Peter Fohlin said he supported Patrick's choice of Bosley. "Dan understands the relationship between education and jobs," Fohlin said. "He appreciates the value of public-private partnerships and he realizes that we need new ideas to get new results. His ability to work with everybody from any constituency is a critical quality. This makes me very hopeful at a time when Massachusetts is experiencing both a population drain and a brain drain." Bosley will be missed as a legislator, Fohlin said. "He was personally responsible for acquiring and preserving the $750,000 in state aid that Williamstown received to help with the Photech clean-up. And he's always been great fun to trade war stories with." In Good Hands With both Bosley and Nuciforo absent from the region's legislative delegation, the senior Berkshire legislator is state Rep. William "Smitty" Pignatelli, who has four years of legislative experience. State Representative Christopher Speranzo and state Representative Denis Guyer each have two years legislative experience. Downing will debut as an elected state legislator when he is sworn in on January 3. "We have a very good delegation," Bosley said. "They are enthusiastic and passionate." He is willing to advise Berkshire delegation members should they seek his counsel, Bosley said, but he stressed the legislators capabilities. "They have tremendous passion," he said. "I think the Berkshires is in good hands." Clarksburg Selectmen's Chairwoman Debra LeFave said that she hoped Bosley's new post would bode well for the area. "It will be interesting to see who seeks the [representative] seat," she said. "There were a lot of people who ran for Sen. Nuciforo's seat; this could be a second chance for some people and perhaps a first chance for others." Ware Announces Candidacy Former Williamstown Selectwoman Margaret J. Ware confirmed that she will seek the Democratic nomination for the two-year state House of Representatives term. Ware was among the candidates that battled for the Democratic nomination to a state Senate seat earlier this year. "When you do something like that, you do it because you want to serve," she said. "I still want to serve." Ware said that the opportunity to work legislatively with someone of Patrick's caliber is "almost too good to be true." She has spoken with family members, friends, and former campaign volunteers and all have encouraged her and assured their support, she said. Fohlin supported Ware's intentions. "There is reason to be excited and optimistic about the candidacy of Margaret Ware to succeed Dan," he said. "She swept North Adams and Williamstown in the state senate race and was very competitive in other areas. She'll make a great legislator." Cariddi "Interested" North Adams City Councilor Gailanne Cariddi said that she is interested in the seat but declined to make a formal candidacy announcement. "I have appreciated Dan's 20 years of service," Cariddi said. "It's his time now, his time for 'good jobs' and accolades, time for 'good lucks.'" Bosley said he will likely be sworn in as state representative on Jan. 3, and resign the seat after Patrick is sworn in as governor on January 4. Dates for a special primary election and special election will be set after he resigns, Bosley said. A likely special election date is sometime in April, he said. Bosley said his staff and a district office will remain in place until a new representative is elected. The First Berkshire District is made up of Adams, North Adams, Clarksburg, Williamstown and Florida and the Franklin County towns of Charlemont, Hawley, Heath,Monroe and Rowe. Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or 413-663-3384 ext. 29.
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Former Harry's Supermarket Under Construction for Restaurant

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Construction is underway to transform the former Harry's Supermarket into a restaurant. 

Late last month, the Conservation Commission greenlit some tree pruning on the property. New windows and a new door can be seen in the front of the building. 

"It's a substantial renovation that's currently underway here," Brent White of White Engineering said, speaking on behalf of the applicant and owner, Huajie Zhu. 

A fire gutted the longtime Wahconah Street supermarket in 2023, and the following year, Zhu purchased the property for $460,000 two years ago to build a restaurant with hibachi in the existing footprint of the more than 100-year-old building. 

White explained that the project has been ongoing for over a year, and the Community Development Board granted the property a waiver to reduce the minimum required number of parking spaces so that additional spaces aren't needed.  

He noted that, looking at the site plan, there is very little room to do so. A mirror will be installed near the sharp turn on Bel Air Avenue to alleviate traffic concerns. 

Pruning will be done on trees in the southeast corner of the existing paved parking lot, as a number of branches are hanging over. The new owners also intend to patch, sealcoat, and re-stripe the parking lot. 

A fire tore through the building less than an hour after the supermarket closed for the day three years ago. An automatic sprinkler system is required for the new use. 

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