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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North Adams Housing Authority Hires MassNAHRO to Lead Executive Director Search

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
02:22PM / Saturday, October 31, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority (NAHA) board of commissioners voted to utilize MassNAHRO's Executive Director Search Services for its own director search.

Before the unanimous vote Thursday to retain MassNAHRO (Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials) services, Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah noted that NAHA is already an affiliate of the organization.

"They have been doing executive director recruitment searches for public housing authorities that they represent," she said. "They follow all of the Massachusetts laws, they advertise, they screen, they involve the tenants in their process. I think it is in our best interest to secure their services."

Longtime director Jennifer Hohn resigned earlier in October, following rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The commissioners promoted Director of Operations Lisa Labonte to interim director.

The service will cost $5,500, and MassNAHRO will work directly with the commission to set up a screening committee.

Lillian Zavatsky, city councilor and liaison to NAHA, spoke during the open forum and encouraged the board to avoid a permanent internal promotion. This was in reference to a letter she sent to the commissioners several weeks ago.

"I think that it is really important that the search is open and transparent, and there is a direct role for tenant participation," she said. "Not just after a decision is made, but throughout the process ... I also said I do not support an internal candidate. I do not support the director of operations being promoted to the director. There are older issues here, and she has been part of it. I think a lot needs to change here."

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