New Consignment Shop Approved in North Adams

Stephanie Melito hopes to open in a few weeks.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The proprietor of the downtown's newest store, Once Around the Block, will hold an open house on Saturday from 11 to 2.

Stephanie Melito  of Adams said her consignment shop won't open officially until mid-March but she wanted to take the opportunity presented by Winterfest to let the community know about her Holden Street business.

"It's just to introduce myself," said Melito, taking a break from painting the 18 Holden St. storefront on Tuesday.

The business was approved by the Planning Board on Monday, pending obtainment of other required permitting. The vacant space has most recently been used as a gallery by DownStreet Art.

Melito said she was looking for something new after working in banking for 15 years and then at Excelsior Print.

"I have worked for so many people over the last 25 years ... I  just needed my own thing," she said. "I thought there was a need for it around here."

After doing some research, she thought clothing consignment would be a viable business because of the rising popularity of secondhand clothing.

Above, taxi operator Rodney Sumner said he wants to be available at night to prevent drunken driving; right, Jay Walsh was welcomed to the board.

Also approved by the Planning Board on Monday:

• Signage and change of use of 105 Main St. as a professional office by North Adams Chamber of Commerce, Franklin County Community Development Corp. and the North Adams Office of Tourism.  Planners Paul Hopkins and Brian Miksic recused themselves from deliberation and voting because they sit on the chamber's board.

• An application by Rodney J. Sumner to operate a taxicab business from 288 Beaver St., owned by T & R Service Center. Sumner said the cab would be parked at the garage from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m., and was expected be on the road providing rides during the night. His number would be on the vehicle. Sumner still has to go before the City Council.

• Application of Savio Lighting Inc. for property located at 149 Eagle St. for the Needham-based retailer to operate a professional office and showroom.

• Postponement of an application by County Rainbow Taxi Inc. to operate a taxi and cabulance business at 362 State Road to the next meeting at the applicant's request.

• The re-election of Michael Leary as chairman and Paul Hopkins as vice chairman.

McCann Recognizes Superintendent Award Recipient

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:32PM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Landon LeClair and Superintendent James Brosnan with Landon's parents Eric and Susan LeClair, who is a teacher at McCann. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Superintendent's Award has been presented to Landon LeClair, a senior in McCann Technical School's advanced manufacturing course. 

 

The presentation was made last Thursday by Superintendent Jame Brosnan after Principal Justin Kratz read from teachers' letters extolling LeClair's school work, leadership and dedication. 

 

"He's become somewhat legendary at the Fall State Leadership Conference for trying to be a leader at his dinner table, getting an entire plate of cookies for him and all his friends," read Kratz to chuckles from the School Committee. "Landon was always a dedicated student and a quiet leader who cared about mastering the content."

 

LeClair was also recognized for his participation on the school's golf team and for mentoring younger teammates. 

 

"Landon jumped in tutoring the student so thoroughly that the freshman was able to demonstrate proficiency on an assessment despite the missed class time for golf matches," read Kratz.

 

The principal noted that the school also received feedback from LeClair's co-op employer, who rated him with all fours.

 

"This week, we sent Landon to our other machine shop to help load and run parts in the CNC mill," his employer wrote to the school. LeClair was so competent the supervisor advised the central shop might not get him back.