NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The city begins work Monday night on its first master plan in 40 years.
The public is encouraged to attend and participate in the session on July 11 from 7 to 9 at All Souls Church (St. John's Episcopal). The session is being facilitated by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission.
The work so far is being done through two grants from the BRPC. The first was used for the BRPC to map out a long-range planning strategy; the second will move the public input, or "visioning" sessions, along. The city will seek a federal grant to begin implementation.
"We're looking for just thoughts and ideas," said Mayor Richard Alcombright. "It will really highlight on the six or seven things, the economy, sustainability, and all the other things we've been talking about."
The plan is being developed in conjunction with Sustainable Berkshires, a new long-range regional plan that will take a more comprehensive look at the county by including health, environmental, education, economics and other concerns.
The first visioning session for Sustainable Berkshires was held Wednesday at All Souls Church; companion sessions are set for Tuesday and Wednesday in South and Central Berkshires.
"I hope people are going to come with ideas and just open this up and see where we're going to go from here," said the mayor.
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How about doing what you said you would do two years ago Mr. Mayor. You promised jobs and that you would help the people in need. Your pal Greg Roach wants to bring back the middle class yet you seem to want to wipe it out. They can raise money for benches while right across the street the Mohawk remains ignored by you and your visionaries! Everything which has happened in the last two years in projects came from the prior administration. You have given us a sewer fee, benches, two pocket parks, high taxes, heartburn and a lot of hot air. So all you people with wonderful ideas run down and tell us how great everything is while the rest of us stay home and wonder how we can afford new cloths for our kids when school opens.
Good to see Mr. Roach out there helping make North Adams middle class. Someone should let him know we use to be that way until his guy Dick started digging into our pockets.
Editor: The Mohawk is not being ignored. There has been a debate on how best to use it regarding seating. The number of seats will directly affect the type of usage and that is not being taken lightly. I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)
Maybe if the former administration fixed all of the inflow problems with our sewer system instead of blaming everyone else for our problems we wouldn't have a sewer fee now. Don't you have any cronies you can help get a "job" to work on?
Don't know about inflow problems but I do know my costs in this city are going through the roof and this Mayor has done nothing. Name one job he has created and you can't count yours.
Editor: Well, then let's keel haul him! On a lighter note, I asked him tonight (you can call him and ask him yourself, although complaining here is a LOT easier) about the Mohawk. He said the architect is working on some plans but there was nothing to report at this time.
Come on people this is your chance to have a say...oh wait it's easier to sit back point fingers and criticize. Why don't you march your butt down with some REAL ideas that can make this town better for our children and grandchildren...sorry Bob but a Ball team is not going to cut it...and "middle class" you seem to have a lot to say...but I didn't read anything constructive, that will help North Adams middle class...
I went to the meeting and it had excellent representation from all segments of the community, long timers and newcomers. There was lots of input from everyone, and while the Mayor was there, it was the community that was talking and planning together, not just bitching.
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:: Preliminary Election: Deadline to register is Wednesday, Sept. 7. (Office open from 8 to 8.)
:: General Election: Deadline to register is Tuesday, Oct. 18
Registration can be completed at the city clerk's office at City Hall.
Absentee ballots are now available at the city clerk's office for the Sept. 27 preliminary city election. Voters may come in between the hours of 8 and 4:30 weekdays. Written reguests for mailed ballots can be sent to City Clerk's Office, 10 Main St., North Adams, MA 01247. Deadline for absentee ballots is Monday, Sept. 26, at noon.
The preliminary election will be held Tuesday, Sept. 27, to narrow the field of three mayoral candidates to two. The general election to select nine city councilors and a mayor will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8.