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North Adams Setting Out Future Goals

Tammy Daniels 11:18PM / Monday July 11, 2011

A range of city residents — from natives to newcomers — participated in Monday's master planning process at All Saints Episcopal Church.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Some 40 residents came together on Monday night to brainstorm priorities and set goals to transform the former mill city into a modern, forward-thinking community.

Among the priorities identified were capitalizing on the city's history and natural resources; sustaining and encouraging the local arts community; updating the city's 50-year-old zoning; reviving the Hoosic River; supporing local agriculture and community gardens; making the city more accessible and pedestrian friendly; improving signage; promoting healthy lifestyles and preserving the hospital; changing its mill-town attitude; pursuing green ideas and technology; and holding landlords and property owners accountable for blight.

Participants discussed the city's needs then broke into groups to determine priorities in categories ranging from health to natural resources to energy.

It's the first time in decades that North Adams has developed a long-range blueprint; it will be used to guide the city over the next 20 to 30 years. And this time, it's taking into consideration a far wider variety of resources and more progressive goals.

"I think people know this planning process was a passion of mine as I came into office and even beforehand," said Mayor Richard Alcombright, who participated in the visioning session along with City Councilors Keith Bona, David Lamarre and Lisa Blackmer, among others. "It's been 40-plus years since the city had a formal document that kind cast it's future out there. ...

"I think this is really important and I'm really glad we have such a great representation here tonight."

The master planning process is being done in conjunction with Sustainable Berkshires, an updated countywide plan being led by the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. Over the next three years, the city and Great Barrington will follow closely the county plan's timeline and "piggyback" on its workshops.

"There is a better turnout here than for the entire region workshop, which is great," said BRPC senior planner Amy Kacala, who facilitated the meeting. "It speaks well for the city and how much interest there is behind this effort."

She said there is some truth to the saying that plans just gather dust but they can be effective if used.

"If everyone is aware what's in it and wants to see the things implemented that are in the plan, there's more support and momentum behind it to make sure things happen," said Kacala.

The planning started last year with the appointment of a steering committee representing a broad range of interests and built on a once-dormant Community Development Advisory Group. While the plan will be three years in the making, implementation of certain elements could begin as early as next year.

Several questioned the absence of education in the visioning process. Kacala said improvements in standardized scores and other benchmarks had lowered education as a priority but a number of participants said that education connected many of the goals and should be included.

While the groups mostly outlined broad goals, there were several specifics mentioned. For instance, Phil Sellers, a local potter and community activist, said his group thought the development of an artists' district and incentives for artists to buy homes here would spur growth.

Mayor Richard Alcombright, a believer in the planning process, sat in on the visioning session.

Michael Bedford, who attended last week's county session, said residents should think twice before sending money out of the city through big-box stores and national chains. "We need to feed our local enterprises with local money," he said.

Alcombright said a few things on the priority list are getting close: the city's just a couple steps away from being designated a state Green Community and a couple years away from having the most solar power per capita in the state. "We're working on those contracts right now," said the mayor.

But the city won't reach its goals overnight. "I think we got a strong start ... we need to know that the public sector moves very, very slowly," he said.

Residents will have more chances to comment as the process continues; information will be added to the city's website.

Steering Committee: Lisa Bassi, Jonathan Secor, John Greenbush, Donald Pecor, Steve Green, Joanne DeRose, Brian Miksic, Michael Nuvallie, Paul Hopkins, Alan Marden, Glenn Maloney, Michael Boland, Judith Grinnell, David Willette and Mayor Richard Alcombright.

North Adams Planning Priorities 2011

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Nice job. Wish I was there.
from: From Here	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (3) - I Disagree (1)

You have to be kidding. Peace, love, dope! Promoting healthy lifesytles.....oh gee I see this going nowhere in a big hurry. Can we please get normal average north adams resident involved and not the alternative artists PLEASE! The majority here do not agree with their ideas and values. Dick, are you listenting.
from: What	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (7) - I Disagree (17)
Editor: Are you an average resident? Why weren't you there? If you want people to listen, you have to get involved. I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

Notice the only people there were lackeys of the mayor? PEACE, LOVE, DOPE
from: Wow	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (4) - I Disagree (14)

What...the 'majority' as you refer to them had the same opportunity to attend the meeting as evryone else. If they don't attend, they run the risk of not being heard. The mayor can't 'listen' as you refer to it, if people don't speak.
from: when	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (15) - I Disagree (2)

