Election 2009: Alcombright Releases Initial Economic Development Ideas

09:41PM / Monday, June 08, 2009Print Story | Email Story

This is a submitted release from mayoral candidate Richard Alcombright.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mayoral candidate Dick Alcombright today released his initial thoughts and ideas for economic development in the city of North Adams:

I intend to position North Adams for growth by reviewing the existing infrastructure to identify places, processes and resources needed to enhance growth and economic development. The most effective and timely conversations we can have as a community are those that involve planning for our future. We must ask: what should be built, where should we build it, how should we build it and what infrastructure is required to support it? The city must identify growth areas, work with property owners and simplify planning and zoning processes to encourage development which over time will provide good jobs.

I will always keep our future in mind while leading our city. I will create a city government that will be a resource for private sector development, rather than competing with it. For example, the city-owned Windsor Mill, developed as an incubator for new business, currently competes with private sector space on terms which appear unclear and perhaps inconsistant. Once elected I intend to review and, if necessary, revise the city's objectives and goals for the Windsor Mill.

Another idea I have to enhance economic development is to create a "business center" within City Hall that would be a resource for potential investors in the city: a one-stop shopping experience for locating businesses in North Adams. Local business leaders should also have a voice in the future of economic development in North Adams. I intend to take advantage of our human potential and couple it with regional economic development ideas and entities for far reaching results."

Gateway City legislation has recently been proposed in the State House. It provides funds to help restore and reuse historic buildings, provides for new job creation, creates housing credits and expands the Economic Opportunity Area tax credit. But, to qualify, a Gateway City has to have a population exceeding 35,000. Because the legislation targets historic mill communities that have struggled with a decline in manufacturing resulting in poorer households, North Adams qualifies in all other respects except population. I have contacted state Sen. Benjamin Downing and have asked him to look into ways to modify the legislation to include North Adams.

Finally, although I will not minimize the financial constraints on our economy, I maintain that this is an incredible time to think about and to plan for our future. I want North Adams to be riding the first wave out of this recession. By softening our processes, leveling the playing field and working together cooperatively, we will all share in North Adams' success.

Together We Will Succeed.

If you are interested in helping to elect Dick Alcombright as the next mayor of North Adams, please e-mail him at info@AlcombrightForMayor.com or call him at 413-663-5057. Please also visit AlcombrightForMayor.com.

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Northern Berkshire United Way: War and Peace

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
09:38PM / Saturday, February 28, 2026

Northern Berkshire United Way is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year. Each month, we will take a look back at the agency's milestones over the decades. This first part looks at its successes and challenges during the war years.

The Community Chest started the decade on the upswing but ended with a decline in fundraising. A bright spot was its establishment of new agencies to help the citizens of North Adams and Clarksburg.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Community Chest ended its first decade on an upswing, even as the clouds were darkening over Europe.

But what goes up, must eventually come down.

The 1940 campaign drive again set a goal of $39,600 and volunteers toted up $23,000 at the first meeting.

James Hunter Machine was the first to attain 100 percent enrollment with annual gift of $6.13 per person for a total of $1,275. Some 200 businesses and organizations hit their red feather level of 100 percent, including all of the schools as well as State Teachers College.

The litany of businesses and organizations included long-gone establishments such as Simmons Funeral Home, Spofford Motors, McCann Ice Cream Co., C.H. Cutting, West End Market, Apothecary Hall, Florini's Italian Garden, and Pizzi's, along with still existing enterprises like Whitney's Beverage Shop, Cascade Paper and Mount Williams Greenhouse.

The now annual dinner was served by the Ladies Aid Society of First Congregational at the YMCA, and attendees were entertained by singers from the Advent Christian Church, directed by the Rev. Martin Ball and accompanied by his wife on the piano. "Assisting in useful capacities" were YMCA junior members Howard Goodermote, Roy Modlinger, Fred Myers, Norman Remillard, George Grenier, Wallace Konopka and Anthony Pessolano.

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