North Adams Planners OK Pizza Parlor, Sushi Sign

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
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North Adams is getting a sushi restaurant.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A pair of pizzeria owners whose latest venture burned down last week in Pittsfield were approved for a new pizza place at 315 Ashland St.

The Planning Board on Monday night approved the application of Ilyas Ozdemir and his partner, Alper K. Kuruca, to open Pizza Works at the former location of a burrito shop.

Karuca said they had operated a pizzeria in Meriden, Conn., in addition to the Pizza Works on Tyler Street in Pittsfield that suffered heavy damage in an electrical fire in the early hours of Oct. 9. "That's why we're trying to get this together," said Karuca.

The approval was based on conditions for prior businesses at the location that included another pizzeria. "The concerns of the city has always been the blacktop in front of the building," said Administrative Officer Jay Green, because of illegal parking.

The pair said they would abide by the conditions, which included placing well-kept flowerpots on the blacktop portion to prevent parking and using the back parking lot for all pickup and delivery vehicles.

The hours of operation will be 11 to 10 Sunday through Wednesday and 11 to 11 from Thursday to Saturday. Pizza Works still has to get any necessary permits from the Board of Health and the building inspector.

In other business:
 

► An application for a special permit to open a tavern, the 76 Pub, at the Crystal Hard Hat's former location at 76 Union St. was withdrawn at the request of landlord Charles "Rusty" Ransford and Thomas Snow, operating as Snoford LLC.

The Licensing Commission rejected the request for an alcoholic license last month on the grounds there were too many bars in that area. The Crystal Hard Hat moved across the street earlier this year and the Artery Lounge relocated to the former Ace's Place a few doors down. Ransford told the Planning Commission that he is appealing the local commission's decision to the state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission.

► Requested that Tonia Maxwell, proprietor of Unforgettable Cuts at 746 State Road, work with Office of Community Development on signage and continued the review to the next meeting. Maxwell's shop does not need a special permit to operate.

► Approved the signage for the Sushi House at 45 Main St. Attorney Jonathan Sabin, representing owner Meng Wang, said the sign is similar in style and color to the Wang's China Buffet Restaurant around the corner. The sushi place will occupy the location of the former Tangiers Boutique and tanning salon and shop and be open 11 to 11 seven days a week. The restaurant also did not need a special permit.

► Approved a change in hours for Domino's Pizza to stay open an hour later on Saturday and Sunday mornings until 2.

► Approved an adjacent nonbuilding lot be added to the property of Richard and Doris Orell of 487 Walnut St.

Planners Joseph Gniadek and Edna Rudnick were absent.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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