Letter: Sweeney for North Adams City Council

To the Editor:

I feel a sense of obligation and duty to bring a unique voice to the City Council chambers. I represent a younger demographic, which my work throughout North Adams and the surrounding towns has led me to connect and work with closely. I aim to connect those voices to our local government, as well as serve, and advocate for all residents who share my passion for North Adams.

Upon relocating here to attend MCLA in 2007, I immediately felt a calling to dive deeply into the community and embrace the incredible sense of growth that has been emerging here. I've been proud to contribute to this growth in the 12 years I've lived here. My path started with the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (NBCC) where I organized UNITY Youth Programs and the Northern Berkshire Neighbors program. This work inspired me to found Roots Teen Center, where I served as executive director for close to three years. Recently my focus has been on furthering the growth of Common Folk Artist Collective, a project I've been working on since 2011. The collective provides a platform for local and emerging artists to grow and thrive in their creative work. I have also found myself a seat on the board of NBCC as my passion for the organization has not fizzled.

As a City Council member, I will focus my energy on supporting grassroots initiatives, community impact models, youth, and creative community development. I will also support downtown development and exploring opportunities for grassroots economic development.

Jessica Sweeney
North Adams, Mass.

North Adams Label Shopper Reopens in New Location

Staff Reports11:36AM / Friday, April 10, 2026

A grand opening banner indicates the store's opening. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — In a matter of days, Label Shopper in the L-shaped mall moved across the parking lot into new quarters and hung out a grand opening sign. 

 

"Oh my, it's gorgeous!" said a customer walking into the bright, airy and expanded discount clothing store.

 

Label Shopper, a subsidiary of Peter Harris Clothes of Latham, N.Y., has been in downtown North Adams since 2009. It closed on Monday to move into the former Gordman's space in the former Kmart plaza. 

 

Gordmans briefly replaced Peebles until the parent company of the two brands declared bankruptcy and closed its stores in 2020. The space has been vacant until now.

 

Label Shopper's grand opening was on Thursday morning and district manager Angie Ciccone said the store had been busy, and "we're expecting the weekend to be busy."

 

The store carries name and designer brand clothing for women, children and men, women's shoes, accessories and some home decor. Ciccone noted the space was double the size of the former location. 

 

"We are are thrilled to be a part of the North Adams community. We will continue to offer the most popular designer brands at the best possible price," said Kathy Boedecker, director of operations, via email. "We had the opportunity to take over the old Gordman's space in Parkade Plaza and we seized it.