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North Adams Planners Delay Club, Fine Auto Sales

By Tammy Daniels
iBerkshires Staff
08:51PM / Monday, December 12, 2011

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Planners told Tim Dunne and Robert Donnelly they were in favor of a motorcycle clubhouse, but not until building owner Charles 'Rusty' Ransford, left, fulfilled some conditions.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Planning Board lowered the boom Monday on two property owners the board says have continued to be in violations of their conditions of operation.

The Dopplegangers motorcycle club was forced to put the brakes on opening a clubhouse at 76 Union St. when planners took building owner Charles "Rusty" Ransford to task for failing to take care of issues from years ago.

"I've lost faith in the landlord's ability to follow through on anything he says to this committee," said Planner Donald Keagan.

Board members evinced sympathy for club members but voted unanimously to continue its hearing until January for a special permit until Ransford submitted a plan for parking and removed a storage trailer ordered off the lot ~~months~~ years ago.

The location was formerly the Crystal Hard Hat; Ransford and another man had attempted earlier this year to open it as a package store under the name of the former "Pops" but planners raised similar concerns over parking and conditions.

Robert Donnelly and Tim Dunne, speaking on behalf of the club, said the 15-member club was private and limited to owners of Harley-Davidsons and Indian motorcycles. Crystal Hard Hat had given them a room to meet in but most of their members don't drink, said Donnelly.

"We are not trying to open up a party place, we are just trying to get a place for ourselves that we can go and meet," said Dunne.

"We do a lot of benefits, most of our benefits had to be out of town because we don't have a place in town to plan benefits other than the local taverns," said Donnelly. "We don't really want to be associated with bars."

The two said they were experienced in contracting and painting and had already done a lot of work inside and were willing to paint the entire front of the building and other work the board may require.

Chairman Michael Leary asked Ransford for a written time frame of when the trailer would be removed, when the parking lot would be fixed and when exterior painting and improvements would occur along with a map of the allowed parking spaces.

Planner Paul Hopkins asks about parking at a proposed garage on River Street.

Part of the frustration with Ransford has been a "double-dipping" of required parking, he said, pointing to a letter from Ransford leasing parking to the new Crystal Hard Hat that Ransford disavowed, saying the spots now go to the Artery Lounge.

Ransford promised to get rid of the trailer and submit the documentation.

Planners sent Mohawk Auto Sales at 1519 Curran Highway to enforcement for continuing to have more cars on the property than the 40 or so allowed. Planner Joseph Gniadek of the Compliance Committee said he and Planner Paul Senecal, who was not in attendance, had counted some 30 vehicles in the back behind a fence and another 25 in front.

Building Inspector William Meranti said he had toted up some 60 cars earlier in the day and also noted a "sawmill" operation was apparently being run out of the garage in violation of the permit. The owner of the business was not in attendance; he could face fines of $100 a day.

In other business:
► The board approved a special permit for William J. Gardner Sr. to operate an automotive repair shop at 54 River St. with the condition the owner of the building contact the inspector about the need to pave or hardscape the parking area.

► Approved a special permit to operate a bakery and cafe at Berkshire Emporium & Antiques at 57 Main St. Store owner Keith Bona said Luma's Muffins 'n' Mug will offer "plain coffee" and homemade pastries and baked goods. "We'll leave the espresso to Brewhaha," he said. The cafe will be operated by Nicole Maloney as a separate venture inside the store. The board also approved outside seating and a preliminary sign.

► Filed a letter from Brian Flagg and Steven Melito informing that they would be starting ~~online news site~~ print publication Northern Berkshire News, operating out of Flagg's Liberty Street home.

Correction 8:43 a.m., Dec. 16: Northern Berkshire News is not an online newsite.

