North Adams Taverns Planning Moves

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Two local pouring establishments are looking to relocate within the city.

The Planning Board on Monday night approved an application to move the Artery Lounge but continued a hearing on the Crystal Hard Hat Saloon.

Nancy and Todd Hebert are planning to renovate the former Quinn's Paint and Wallpaper on Union and Canal streets and move the Crystal Hard Hat Saloon there from its current location just down Union Street.

The Heberts said they have a purchase-and-sales agreement on the building at 55-59 Union St. and have taken out a $40,000 to renovate the interior.

"We've been paying rent to Rusty Ransford. I've been putting money into his building ... ," Todd Hebert told the board, as Nancy Hebert added "We'd like to put it into our own building."

The Heberts have owned the tavern for three years and Todd Hebert said he has worked hard to clean up the current property as well as the clientele.

The Heberts' plan, drawn up an architect, includes a "cold" kitchen, two pool tables and space for up to 99. It would occupy the main portion of the building on the corner of Union and Canal. The second story and an addition on Canal Street would be used for storage for the time being.

But while the couple were commended for their complete and professional application, the Office of Community Development recommended a site visit. Member Paul Senecal questioned the parking situation and expressed concern over parking along Canal Street.

Todd Hebert said the building has paved parking for eight off Canal Street and he had leased 12 spots "indefinitely" across the street near the former Barber Leather Co. from Ransford.

The board, however, continued the hearing until its December meeting and referred the parking issue to the Traffic Commission. A site visit also is planned.

In contrast, Daniel O'Neil was swiftly approved a special permit to relocate the Artery Lounge from its Holden Street location to the former Ace's Place at 68 Union St. The only conditions were that the Budwieser sign and its brackets from Ace's be removed. Parking was not raised as an issue, although the new location is almost directly across from where the Crystal Hard Hat's plans to move.

An application from Core States Group at 148 Eagle St. to update signage was continued at the  applicant's request and a sign for Berkshire Realty at 26 Roberts Drive was approved.
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Companion Corner Grey Boy at No Paws Left Behind

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — There's a cat No Paws Left Behind still waiting for his forever home.

iBerkshire's Companion Corner is a weekly series spotlighting an animal in our local shelters that is ready to find a home. He was previously highlighted but he now has new information.

Grey Boy is 10 years old and is a gray and white domestic shorthair and was previously highlighted on Companion Corner.

The shelter's Executive Director Noelle Howland introduced us to him and his long journey to be ready for adoption.

"He's been here a couple months. He was a transfer from a rescue in Bennington. They were out of space, so we had taken him in with a few other cats. So he's been here a couple months. He came in with what we believed was a respiratory infection," she said. "So it took us a little bit to get him ready, and then he also needed a dental. So he has nice, clean teeth. He had some teeth removed, and then he has to go back in and have one more dental. So he'll be all ready to go."

It was previously thought that he has feline herpes but he was recently diagnosed with a palette fracture because of how bad his dental disease was, which is what is causing his sneezing. He can now go home with cats, a cat-savvy dog and children.

"He has had two dentals since being with us. Due to the palate fracture he will be sneezy for the rest of his life, not contagious sneezing, but that doesn’t stop him from living a perfectly happy life. He should be on wet food with chunks due to this and since he has had many teeth removed," Howland said.

Grey Boy loves to play with toys and enjoy treats. He would also love to have a window to lounge or bird-watch in.

"He is not afraid of anything. He's very curious, so I'm sure he'd love if you have windows for him to look out of. He still plays, even though he's 10 it does not stop him. So any home would be a good fit for him."

Now that he is ready to be adopted, he is excited. When you walk into the room with him he will rub up against your leg introducing himself and asking to be pet.

"Usually, I would say, when you're walking, he'll bonk into you so he might catch you off guard a little bit. He constantly is rubbing against you," Howland said. "He really, I would say he's lazy when you want him to be, and he's active when you want him to be. He'll play with toys. He's usually lounging away. And then when he comes out he'll play. He loves it. So, very friendly, easy going cat."

He is now perfectly healthy with his dentals all done and veterinary care up to date and is ready to find his forever family.

"I would say the friendliest, easiest cat you could have. He's just, he's just gonna be a little sneezy sometimes, but that doesn't stop him from doing anything," she said.

Grey Boy's adoption fee is sponsored by Rooted in Balance Counseling LLC.

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