Mayor Bernard Kicks Off Monthly Community Conversations

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mayor Thomas Bernard will hold monthly community meetings beginning Saturday, Feb. 2, at locations throughout the city. 
 
The mayor's Coffee & Conversation series kicks off this Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Empire Café, located at 57 Main St.
 
"One of the biggest rewards of serving as mayor of North Adams is having the opportunity to meet and hear from so many people in our community," Bernard said in announcing the series. "I appreciate my many conversations with residents at downtown events, in our schools, at local businesses, and in City Hall.
 
"You've told me about your business ideas. You've shared your concerns about taxes and affordability; potholes and water main breaks; transportation and cable; domestic violence; and the opioid epidemic, among other topics. You've passed along compliments about the work of our dedicated public employees, and challenged them — and me — to do better in areas where we can be more responsive."
 
Coffee & Conversation events are open to the public. There is no set agenda, just a chance for informal conversation with the mayor and other residents. The series is scheduled through May on the first Saturday of the month according to the following schedule, and at the following locations:
  • Saturday, Feb. 2, 9 to 10 a.m., Empire Cafe, 57 Main St.
  • Saturday, March 2, 9 to 10 a.m., BrewHaHa, 437 West Main St.
  • Saturday, April 6, 9 to 10 a.m., UNO Community Center, 157 River St.
  • Saturday, May 4, 9 to 10 a.m., Greylock Valley Apartments Community Room
For more information, contact Michelle Ells, administrative assistant, at mells@northadams-ma.gov or 413-662-3000.

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North Adams Council Gives Initial OK to Zoning Change

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City Council wrapped up business in about 30 minutes on Tuesday, moving several ordinance changes forward. 
 
A zoning change that would add a residential property to the commercial zone on State Road was adopted to a second reading but met with some pushback. The Planning Board recommended the change.
 
The vote was 5-2, with two other councilors abstaining, indicating there may be difficulty reaching a supermajority vote of six for final passage.
 
Centerville Sticks LLC (Tourists resort) had requested the extension of the Business 2 zone to cover 935 State Road. Centerville had purchased the large single-family home adjacent the resort in 2022. 
 
Ben Svenson, principal of Centerville, had told a joint meeting of the Planning Board and City Council earlier this month that it was a matter of space and safety. 
 
The resort had been growing and an office building across Route 2 was filled up. 
 
"We've had this wonderful opportunity to grow our development company. That's meant we have more office jobs and we filled that building up," he said. "This is really about safety. Getting people across Route 2 is somewhat perilous."
 
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