Tags: cafe, clubhouse, coffeeshop, Ransford,

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People need to follow the rules, but some of these laws are ridiculous. How can a small business with a little bit too much inventory, and running an extra operation get fined. This landlord seems to be at fault, but some things like the minimum parking spaces are half the reason places like North Adams are hollow cities anyways. I'd love to go there and have to hunt down a spot because the city is so busy. As of yet I've never had a problem find a spot, in the same way you could lay down on the sidewalk in NA three hours would go by before someone had to step over you.
from: Worthless	on: 12-13-2011 01:05AM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (12)

Sounds to me like the "New WalMart" is pushing the building inspector and planning board trying to get yet another small business to close or move. They must need the land for their new store. I get my car repaired at Mohawk and they are nice honest guys just trying to make a living. Whats the big deal having a few extra cars, thats how they make a living! If they close then 5 more people will be unemployed. Also, good luck Tim on the new club, its a good idea.
from: Steve	on: 12-13-2011 08:16AM I Agree (39) - I Disagree (12)

The problem is that both these businesses agreed to these rules, and then have not followed them. Mowhawk has been in this situation over and over, and the board has continually raised the number of vehicles he is allowed, and have come to agreement on where they should be put. These agreements simply aren't followed. If the vehicles were all part of the business, they wouldn't be an issue, but the owner likes to collect junked cars... he has 25 of them back there... THAT is the problem. As far as Rusty... he never follows through with anything he agrees to and the board is sick of it. The last meeting, they said that he agreed to move that trailer SIX years ago, and still hasn't. Not that tough, follow the rules.
from: NA_Resident	on: 12-13-2011 09:06AM I Agree (30) - I Disagree (14)

If you look back you'll find that Mohawk has pretty much given the finger to the city a bunch of times. It's not a question of having too much inventory - it looks like a junkyard. Not that hard to fulfill your obligations. And Rusty? He has yet another tenant - this time a group of them, apparently nice guys with good intentions - who are going to fork over their own money to fix up HIS building, and then he's going to ignore the very basic requests from the city. I wouldn't get tied up with Ransford for anything. The guys from the motorcycle club should start looking for another space now.
from: History	on: 12-13-2011 09:15AM I Agree (28) - I Disagree (3)

Watch out Tammy. Steve Melito and Brian Flagg have you and iBerkshires in their sites! (I'll be really curious what their business model is. Good luck to them. Tough to make money.)
from: Uh oh	on: 12-13-2011 09:27AM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (1)
*Editor: I'm curious, too, but we wish them luck. Update Dec. 16:* Mr. Flagg informs me the Planning Board was incorrect and Northern Berkshire News will be a print publication.**
I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

If there plan is to have paid advertising, like iberkshires model, then i think tammy is going to be out of a job. This site is simply a mouthpiece for the current alcombright administration. I am guessing the new site wont be (kind of how FoxNews has destroyed MSNBC)
from: LowerTaxes	on: 12-13-2011 09:41AM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (28)

It's not "a few extra cars," Steve, it's a ton of extra vehicles, and one of the people who works there has even warned "the boss" that he's way over his limit and doesn't need to be. This guy asked for more spaces, he got them, then he doubled the number of cars on the lot, they look like hell coming in from Rte 8, and the entire yard is a mess. Maybe you like having eyesores on your main entryways into the city. I don't. Same goes for Ransford - enough is enough. His buildings are in a shambles and he puts his tenants right in the middle, promising NO renovations, having them put their money into his properties, and then he refuses to meet HIS conditions every time.
from: Nope	on: 12-13-2011 09:41AM I Agree (13) - I Disagree (3)

To the whiners in this town ... did you notice in this same story that the planning board approved two new businesses, during their first appearance before the board? Sounds like a business-friendly board to me (when the applicants or landlords can be trusted to do what they say they'll do).
from: b&^h and moan some more*	on: 12-13-2011 09:53AM I Agree (16) - I Disagree (3)

Is anybody complaining?.....Never noticed them from from highway have noticed vancant buildings and homes that are an eyesore....I agreed with Steve guys trying to make a living and give his employees a job
from: just saying	on: 12-13-2011 10:28AM I Agree (8) - I Disagree (7)