How about a minor league ball club. Single A. Think of the revenue that could produce, especially when major leaguers come down for rehab assignments......seriously. Discuss?
from: What	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (0) - I Disagree (7)

The "people" did speak 1800-1200 on a recent ballot question. Did you hear THAT Dick? However, anyone that would attend and had practical ideas contrary to the artistas "vision thing" would be jeered as knuckle dragging neanderthals that don't want to move the City forward into an unknown future for which one cannot rationally plan.
from: chbpod	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (8) - I Disagree (8)

they also spoke on the more general issue of a vision to lead the city in the 2009 election 3,046-2166.
from: what	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (8) - I Disagree (3)

if you think that single a baseball would sell in the city, look down the road at pittsfield... granted it's not single a, but a larger city can't generate enough attendance to keep a professional team there. that being said, if you wish to purchase a team, and move it to north adams, i'll be at every game.
from: who	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

Not all the people there were Alcombright supporters in the last election. That doesn't mean they won't participate in the city's future instead of sitting on their rump complaining about how bad everything is. What does the special election have to do with anything? People voted against having higher taxes. There was nothing on that ballot about having a vision. If you want to count votes than look at the mayoral election where Alcombright won by nearly a 1000 votes. This is what they voted for. Or we could go back to the old days when one person decided everything for us behind closed doors. This was a public meeting that anyone could have particated.
from: HVD50	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (8) - I Disagree (2)

when You must be on the city payroll. Anyone else knows that the mayor does not even listen to the city council. He has made fools out of them time and time again. He is at his best when he is surrounded by paid people and outhers looking for something. The last vote showed that the majority of voters are tired of listening to empty promises.
from: Wayne	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (2) - I Disagree (7)
Editor: Actually, the majority of voters didn't even bother to go to the voting both. IMHO, a small number cared very much both ways; the rest didn't care at all. I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Thanks who....and thanks for expecting someone to buy a team and move it here....typical artsy fartsy respnose. People might actually go to that! CHBPOD nailed it right on the head. I am from Clarksburg originally though..south of Neanderthal.
from: What	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

I was against Prop 2 1/2 but that has nothing to do with this vision group. I think it generally is a good idea. The only thing I disagree with is that I think older buildings shouldnt be kept standing just because their old. They should still be maintained. If they cannot be kept safe and up to code, they should be ripped down. The town has some pretty old delapatated buildings that really need to be hazed. Also, part of the mission should not just be affordable housing. I think we should have some areas of pay by what you make but PLEASE do not continue to turn this into a section 8 town. I dont have anything personally against the people that need the help, I just see way too much free housing in town that isnt being taken care of by the owners or tenants. Just a thought!
from: Buildings	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (9) - I Disagree (1)
Editor: Good points. Instead of making fun of the people who showed up to give their opinions, why not use the comments section to post what each of you think the city should do. All the priorities are in the document posted below. You can print it out or share it. I Agree (1) - I Disagree (0)

Editor No matter how you spin it , the Majority of actual voters , shot down his VISION of higher taxes. So much for the man and his visions. You say he is a man with a vision ?? He has been in office 18 months what has he done ?? He seems to be taking credit for everything that was done by the last mayor, a man thet had a vision and did something about it.
from: Wayne	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (7) - I Disagree (9)

Require registration and I will post my ideas. Unfortunately these threads have become a nexus for the mentally unstable to say all the things they don't have cojones to say in public. Rational discussion and pointed debate get shut down by charges of Dope Smoking Artistas, "We won. Shut up.", etc.... I've tried to be constructive before only to be attacked. Screw that.
from: Econ	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (7) - I Disagree (0)
Editor: Totally agree. How about this: This thread is dedicated starting now ONLY TO COMMENTS ON VISIONING. Snide remarks, references to elections and/or mayors, are verboten. My finger is heavy on the delete button so WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE. The editor has spoken. I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

North Adams has so much to offer! Planning is the first step. North Adams has a waterfront, mountains, and plenty of local talent. The turn around requires courage and faith.
from: right	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (9) - I Disagree (1)

Again....how about we try to recruit a minor league baseball team. Tax revenue would be increased from meal taxes (pedrins would make a killing), hotel taxes, and once people were here they could see MoCA
from: What	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (1) - I Disagree (2)

