Adams Sets Public Hearing for Community Development Projects
ADAMS – Next week, town residents will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on the future of community development projects. The Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 6:30 p.m. to confirm the ranking of proposed community development projects and programs for fiscal 2008 and to review the town's community development strategy. "The main purpose is to solicit public opinion," said Chairman Joseph R. Dean Jr. at Wednesday’s Selectmen's meeting. Director of Community Development Donna Cesan said resident input is necessary before the town submits its application for Community Development Block Grants and the Selectmen urge anyone with an "interest in these matters" to attend the public hearing. Some of the town's priority projects include the Jones Block redevelopment, the Armory Court Park project and the Greylock Glen Development project. Community Development Updates Cesan also provided updates on major town projects at Wednesday’s meeting, detailing the progress on the Hinge Block parking project and the development of the Greylock Glen. Construction on the parking lot behind the Jones Block and Carlow building may begin as early as this winter, if all goes as planned, said Cesan, who announced that C & A Construction of Ludlow was awarded a $387,000 contract for the work. Additionally, the Selectmen signed off on easements from the underlying property owners for future construction. "We can't hold these projects up. We've got to get them going," said Dean. Cesan expects the project to be completed by June 30, 2008. In comparison, the Greylock Glen project is moving along slowly, as the National Heritage and Endangered Species Program, part of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, is mandating that a full botanical survey be done on the property. That survey can only be performed between June and September. "The time frame for the survey has already passed for the year," she said. "Talk to me next September and I'll see how we're doing." Other Business At Wednesday’s regular meeting, the Selectmen also:- Approved a new contract for the Department of Public Works employees, with only minor alterations.
- Approved an annual wine and malt restaurant license to Wojo's.
- Discussed inviting the Prudential Committee to consider joining together with the town government, at the insistence of Selectman Donald R. Sommer.
