North County Solar Projects Delayed But Not Dead

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Two major solar energy projects were announced two years ago for North County but still no construction has begun.

But the projects aren't dead. The town of Adams is eying construction on a massive array at the landfill to begin in March while North Adams has started the whole process over.

Tecta Solar, a division of Tecta America Corp., agreed in 2011 to construct a 1.1 megawatt solar array at the former Adams landfill. But for more than a year, the project was stalled as the company sought an interconnection agreement with National Grid.

According to Town Administrator Jonathan Butler, that holdup has been solved and just after the holidays, the company resubmitted its design to the state Department of Environmental Protection and is planning construction in March.

"They resubmitted to DEP to get their proposed layout reauthorized," Butler said on Tuesday. "It's actually a smaller footprint."

Technology has advanced so the company can now produce the same amount of power in less space, Butler said, so the reauthorization is needed. The new footprint has less of an impact on wetlands so Butler doesn't expect any hitches.

The town is estimating some $120,000 in cost savings in the next fiscal year because the array is expected to be online for most, if not all, of that year. The power generated is enough to power most of the town's buildings, such as Town Hall, the police station and the library, Butler said.

DiLego Jewelry to Close After Over 90 Years in Business

By Daniel MatziBerkshires correspondent
05:28AM / Tuesday, May 07, 2024

Sisters Pamela Costine, left, and Cynthia Lamore have been operating the store since their aunts retired in 1987. Both started working in the business as teens.  Lamore's decided it's time to retire. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — DiLego Jewelery Store, the family-owned business that has been a staple of North Adams for nearly a century, will be closing this summer. 

 

The closure was announced on the store's Facebook page late Sunday night, where it immediately drew comments of remembrance and well-wishing.

 

Cindy Lamore, whose great uncle Frank DiLego opened the store on Main Street in the late 1930s, said the shop will cease operations following her retirement, slated for June 30. A 20 percent off Mother's Day sale will begin immediately, with increasing discounts leading up to the closing date.

 

It took Lamore "a couple of years" to reach the decision to close. Witnessing the passing of lifelong friends or their struggles with debilitating illness prompted her to reconsider her priorities, especially considering the extensive time devoted to running a small business. 

 

"You really question what you're waiting for," she reflected.

 

While recognizing that changing consumer habits have led to a decrease in jewelry and watch sales in recent years, Lamore stressed that her decision to close was a personal one. She and her business partner and sister, Pamela Costine, wanted "to do it on our terms," she said.

 

Comments on Facebook praised the store's customer service, and friends, family, and customers alike reminisced about buying jewelry for special occasions, stopping in for watch repairs, and the perennial rite of childhood for many: getting ears pierced.