Editor, you are right on in your response. I hear this so frequently from people (I have lived here since the early '80s so while not a native, I'm certainly not a newcomer). The "average, normal north adams resident" too often is sitting at home watching TV, instead of getting involved. And then they complain when they weren't consulted.
from: where	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (10) - I Disagree (2)

The best place to start a Master Plan is to read the last one and then examine the "future" that wasn't addressed. Did it anticipate Sprague moving out Did it anticipate MoCA moving in? Did it anticipate the Dot.Com boom (remember the Silicon Village)? Did it anticipate the Dot.Com bust? Did it anticipate the influx of artists that now want the City to subsidize home ownership for artists? That Master Plan did nothing but gather dust. Insanity is doing the same failed thing over again and expecting different results. The process is a feel good event for the elite and special interests and will bear no fruit except a few rotten apples
from: chbpod	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (2) - I Disagree (2)
Editor: Well, I guess the question is did it gather dust because it was ignored or because it was written too narrowly to adapt to changing circumstances? You would have a better take on that. I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

While I like the overall idea of having a class A MLB minor league team in North Adams, the requirements for that go far beyond just "recruiting a team." As Pittsfield learned, quite painfully after many decades of having Single A ball at Wahconah Park, you now need a stadium complex that meets very specific minor league guidelines. Wahconah Park, which is far larger than Joe Wolfe Field, didn't even come close, which is why the Pittsfield Astros are now the Tri-City ValleyCats and are in Troy. North Adams would need to first build a stadium, which there is no funding for (MLB doesn't pay for this, YOU do), and even then, after spending millions on it, there is no guarantee they would locate a team here. Pittsfield was given the chance to build a stadium, which the taxpayers were going to foot the bill for, and they refused, and the Astros left. The ValleyCats also now have the right to deny the location of a new minor league team in their geographic area, which includes the Berkshires. Hate to be a pessimist, but let's be real, this is not going to happen in North Adams.
from: How	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (6) - I Disagree (0)
Editor: IMHO, I think minor league is out of our league. However, is there a better way to capitalize on and support the team we have now? Rivalries build fans (see, Yankees/Red Sox, Drury/Hoosac); it would be nice to have something like that between two cities. I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

The first thing that I'd like to see done is a change in the property tax structure that treats non-owner-occupied buildings as the businesses that they are and taxes them as businesses. Rental properties in this town are generally poorly managed and result in a disproportionate burden on city services, all while operating as revenue generator (often for proprietors who live elsewhere). Why should a retail business downtown pay one rate and a landlord business in a neighborhood pay less? Other towns have taken this approach and it is time that we looked at the option.
from: owner occupied	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (10) - I Disagree (0)

On your point, Editor, we did have that rivalry when Pittsfield had an NECBL team at Wahconah Park. Unfortunately, Pittsfield had "gotten used to" having higher caliber ball and just didn't support their team, so it was a one-way rivalry, with our ballpark having good attendance and theirs not. Same is happening now to the Colonials. I used to go to both Pittsfield Mets and Astros games (and many years earlier the old Pittsfield Red Sox), and Wahconah Park was always pretty well attended for those. I'd love to see a new rivalry for the SteepleCats... maybe Bennington can get an NECBL team.
from: How	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

Hello World
from: surf n turf	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (5) - I Disagree (1)
Editor: Let's try to think positively by putting a different spin on this. The city has high poverty, local government is limited in its ability to affect economic change. So, how do we attract business or professionals? How do we aid middle-class home owners? I Agree (1) - I Disagree (0)

Basics: Improve the schools to the point where professionals will live in this town without sending their kids to privates -easier said than done. Keep the hospital open. We will need state help to do that, but if it closes, we are doubly screwed. Shrink the housing stock through planned action, rather than through neglect, if population does not increase. We don't need 50%+ cheap rentals. Change the traffic flows downtown so that tourists think that we are more than a Dollar Store and a Big Y. I like the pro-baseball idea, but I think we would have to have some economic growth first to be able to support it. More large festivals/concerts at MoCA. Why use that field only once a year? And lots of other little ideas that add up.
from: Econ	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (13) - I Disagree (1)

I wouldn't expect a minor leage to draw anymore of a crowd than the steeplecats. It's all good baseball. They should serve beer at the games.
from:	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (8) - I Disagree (2)

