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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Berkshire County to Elect DA, Governor, More in Primary Election
By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield and beyond will elect a Massachusetts governor, attorney general, district attorney for Berkshire County, and other positions in the 2026 state election.
The City Council OK’d the issuance of the State Primary Election warrant, to be held on Tuesday, Sept. 1, and designated polling locations, hours, and police details.
The early voting period for the state primaries will be Aug. 22-28, while early voting for the Nov. 3 state election will be held Oct. 17-30.
In the primary election, voters choose the candidates they prefer for a political party to nominate in the general election held on Nov. 3.
The following positions will be on the primary ballot:
Senator in Congress for the Commonwealth
Governor for the Commonwealth
Lieutenant Governor for the Commonwealth
Attorney General for the Commonwealth
Secretary of State for the Commonwealth
Treasurer of State for the Commonwealth
Auditor for the Commonwealth
Representative in Congress for the First District
Governor's Councillor for the Eighth District
Senator in General Court for the Berkshire, Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden Districts
Representative in General Court for the Second Berkshire District
District Attorney for Berkshire County
Register of Probate for the Berkshire Middle District
There are no challengers on the Democratic primary ballot for the re-election of the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, treasurer and auditor.
On the Republican primary ballot, Michael Minogue of Hamilton and Brian Shortsleeve or Barnstable are vying for the gubernatorial nomination to take on Maura Healey in November; there are no other GOP primary races involving the Berkshires.
As there are no Republican nominees on the primary ballot for secretary of state or auditor, and no independent running in the general election, meaning the primary will essentially determine the winner in those two elections.
For U.S. senator, Edward Markey is being challenged by Seth Moulton in the Democratic primary; the winner will face off against John Deaton of Bolton, who is running unopposed in the Republican primary.
For the Massachusetts 1st District representative in Congress, Richard Neal is being challenged by Jeromie Whalen of South Hadley; the winner will face off against independent Nadia Milleron of Sheffield.
Closer to home, Paul Mark is unchallenged for state Senate and Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Leigh Davis for state representatives in the Democratic primary, but John Barrett III is being challenged by Andrew Fitch in the 1st Berkshire District.
Tara Jacobs of North Adams is being challenged as District 8 Governor's Councillor by Michael Fenton of Springfield.
There are no Republican or independent candidates for these seats so the winners will essentially be determined by the Democratic primary.
Polling locations for Pittsfield's 7 wards are as usual; polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. during the primaries on Sept. 1.
Pittsfield polling locations:
Ward 1, Precinct A Reid Middle School, 950 North Street
Ward 1, Precinct B Reid Middle School, 950 North Street
Ward 2, Precinct A Morningside Community School, 100 Burbank Street
Ward 2, Precinct B Somerset Fire Station, 9 Somerset Avenue
Ward 3, Precinct A Providence Court, 379 East Street
Ward 3, Precinct B Egremont School, 84 Egremont Avenue
Ward 4, Precinct A Herberg Middle School, 501 Pomeroy Avenue
Ward 4, Precinct B Williams School, 50 Bushey Road
Ward 5, Precinct A Pittsfield Library, One Wendell Avenue
Ward 5, Precinct B Pittsfield Library, One Wendell Avenue
Ward 6, Precinct A Columbus Arms Housing, 65 Columbus Ave.
Ward 6, Precinct B Silvio 0. Conte Community School, 200 West Union St.
Ward 7, Precinct A Pecks Road Fire Station, 54 Pecks Road
Ward 7, Precinct B Capeless Elementary School, 86 Brooks Avenue
Cassidy Flynn scattered five hits in a complete-game effort in the circle as Lenox upset top-seeded Hoosac Valley, 3-2, in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament. click for more
Brayden Durant struck out seven and walked one in a complete-game effort on the mound Saturday to pitch the Drury baseball team to a 6-0 win over Keefe Tech in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament at Joe Wolfe Field. click for more
