State Development Program OKs Incentives for State Road Projects

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Two in-development projects on State Road have been approved for development incentives through the city and state.

The Beyond Place LLC and Greylock Works LLC entered into tax incremental financing agreements with the city; the state's Economic Assistance Coordinating Council on Wednesday approved both agreements and 16 other projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program.

All 18 projects are expected to create 855 new jobs and retain 2,958 jobs throughout Massachusetts, while leveraging approximately $199 million in private investment.

"Massachusetts boasts a robust, pro-growth business environment, and our administration is committed to maintaining and improving the commonwealth's business ecosystem," said Gov. Charlie Baker. "Through targeted business development tools like the Economic Development Incentive Program, we will continue to support sustainable, long-term growth."

The Beyond Place is the development group restoring and rebuilding the 50-year-old Redwood Motel across from Stop & Shop. The 18-room motor court is being expanded to 47 or 48 rooms with a focus on the environmental and recreational attributes of the area. It is expected to create 14 new full-time jobs and generate more than $5.3 million in private investment. Future plans include a 40-acre nature activity park and restoration of the historic Blackinton Mill on the other side of Hoosic River.

The City Council approved a tax increment financing agreement valued at $60,000 over five years. The EACC Board approved $70,000 in tax credits.

Cost, Access to NBCTC High Among Concerns North Berkshire Residents

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
06:15PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Adams Select Chair Christine Hoyt, NBCTC Executive Director David Fabiano and William Solomon, the attorney representing the four communities, talk after the session. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Public access channels should be supported and made more available to the public — and not be subject to a charge.

 

More than three dozen community members in-person and online attended the public hearing  Wednesday on public access and service from Spectrum/Charter Communications. The session at City Hall was held for residents in Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg and North Adams to express their concerns to Spectrum ahead of another 10-year contract that starts in October.

 

Listening via Zoom but not speaking was Jennifer Young, director state government affairs at Charter.

 

One speaker after another conveyed how critical local access television is to the community and emphasized the need for affordable and reliable services, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly. 

 

"I don't know if everybody else feels the same way but they have a monopoly," said Clarksburg resident David Emery. "They control everything we do because there's nobody else to go to. You're stuck with with them."

 

Public access television, like the 30-year-old Northern Berkshire Community Television, is funded by cable television companies through franchise fees, member fees, grants and contributions.

 

Spectrum is the only cable provider in the region and while residents can shift to satellite providers or streaming, Northern Berkshire Community Television is not available on those alternatives and they may not be easy for some to navigate. For instance, the Spectrum app is available on smart televisions but it doesn't include PEG, the public, educational and governmental channels provided by NBCTC.