To Just Saying ... the complaints about eyesores like these are the ones you never hear. They're not so much complaints as impressions and reactions ... from people who drive through and don't stop because it doesn't look like much of a place to stop. They don't even stop to tell you what a dump Ransford's property is, they just think it to themselves.
from: never hear them	on: 12-13-2011 12:40PM I Agree (11) - I Disagree (1)

I am one of the louder critics of the Planning Board. Sometimes they make very odd decisions or get a very high and mighty attitude over stupid stuff. This in not one of those times.
from: Not Always	on: 12-13-2011 12:59PM I Agree (14) - I Disagree (0)

Councilor Bona starting another new business downtown. Next he will expect the taxpayers to provide free parking . The 1% at work.
from: RealWayne	on: 12-13-2011 01:27PM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (11)

get real Wayne
from: friend of north adams	on: 12-13-2011 02:51PM I Agree (8) - I Disagree (1)

You know what, Wayne, I've been critical of Mr. Bona in the past for some of the things he's said on the council floor, but when it comes to his business, the man is putting a hell of a lot more money into this city's economy than most of us. I'm absolutely certain he's contributing more than you are, and the more he expands, the better it is for the city. He's putting his own money at risk. Good for him, and good for the city, as a result. And before you start with your ranting "anyone who disagrees with me is a moron" paintbrush - I voted against the override and oppose any plan for a debt exclusion. I agree with you on taxes, but just because Bona isn't in your camp, doesn't mean he isn't doing something good for the city.
from: Nope	on: 12-13-2011 04:08PM I Agree (14) - I Disagree (1)

Seems like some of the comments on here are from Planning Board members, they seem to know all of the past history about Mohawk and Rusty. Bona does bring people to Main St with his businesses which is great but he did get approved at one meeting unlike other people who have tried to open a business. Some people even gave up after several attempts at trying to open a business in NA. I was one of them! Does the guy that got approved for a repair shop on River St have vehicle restrictions or is his permit unlimited? Buddy ya better check into this before they change the rules.
from: Me	on: 12-13-2011 07:22PM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (1)
Editor: The River Street property was limited to 12 cars, nine on the east side for Mr.Gardner. Re Mohawk Sales & Mr. Ransford: maybe they read my past articles.
I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

Cant we all get along here? Solution: Mohawk should stay within their limit of use and Rusty should clean up his property in question. The Planning Board and Meranti should give them a couple of weeks to get it done before they come down on them again. If they dont comply then other measures can be taken. Fining a local small business $100 per day would destroy most businesses. Thanks Bona for being a local business man and believing in NA and good luck on the Club.
from: Easy going	on: 12-14-2011 06:49AM I Agree (6) - I Disagree (0)

last time i checked rusty owes n adams over $300 k in back taxes how come he gets special treatment but residents get taken to the wood shed if they are a day late with taxes if he owes city this much he should have to pay up completely before he ever gets co or any permits period.
from: dan68	on: 12-14-2011 09:56AM I Agree (7) - I Disagree (0)

The Planning Board and Meranti should give Mohawk a couple of weeks? They've given Mohawk repeated warnings over the past three years, and even approved a higher number of cars at their request, when he was warned - again - not to go over it again. Do you think the building inspector should be hand-holding people who blatantly disregard their conditions after agreeing to them? They've had plenty of time to do the right thing, and if $100 a day hurts them, then they'll clean up their act pretty quickly, don't you think? So what if Planning Board members post comments? Unlike the armchair pundits, they are AT the meetings and know what was done and what the background is. I would also ask Tammy, our respected editor, to confirm for the "business owner" who claims he "gave up" on trying to get a permit because it took too long, how many businesses have not been given permits in one night? Is it a lot? Is it the majority, or just the opposite? I think you'll be surprised.
from: Nope	on: 12-14-2011 03:00PM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (9)
Editor: During my nearly five years covering the board, I can only think of a few that were denied. I also take such anonymous postings with a grain of salt. Maybe this person was given a hard time, but how are we to know?
I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

