Adams Auctions Off Five Properties

Ten parcels were put up for auction on Monday night but only five found bidders.

ADAMS, Mass. — Five properties were sold out of 10 available parcels at the town-ordered public auction on Monday evening.

Although only half of the parcels were sold, Treasurer/Collector Kelly Rice said people will have the opportunity to bid on them again.

"It went quite well," Rice said. "Some of them didn't go but we will hold them off because we will have some more to do in the spring."

The properties were taken by the town for back taxes. They were sold "as is" but clear and free of any liens, including back taxes.

Sullivan & Sullivan Auctioneers ran the sale.

The town had set a low deposit of $5,000 for properties and $2,500 for land only parcels in hopes all the lots would go. The buyer's premium was 7 percent.

Out of the five single-family homes that went out to bid, three were auctioned off. The properties were between 468 square feet and 1,440 square feet.

A small home at 26 Grove Ave. was the first property to go. Chris and Tammy Crews purchased it for $30,000, less than a third of its assessed value.

Chris Crews said he jumped on the property quick because it is eight feet away from their house.

"There was an old lady that lived there, and we took care of her for a lot of years," Crews said. "We share the driveway."

Although initially no one bid for the 1 Horn Place five-room house, Bruce Mendel and daughter Lisa picked it up for $30,000, less than half its assessed value, when the auctioneer returned to unsold parcels.

"We have been looking at it," Lisa said. "We had both driven by all of the properties, and this one was the best. The price was right, but it needs some work."

A house at 73 Valley St., assessed at $135,000, was also sold for $30,000 while 18 Victory St. and 7 Grove St. received no bids above the $5,000 deposit.

The one multifamily home at 23-25 Albert St. also received no bids above the $5,000 deposit and the 62 Summer St. commercial property received no bids at all.

Out of the three land parcels, two were sold.

The property at 21-25 Melrose St. went for $3,500 and two vacant lots on Summit Street for $8,000; 20-22 Melrose St. received no bids.

Withdrawn from the auction were 8 Valley St., 9 Kearns Lane and 10 Plunkett Lane.

Cheshire Festival of Trees on View Until Dec. 31

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
12:19PM / Thursday, December 18, 2025

Businesses, nonprofits, schools and town departments provided trees for the display that reflected their missions or services. 

CHESHIRE, Mass. — There is still time to experience the festive atmosphere of the Community House. 

 

The moment you step into the town offices, you're greeted by the scent of fresh pine wafting from about 70 beautifully decorated trees on display. 

 

The town's festival of trees will be on display Monday through Thursday from 10 to 4, Friday and Saturday from 10 to 8, and Sunday from 10 to 5 until Dec. 31. The building will be closed Dec. 24 and 25. 

 

The idea started four years ago with Department of Public Works Director Corey McGrath's vision to display a decorated, lighted tree in all 13 windows of the Community House, the former Cheshire School.

 

A large part of it was to bring the community back into the building that was a mess five years ago, he said. 

 

The purpose of the building is in its name — a community pillar housing the town offices and Youth Center Inc., and a community hub featuring activities from dancing, craft fairs, wrestling, and more.  

 

Since its establishment, the display has grown into the festival it is today featuring raffles, a Christmas village, nutcrackers, and, of course, trees.