NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Super Walmart on Curran Highway has been approved for canopy for its grocery pickup service.
The Planning Board in a brief meeting on Monday gave the OK to the 18-foot by 73-foot canopy for Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust and approved several other businesses.
The shade cloth canopy will be located in existing parking spots in front of the southern entrance of the building and a sign indicating pickup will be installed on the front facade below the Walmart sign.
A representative of Bohler Engineering said the structure will support the online grocery ordering.
"They're proposing an online grocery pickup, which is an added feature that allows customers to place orders online and come to the store," he said. "Then associates will bring the goods out to the car so customers will not need to leave their vehicle."
The canopy will provide some protection from the elements for delivery and have six spaces under it. The store currently has 701 parking spots and to make up for the loss of four spots for the canopy, the store will paint in four more parking spots in an existing paved area.
According to the narrative supplied with the application, the pickup service will be limited to groceries and paper goods and customers will be able to alert the store they are waiting through a smartphone app. The proposed hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Board also approved two applications for 537 Ashland St., both for existing businesses. Steven Milazzo is relocating his 24-year-old business 8 Ball Auto Repair and Richard Duteau his 37-year-old Duteau Collision Repair because the current building they are in at 525 Ashland was sold.
Planners also gave the OK for a metal frabrication and graphic arts studio at 350 State Road for applicant Criterion Berkshire 1 LLC, with the condition signage be approved before installation; and for Rootz Hair Studio and Rootz Nail Studio at the Norad Mill for Amy Eichammer and Donna Whitcomb, with hours of 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Tuesday through Saturday.
In other business, the board approved a new signage package for Stanley Engineered Fastening, the former Tog Manufacturing, at 1454 South State St. Also approved was a request to change Empire Cutz 2 to Christopher Cuts Barbershop; Aaron Christopher purchased the business located at 102 River St. in May.
The board also unanimously recommended the zoning amendments reviewed at last week's joint public hearing to the City Council.
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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office
By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.
The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.
"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."
Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.
Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.
The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.
Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.
Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.
The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.
The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.
"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."
Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.
"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."
He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.
"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."
The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office. click for more
That was the list of grievances that current and former tenants of the North Adams Housing Authority's high rise laid before the City Council on Tuesday.
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