I drove past Mohawk Auto today and it does not look that bad... It looks just like to car dealer down the road around the corner.. As far as the saw mill thing, it looks like they cut a few trees down behind their building... And to nope... if they have a ton of extra cars? That would mean they have one extra car...
from: open your eyes	on: 12-14-2011 08:26PM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (0)

So all of you who think Mohawk looks like junk, i'd like to know if you all would have a plan for all those cars if it were your place, they can't just throw them in a trash can, it takes time and maybe they were getting rid of one car every once in a while. You people who are against this shouldn't worry about it unless you are buying a car or getting your car repaired. I get my car repaired there because it's cheaper and the employees are nice. So everyone against this should put some effort into thinking about why you are against it.
from: Jacob	on: 12-14-2011 08:32PM I Agree (33) - I Disagree (0)

So, it's okay folks, Jacob gets his car fixed at Mohawk, so no more problems. They're 25 cars over their limit, and it's a limit they agreed to, but we've waived it all because Jacob gets his car repaired there, so don't worry anymore. Please, Jacob, tell us all of the other businesses you go to, so we can excuse them too if they ever violate their conditions. I bet Jacob rents from Ransford, so all of his dilapidated properties should be given the all-clear, and he can forget paying that $300,000 in back taxes he owes the city, because Jacob says it's okay. Best argument I've heard yet.
from: Nope	on: 12-15-2011 09:37AM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (31)

OH, it's on. You know just because you don't agree with something doesnt mean that everyone doesnt have to. It's their property and they should have the right to do what they want. Say you had a lawn ornament and the town didn't want it there,you wouldn't be happy if they told you to take it down, and you probably would be whining about it on here like everything else, but the point is if it were yours you wouldnt be very happy. HAVE A NICE DAY.
from: Jacob	on: 12-15-2011 10:07PM I Agree (18) - I Disagree (1)

And your whining about Mohawk, drive down the street to Rick's. that looks alot worse, you can't even tell they sell cars. If you have a problem with Mohawk, take the back road. ;P
from: Jacob	on: 12-15-2011 11:01PM I Agree (11) - I Disagree (1)

@ nope @friend of na Your comments are what I expect from the 1%. No matter what taxpayers should not have to pay for parking spaces for his stores. If you think they should than you are also part of the 1%.
from: nope & friend of NA	on: 12-16-2011 09:05AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

This is one for the record books. "most of the members don't drink" and "we don't want to be associated with taverns?" Check out the members' Facebook pages and look at the photos of their "fundraisers." Most of them have beers in their hands, and they are all centered on bars and taverns outside North Adams for the most part. That way, you don't see them in the city, and they can come up with BS lines like that.
from: NotFoolingMe	on: 12-17-2011 07:43AM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (2)
Editor: They were discussing their meetings, not their fundraisers.
I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Well you see, it's not illegal to drink.
from: Jacob	on: 12-17-2011 04:19PM I Agree (6) - I Disagree (0)

No, it is not, but why do they feel the need to lie to the Planning Board?
from: NotFoolingMe	on: 12-18-2011 08:21AM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (3)

Jacob, I was merely trying to point out that just because you do business with someone doesn't somehow magically make everything they do okay. And gee, drove by there the other night, and what do you know... I guess that one little fine prompted a pretty big change - as they now have cars neatly parked and are back within their limits. Yes, it is THEIR property, but that doesn't mean they can do whatever they want with it. Read the zoning ordinances, and you'll see that claim is not true. Businesses have to abide by their conditions, and this one has been warned for years. The board was generous in repeatedly giving them the chance to come into compliance, and when it became evident they had no intention of doing so, only then did they order fines. That's how the system works, which, again, is in the ordinances.
from: Nope	on: 12-19-2011 09:17AM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (3)

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