ADAMS — State planners are following its consultants’ recommendation to pursue a “low impact†environmental and recreational project at the Greylock Glen, sweetening the pot for potential developers by offering up to $3 million in matching funds for site improvements and infrastructure.
Planners have also extended the deadline for requests for proposals (RFPs) from July 15 to Sept. 14 to allow anyone interested in the long-beleaguered 1,063-acre property at the eastern base of Mount Greylock to amend their proposals.
The $3 million, if used, would tap virtually all Glen funds left in the original $8.5 million bond authorization from 1985, leaving roughly $330,000, according to the state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), which is pursuing the project with the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency. Failed development efforts over the last 19 years swallowed up most of the money, during fierce battles with environmental groups from throughout the county and state.
The low impact development would cost about $7 million to build and yield annual operating profits of about $103,000, according to a business plan prepared last month by the consultants, C.H. Johnson Consulting Inc. and ConsultEcon of Chicago. It would include a nature center, a lodging facility of up to 100 beds, 10 rustic cabins, 75 tent sites, hiking and cross-country ski trails and require about 225 parking spaces.
According to the DCR, the project could be phased into a “moderate impact†development, and the current master plan would not have to be changed. That plan allows two lodging facilities, which has drawn some fire from environmental groups, including the Massachusetts Environmental League of Boston, the local Save the Glen group and the Berkshire Natural Resources Council of Pittsfield.
State officials have countered that the new master plan revised last year is the best yet for the Glen and represents a fair compromise balancing economic development with environmental concerns. The consultants concurred in their business report.
According to the report, the “moderate impact†development could contain up to 150 beds of lodging, 125 tent sites, 20 recreational vehicle sites, 4,000 square feet of classroom space, 5,000 square feet of meeting space and 1,500 square feet of retail space, in addition to the nature center and trails. It would cost $12.1 million to build, require 500 parking spaces and yield $267,000 in annual revenues, according to the consultants.
“A phased development which would grow to the ‘Moderate Impact Recreation Conservation Area’ is totally appropriate and fits within the parameters of the approved master plan and the RFP,†the DCR said in statements prepared in response to Advocate questions yesterday. “A phased development starting from the Low Impact Recreation Conservation Area and growing to the next level would provide greater economic benefit to the region without any additional expenditure of state funds.â€
The consultants said in the business plan that it is likely only nonprofit organizations would be interested in pursuing a development because of the relatively low potential for profit. For that reason, property tax revenues to the town are expected to be minimal.
“The Outdoor Recreation and Environmental Center facility is designed to create a regional recreational and economic development area that is an integral part of the overall revitalization strategy for the town of Adams,†DCR officials said in their prepared statements. “The facility is envisioned as one that will be environmentally sensitive, appropriate in scale and innovative in its ability to be a catalyst to assist Adams and the Northern Berkshires achieve economic and social benefits.â€
The officials added, “The development will support the town of Adams’ ‘Trails and Treasures’ program, will attract new visitors to the town, increase the exposure of Adams as the place to go to for those who seek serenity, scenery, nature and outdoor adventure.â€
DCR Commissioner Katherine F. Abbott announced the updated RFP Monday.
“By offering prospective developers greater financial flexibility, we look forward to receiving proposals for a facility that offers visitors and Adams residents alike a place to enjoy the splendid natural beauty of the Glen,†Abbott said
State Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, D-North Adams, added, “I believe that this amendment to the RFP demonstrates the state’s strong commitment to seeing a successful project on the Greylock Glen. In addition, the time extension will help those who wish to partner in an effort to meet both the economic and environmental goals. Now it is up to all of us to roll up our sleeves and come up with a winning proposal that will benefit the town of Adams and all those who care about the Greylock Glen.â€
According to the DCR officials, “ The proponent selected will be one which delivers the most public benefits to the citizens of Adams, Northern Berkshires and the commonwealth.â€
They added, “The development will be good for the economy and the environment. These benefits will not only be taxes and employment but also benefits related to the provision of outdoor recreation opportunities, environmental education, economic development, resource protections and enhancement of the region’s image.â€
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CIAO Berkshire County Hall of Fame Inducts 10
Community submission
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – The CIAO Soccer Hall of Fame induction and scholarship banquet and presentations were held on Thursday, May 9, at Berkshire Hills Country Club in Pittsfield.
The 2024 inductees were honored and 21 scholarships of $1,000 each were presented. Committee Chairmen Al Belanger and Patrick West introduced inductees and scholarship winners at the event. The nomination committee included, in addition to Belanger and West, Chris Dumas and Richard Asher. Sheila Lussier led the banquet committee.
The inductees are Katie Bradley (Pittsfield High), Sam Dils (Mount Greylock), Tom Hazen (Wahconah), Peter Larkin (St. Joseph), Harry Rich (Pittsfield), Todd Rose (Wahconah), Jordan Schnopp Chausse (Wahconah), Corey Stack (St. Joseph), Judy Tierney (Pittsfield), Alycia Sacco (Pittsfield).
This list includes two county MVPs, 15 all-Berkshire selections, five all-Western Mass picks, seven captain honors, one five-year varsity starter, one Lady General Award winner, and one Italian-American Athlete of the Year honor.
Katie Bradley was a four-year force on a strong PHS team from 2008 to 2011, earning all-Berkshire honors her junior and senior year. As captain her senior year, and even before, she led her team to strong finishes in the state tournament all four years she was in high school. She also played on SDA in the Premier League for her four high school years. She also won a silver medal in the Bay State Games with the Berkshire Blast U-14 team.
She graduated from the University of New Hampshire and is currently a charge nurse at Brigham and Women’s. She is studying for her master’s degree in Nursing Education at Simmons University.
Sam Dils was a rare five-year starter at Mt. Greylock and was on the all-Berkshire second team in 2014; all-Berkshire first team three times from 2015-2017; and was on the all-Western-Mass team three times from 2015-2017. He was the Berkshire County MVP in 2017.
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Pittsfield High's Matt Dupuis and Lee's Bella Kotek Sunday completed a Berkshire County sweep at the State Bowling Championships at Bowlero.
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Emily Holian’s strike to open the 10th frame of the Wildcats’ second game against Worcester Tech all but assured Lee a team title at Bowlero Chicopee.
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Hoosac struggled to get into rhythm on the offensive end until Joey McGovern got the 3-ball working. McGovern finished the game with 21 points including a triple in the fourth quarter that cemented him in the record books. It took him nearly the whole game but he was able to join the 1,000-point... click for more
Pittsfield High's Eliza Mullen won state title and in the giant slalom and slalom, winning the former discipline by 1.6 seconds and the latter by nearly 2.7 seconds.
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