Letter: North Adams Airport a Disappointment

Letter to the Editor07:00PM / Tuesday, July 05, 2022Print Story | Email Story

To the Editor:

I submit my letter today as a commercial pilot and avid tourist of the Greater Berkshire region. In relative terms, and to be blunt, the current state of North Adams airport is in shambles. As a commercial pilot who often brings customers to the North Adams region by way of Harriman & West North Adam Airport, I am often left dumbfounded by the gross mismanagement of even the most basic of services my clients and fellow commercial pilots expect of an airport.

The airport is unattended, notice to air missions are not issued in a timely or safe manner, and other basic services typically provided by a fixed based operator (FBO) are completely absent: food, restrooms, and transportation. The lack of these services is disappointing considering the beautiful city of North Adams as an entry point to an area of our country that rivals all others, particularly in the autumn season. I've landed with clients at this airport and have had issues with arranging transportation, using a bathroom, finding food, or even just getting in and out of the gate to my own aircraft, is a major deterrent to my clients, fellow pilots, and other potential customers.

I don't presume to know or want take part within the financial and political specifics of the city of North Adams, but what I do know is that by bringing these basic services to North Adams airport, not only will the revenue create a thriving and self-sustained airport, but the town of North Adams will relish in the increased business and tourist traffic, as well.

It has become public knowledge that a large grant has been voted to be used for renovation of a hangar that, allegedly, had been destroyed illegally and by private persons. As a frequent client of the North Adams Airport, I urge the leaders of the community to reconsider the utilization of these funds by bringing in industry experienced professionals that can put into place smart, sustainable programs and policies that will truly benefit the airport and city of North Adams in the long term.

Sincerely,

Sean Falzarano
Southbury, Conn.

Tags: harriman west,

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Clarksburg Looking to Reduce Costs of North Berkshire School Union

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:43PM / Tuesday, January 06, 2026

CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The Select Board on Monday discussed its planned presentation to Thursday's North Berkshire School Union "super committee."

The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at Clarksburg School.

Officials have been mulling a more equitable split on the costs of the school union since last winter. The town currently pays about 54 percent of the administrative costs of the shared superintendency based on enrollment.

"After reviewing a few things, we're noticing the superintendent oversees four principals, the other school committee meetings, state reporting, oversees school buildings," said Chair Daniel Haskins.

"It just felt us at the biggest percent of 54 percent and then the next, which would be Florida, 18 percent, it just doesn't quite seem like it's a good breakdown or a fair breakdown for us."

The percentage changes each year but for Clarksburg it's been trending up since being in the mid-40s nearly a decade ago, while the other towns are trending down.

School Committee members have also noted that while the town pays about half the cost of the superintendency, it doesn't have an equivalent vote. At the last meeting, Clarksburg had one vote out of around 10.

The Select Board would like the other towns to pick up costs for the similar responsibilities (some positions are already split equally). The board is proposing that all four communities with schools — Clarksburg, Florida, Rowe and Savoy — automatically cover 10 percent and Monroe, which sends its students to Rowe, 5 percent.

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