Nominations Sought For Fall Neighborlies

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition is accepting nominations for the Fall Neighborlies, a community recognition award night. The Neighborlies will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 24, at 5 p.m. at the Congregation Beth Israel Synagogue, located at 53 Lois St.
 
The nbCC's Northern Berkshire Neighbors welcomes residents to consider people of all ages who performed acts of kindness or made a positive difference in their lives, in their neighborhoods or in their community. Anyone may nominate individuals or groups in one or more of the following categories: neighborly acts, young people taking the lead, business/agency support, or groups pulling together on a project.
 
You may nominate a person or group through the nbCC website. Applications can also be picked up and mailed to the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition Office at 61 Main St., Suite 218, North Adams, MA, 01247. Nominations can also be called in to 413-663-7588 or emailed to arodgers@nbccoalition.org. Send the name(s), address and phone and email of those nominated and those making the nomination, indication of the category and a brief description of the reason. 
 
Each nominee will receive an invitation to the event, where Mayor Richard Alcombright and Coalition staff will present certificates of appreciation. This is a great way to thank individuals who help make a positive difference and honor the ordinary acts of kindness and cooperation that happen every day in our communities. Nominations will be accepted through Octo. 15. 
 
For more information, call the Coalition at 413-663-7588.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

North Adams Housing Authority Director Steps Down

Staff Reports

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Jennifer Hohn, the longtime executive director of the North Adams Housing Authority (NAHA), has stepped down after 24 years with the agency.

The Berkshire Eagle reported that Hohn resigned from her position on Thursday. The NAHA Board of Commissioners is currently developing a transition plan.

Her resignation follows rising tension between Hohn and the tenants association. Residents—particularly at the Spring and Ashland Park apartments—have raised specific concerns regarding building security, drug activity, and trespassers.

This summer, Tenants Association President Corey Fortin posted a video on social media demonstrating that door alarms in some of the buildings were not functioning.

Shortly after the video was posted, the tenants association's office was locked. Members alleged Hohn locked the space in retaliation, while Hohn maintained it was a matter of tenant safety. Hohn also stated that NAHA does not officially recognize the association because it has yet to go through official channels for certification—a claim the tenants association disputes.

The dispute culminated in plans for a formal grievance hearing between Hohn and the association. Both sides agreed to hold a meeting on Oct. 3, but the hearing had not yet been scheduled at the time of her resignation.
During her tenure as director, Hohn oversaw significant changes at NAHA, including expansion and the dissolution of Housing Opportunities Incorporated, a program founded over 30 years ago to assist first-time homebuyers. Most recently, she led efforts to transition NAHA properties from traditional public housing models to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. She also directed the rebuilding of a Greylock Valley Apartments building after it was severely damaged by a fire.

The NAHA Board of Commissioners meets monthly, typically on Mondays.

 

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