Beer at Joe Wolfe would definitely make the bleachers more interesting. I'd buy a couple per game that I attend. There is money to be made with that idea. Two years ago, Governor Patrick suggested a Berkshire Jazz Fest to rival the Montreaux Fest. Stages all over the County with musicians from all over the world. Create a couple of non-retail business incubators with rent and tax breaks that are too good to refuse. Go find a handful of young businesses that need to grow but don't have stability or capital to build their own places yet. Stop adding more low income housing. We have enough. I like the traffic idea above. Make Main St, Main St. again. Sell ourselves as a winter destination within an hour of several ski resorts, great snowmobiling, and cultural stuff. (The Porches already does this.) Keep improving MCLA's identity and association with the city. MCLA, MoCA and North Adams should be synonymous with any travel to the Berkshires, much the way Tanglewood is with a certain brand of tourist. Tighten and enforce blight rules. let's see......
from: Just me	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (10) - I Disagree (0)

Putting a different spin on this ignores the problem and we can't afford to wait to make the changes necessary to "hopefully" help the middle-class enough. What do expect to happen all of a sudden the middle-class with take root and magically the high poverty rate is going to diminish? Not going to happen, I agree with surf-n-turf- kind of sick of checking out at a local supermarket and watching those who don't have a pot to do you know what in spending their whole monthly EBT allowance on crab legs and lobster tails. This isn't rumor, I've seen it happen. We need much more stringent regulations on who gets what and what can be bought! I believe we need to follow in Florida's steps and make drug testing mandatory for those who get financial aid from the state! It just makes good business sense. just my .02
from: S-n-T	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (5) - I Disagree (0)
*Editor: But that is not something the city can do and just complaining about it won't change it. That's why you have to rephrase the debate to talk about what we can do.* I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

One bubble head suggested that local enterprises be supported to the exclusion of big box and national chain stores as the money stays in the community. Well just what are the local enterprises and what product do they sell that would appeal to the average North Adamsite?--He obviously doesn't realize that in these stores to be shunned the employees are mostly local people--now there's a really new and creative idea- let's put businesses out of business and increase unemployment. Chain stores to be avoided are: WalMart-Staples-Peebles-Olympia Sports- Sears- Lable Shopper-Sleepies-Radio Shack--Pip Printing--RentaCenter- Dollar Store-Big Y- Stop and Shop- Price Chopper-CVS-Rite Aid-Dunkin Donuts- MacDonalds- Burger King- Papa Ginos- Domino Pizza-Persnickety-Desperados-Aubuchon Hardware-Greenbergs---- and there are a couple of others or so ---some Pizza joint on Holden St.----GET 'EM OUT OF TOWN---get the pitch forks and torches --the artistas want to tell you where you can shop---maroon
from: chbpod	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (1) - I Disagree (5)
Editor: Pip Printing is already gone. Greenbergs, Persnickety and Desperados are local. I think there's a difference between locally owned franchises and Walmart. Maybe somebody else has more information on how franchises operate. I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Ok so Pip is gone- what do i know-- but Greenbergs corporate headquarters is in Bennington and I think Desperados began in Williams town-- hardly a chain-- but at least a link-- Persnicketny--is local- but I heard it has expanded to Pittsfield----certainly would want someone in Pittsfield alleging that it is not "local" so don't patronize it-----all the others are chains -with corporate headquarters elsewhere- that has to get some of the profits--or at least a healthy franchise fee----more than that though are the employees---local money goes to pay them---no business- no jobs---other point- just what is there in the downtown for local spending? Not much --seems that most of Main St. is office space not retail--actually a business "inventory" should be done to establish a "benchmark"--go Veronica
from: chbpod	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (2) - I Disagree (1)
Editor: A business inventory is an excellent idea. But maybe my definition of local is broader than others. I do live in Vermont so even Jack's wouldn't be local for me by your definition! lol I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Its well documented that shopping locally puts more money back into the community than shopping at a big chain. It isn't like anyone is being forced to shop locally but I like knowing that the farmer at the farmers market might spend those dollars I gave her in town. A vibrant downtown is a lot more attractive to that young family who might consider moving here than a big box store down on Curren Hwy. Every highway exit in every suburb has those same big box stores but only we have have our local shops. We can make downtown exciting by shopping/dining down there when the opportunity presents itself (those of us who, ahem, actually live here). And when it comes to the dreaded "artistas" Clark always beings up - they are the ones I see volunteering, participating, working hard to make the town a brighter, more exciting place to be. I'm not one of those creative types but I respect them for putting their elbow grease into it. Drawing a hard line between the art folks(many of whose names I've seen pop up in the paper for at least six or seven years - or longer!) and everyone else is pretty silly at this point.
from: localsgood	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (7) - I Disagree (0)

