NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — For the first time, local Democratic and independent voters are being solicited for input into the formulations of the State Democratic Party platform.
"It's aimed directly at local issues," said Joyce Wrend, chairman of the North Adams Democratic City Committee. "It's a chance to voice concerns about what problems we have here that haven't been addressed by the Democratic Party."
The public hearing will be held Monday, March 23, at 7 p.m. at the Richmond Grille in the Holiday Inn. It is one of only three platform hearings being held in Western Mass.; the others are Thursday, March 19, at 6 p.m. at El Pilion in Springfield and Thursday, March 26, at 7:30 in the Lanesborough Town Hall community room on Route 7.
The state Democratic convention will be held in Springfield on June 6 and will update the platform approved in 2005. The purpose of the local meetings being held across the state is to draft local priorities to be presented to the State Committee for inclusion in the platform being drafted for the convention.
The facilitator will be Richard Taskin, a well-known local attorney and political activist, who is currently teaching political science at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. He has hosted several public-access television programs and is current with state politics.
Wrend said it was hoped some of the local legislators would be able to join hearing. Michael Forbes Wilcox of Progressive Democrats for Massachusetts, Lee Harrison of Berkshire Brigades and John Nowak of the Adams Town Democratic Committee are expected to attend.
Democrats and independent, or unenrolled, registered voters are invited to attend, although the meeting is open to all registered voters, who will be expected to provide their affiliation. It is open to voters from Adams, Williamstown, Clarksburg, Savoy, Florida and voters from other areas who are interested in the process.
"Any voters who want to be heard, this is the time to come and be heard," said Wrend. "They can air their views on what's needed in Western Mass."
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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
The home prior to renovations.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.
The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.
The house is listed for $359,500.
We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieriand Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.
What was your first impression when you walked into the home?
Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.
Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.) The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.
What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?
Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few. All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.
Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house. New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house. New paver patio in the back yard.
What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?
Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.
Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.
Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.
Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?
Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.
Andrews: Built in about 1965.
What do the current owners love about this home?
Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.
Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.
You can find out more about this house on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
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