A vibrant downtown?? Say what? You may have it when special events are held--but how many attending actually SHOP during or after such events--how many stores stay open?---Eagle St. closes down for the beach party----vibrant?----never happen---oh sure benches so people can sit and people watch---that is watch the other people on the other bench---how many people will say let's go downtown and sit on a Main St. bench or in one of those ridiculous pocket parks-----and spend money when they are there???-- -shop locally?? for WHAT? "Every highway exit in every suburb has those same big box stores but only we have our local shops" North Adams is the only community with local shops??? Come on North Adams has virtually no local shops. How naive can you get?
from: chbpod	on: 07-12-2011
I Agree (3) - I Disagree (3)
Editor: C'mon professor, we know you can critique. You've got years of experience on the public side and a whole lot of history to call on. You must have some ideas - and you know how to play devil's advocate. I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

What the former professor fails to understand is that this exercise in planning is about the future. He, like many in North Adams, can only reflect. They cannot see beyond their actual experience. I do not know if this is a product of age or this city, but sometimes I wonder.
from: Just me	on: 07-13-2011
I Agree (6) - I Disagree (1)

How about a Class "A" Pro hockey team in North Adams? Would anyone if a team came here go to games at a modest 10$ per ticket? There is a Class "A" pro hockey league, The Federal, that has made some overtures about placing a team here. It has a very succesful franchise in Danbury, CT (hmmm a current NECBL rivalry) There would need to be some improvements to the rink and some local folks to step up and put some sponsorship and advertising. There is a franchise in the Federal available(Rome NY Frenzy) and its owners are looking for a new home for the 2012-13 season. Given what I have seen from the League and other rinks in the Federal, it could work here, but again it would need Local folks to come support the team at about 750-1000 per home game, not far off what the Cats' currently draw. The upside also is that most games are weekend nights with perhaps a Wed or Thurs game mixed in. Nice thing and event to go to on a Friday or Saturday when there isnt a lot to do on a winter night. Thoughts?
from: A fan	on: 07-13-2011
I Agree (0) - I Disagree (1)

"Just me" has the right ideas. I definately think MCLA is a business generating idea as well. Why not expand the school? That would bring good paying jobs to town, would bring new money to town and revitalize that area even more. Why not give them Conte Middle school to start? Make that into housing or classrooms for the college. If you added say 500-1000 more students over the next couple of years, that would help the city and the school. ITS A WIN/WIN! If you want vision, think outside the box and build on one of our only good paying institutions in the area. Maybe start a program where financial aid to the students get a debit card and can spend some of their clothing/food expenses in local stores like many of the other colleges do around the country. I also like the idea of tightening the belts and limit the amount of free housing in town and reduce the section 8 give aways.
from: VISION!	on: 07-13-2011
I Agree (5) - I Disagree (1)

There is a difference between having a vision and actually seeing things. My personality has always been characterized by pessimism, skepticism, and cynicism. I tend to be a pragmatist and a realist--a dreamer I am not. My actual experience tells me that all the North Adams "vision things"- no matter the organizational incarnation-- have come pretty much to naught. Now, there is nothing wrong with an exercise in organized dreaming. The cumbaya affect for those participating can be exhilarating. For example before I even came to North Adams the "vision thing" was urban renewal. Downtown revitalization was the mantra. Money and energy and planning all went into that projected nirvana. Some have blamed the various malls and -especially- Wal-Mart for the deterioration of downtown. Wrong! It was the "vision thing" of the 1960's and 70's that brought on that deterioration. It was called urban renewal. It should have been called urban funeral. All that being said it was the unintended consequence of "visioning". So go ahead and "vision"-feel good about yourselves-then when the "vision" doesn't materialize and the finger pointing begins---don't look for me.
from:	on: 07-13-2011
I Agree (1) - I Disagree (3)
Editor: Urban renewal! aaah! No wonder you look at planning with a gimlet eye. I shudder at the thought of it. But ... I also have to wonder how many citizens were involved in that fiasco. The PTB was driving that train (over everybody). I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

I've got to ask when the last time the self-proclaimed "prince of death" has actually been downstreet? Granted, we will probably never have the downtown my grandparents describe with hordes of shoppers flooding the streets but its actually looking good down there, especially on the west end of the street. I recently couldn't find parking on Main or Marshall, which I thought was great. Then I had to wait for a seat at the Hub, another great sign (excess traffic = more capacity for growth). Restaurants seem to be doing well (which is crucial for tourists and "vibrancy") - you can count them up as you go from MoCA to downtown: Rub, Brewhaha, Sushi House, the Hub - not bad! And a bit of retail mixed into the same space with the Coop Gallery (which is permanent, retail oriented and looks great), Craft Store, Antique Store, Shima. All run by local entrepreneurs taking advantage of growing downtown foot traffic. Honestly - with people sitting outside of the Hub it looks like an active downtown on the west side if your point of comparison is not North Adams from 1955 with a manufacturing base but other similarly sized New England downtowns with tourist-driven economies like Great Barrington or Lenox. Lets capitalize on the positive growth and not sit on our duffs and gripe about the fact that its not ever going to be 1955 in North Adams again.
from: Joshua F	on: 07-13-2011
I Agree (4) - I Disagree (1)

hi editor - you can delete this comment after you read it since its really just a suggestion for the website. it might be beneficial (and pretty quick I'd imagine) to have your tech folks move the "agree/disagree" above the editor comments since its unclear if folks are agreeing with the post or the editor interjection. thanks!
from: agree	on: 07-13-2011
I Agree (4) - I Disagree (0)
Editor: That's on our very looong programming to-do list. So is registering to comment. I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

I don't disagree Tammy. What I thought that I was ulitmately getting at was the "visioning" to deal with the urban renewal disaster. Downtown revitalization visions continued well after the wrong side of Main Street was torn down--if it even had to be. Of course there were other unanticipated factors in the deterioration of downtown-- notably Sprague leaving the City. Certainly the City has been victimized by old blood and tired blood and the prevailing theory is that new blood will change things---new blood is fine as long as it doesn't generate bad blood. And I see that happening when artists want the city to subsidize their purchase of houses etc. Artists come to the City and want special treatment--free gallery space on Main St. for example. A designated artist district is another example. Artists at the public trough? A creative and novel idea (ignore the Renaissance). It was primarily artists in North Adams First. Wal-Mart did not fit in with their "vision". And they didn't understand the needs of people other than themselves---ergo-- bad blood. I have to wonder just how successful these artists are pleading poverty and needing public subsidies. I'm just waiting for an ear to be left on the steps of City Hall
from: chbpod	on: 07-13-2011
I Agree (0) - I Disagree (4)
Editor: I think you've really summed it up: "New blood is fine as long as it doesn't generate bad blood." We're going to have a master plan - that's a done deal - but it's imperative that one voice doesn't overpower others. There were a lot of people at the visioning session who were born or had been here for more than 20 years. But if the community over-all doesn't feel those people are reflecting their needs, they won't support the vision. I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

Free gallery space on Main Street? What? As far as I know - the only "free" gallery space on Main Street is the space donated to DownStreet Art by Scarafoni (who owns it). City pays nothing, Scarafoni gets his spaces made more attractive and it moves tourists from MoCA into town where they shop, dine and maybe even decide they really like it here. The artists are lucky if they break even on their investment in these temporary spaces but they do it because they love doing it. Sounds like a win, win, win to me rather than the "public trough". Also - this misconception about artists as freeloaders really needs to be addressed. Most of the artists living in North Adams work a primary job to pay the bills and make art because they love making art. They are web designers, film editors, accountants, waiters, teachers, freelance writers, etc. They put sweat equity into their art ventures with little return though some make a viable business out of it and "quit their day job". I know a lot of artists and I don't know single one on public assistance. Heck - most of them own their homes or condos, often buying run down places and putting in the hard work to fix them up, increasing our the tax base. The sixties are over man - artists are some of the most DIY entrepreneurial capitalists around.
from: No Freebies	on: 07-13-2011
I Agree (4) - I Disagree (0)

Thank you No Freebies- you have proved my case-MOST "artists" work other primary jobs to pay the bills and make art because it is labor of love. In other words a hobby. When an artist and former candidate for City Council makes as one of his campaign goals the City's subsidization of artists so that they can afford to pay their rents---my blood boils. Same --when one of the artist visionaries favors City incentives to encourage artists to move here and buy homes--my blood boils. So now the City should financially support peoples' hobbies. Great vision there. Let the average citizen and taxpayer prop up an elite who is contemptuous of the needs of the non-elite. That's the public trough. Friends-Taxpayers lend me your ear so that I can pull a Van Gogh. The City has bent over backwards to pamper hobbyists. Enough is enough. If you don't like it? Take your hobby somewhere else where the rents are low- home property values are low --and the overall cost of living is low and stop trying to pick the taxpayers' pocket-----or is that just another hobby?
from: chbpod	on: 07-13-2011
I Agree (0) - I Disagree (3)

At your age you might want to be careful about the whole boiling blood thing. While I actually don't think subsidized housing for artists is a great idea (I'd much rather see a small business incubator) I do understand the impetus for the initiative which has been used in other cities. The general idea is that you can essentially attract a demographic (self employed workers, usually in the creative economy, who are inclined to put lots of sweat equity into properties). That is why the art districts move around in cities - galleries and studios start out in rough neighborhoods and as they fix up the properties the new artists go looking for cheaper digs in worse neighborhoods. Here, the artists provide the additional benefit of being a built in tourist attraction (geared toward people who are already coming to see MoCA). Unfortunately, the demographic we've been attracting for some time is section 8 housing which is much more of a burden without much upside. Like I said, I think there are better ways to attract that demographic than subsidizing housing. I'd rather see the city work with a developer to build more "live-work" spaces since a number of residents who moved to the mills initially for live-work spaces have moved on to buy houses in neighborhoods around town.
from: No Freebies	on: 07-13-2011
I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

Clark, we get it. You don't like artists. You've made that very clear for a very long time. While I agree that subsidizing housing for artists isn't really a great idea I, like No Freebies certainly understand the argument for it. Also like No Freebies, i feel that if my tax dollars are going to go to helping people find homes here I'd rather give that money to people that have the potential to change the town for the positive instead of incrreasing the number of Section 8 housing. Agree with the arts idea or not, it's the path that will utlimatly save the community. Manufacturing isn't coming back to the region and the sooner everybody sees that the better. And you're old, tired argument about the "artists elitists" shows, as it always has, your ignorance of the majority of the arts community. Try meeting a few of the people that have moved here, beyond the handful that you met long ago and use to condemn the entire group. Broaden your mind, Professer.
from: Eric	on: 07-13-2011
I Agree (3) - I Disagree (0)

Eric?? Buddington?? is that you?? no matter-your response just proves my argument about artist elitism---my assessment my be old and tiresome to you- nevertheless - as you so demonstrate it's a true assessment---I have no idea whether this Sellers guy or Bedford are new or old to the community- I could care less--the fact is that they made those bonehead suggestions at the "vision" session. It smacks of elitism and special treatment. Citizens are told to think outside the box but artists have their own little box and can't think outside of it. Tsk Tsk. And no I wouldn't like the "new breed" of artist either- same o same o--I have read about them in action. That's a bit unfair of me --there were a couple of artists that I met and liked--but that was it. You say that it is the artists that will save the community--I doubt it. Why? If they need subsidies and "incentives" from City Hall- they can't even save themselves. Most of them are hobbyists-next thing you know model airplane enthusiasts will want hand outs.
from: chbpod	on: 07-13-2011
I Agree (0) - I Disagree (2)

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Voting Registration Deadlines

:: 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.

City Council	Returned Papers
As of 8/9 at 5 p.m.
Lisa M. Blackmer*	Yes
Michael Bloom	Yes
Keith Bona*	Yes
David Bond*	Yes
Marie Harpin*	Yes
Alan Marden*	Yes
John Barrett	Yes
Eric R. Buddington	Yes
Nancy P. Bullett	Yes
Robert Cardimino	Yes
Catherine Chaput	Yes
~~Roland G. Gardner~~
Diane M. Gallese-Parsons	Yes
~~Shane Gaudreau~~
James B. Gyurasz	Yes
Michael Hernandez	Yes
Jennifer Breen Kirsch	Yes
~~Brian L. Flagg~~
Kellie A. Morrison	Yes
Greg Roach	Yes
Gail Kolis Sellers	Yes
18 candidates returned papers

Mayor
Richard J. Alcombright*	Yes
Ronald A. Boucher	Yes
Robert Martelle	Yes
Preliminary election will eliminate one

School Committee
Mary Lou Accetta*	Yes
Lawrence K. Taft*	Yes
Leonard Giroux Jr.	Yes
Tara J. Jacobs	Yes
David Lamarre	Yes

McCann School Committee
George M. Canales	Yes