Berkshire Scenic Railway Will Run This Weekend
ADAMS, Mass. — The Berkshire Scenic Railway will run this weekend only.
Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco told the Selectmen on Wednesday that a special holiday train will run back and forth between North Adams and Adams Saturday and Sunday.
"We are happy to have them up and running and it will be nice to hear the train whistle again this weekend in town," Mazzucco said.
The train will depart at 1,3,5, and 7 and tickets are available only at the departure location.
Selectman Joseph Nowak said families should take a ride on the train.
"I encourage families and grandparents to take their kids and grandchildren because they will really get a kick out of it," Nowak said. "It's great seeing the kids get excited because many of them grew up with the trains."
The train leaves from Burke Construction at 6 Renfrew St. and there is parking at Renfrew Field.
The service was only able to run one weekend of test trains this fall until the state Department of Transportation could conclude its purchase of the line between North Adams and Adams.The scenic railway had hoped to be running months ago.
Mazzucco also reported that Building Commissioner Jeff Clemons will leave his position at the end of the month to take a job in Lee.
He said the town will develop an alternative building commissioner model that he hopes will be more beneficial to the town. He said he would like to bring this new plan to the Selectmen in January.
Mazzucco added that the transition should be easier in the winter months and he is working with the assistant building commissioner to create an interim plan.
"Luckily January and February are actually amslow time for construction and permits, but we are going to want to be geared up for spring," he said.
Mazzucco said the town must replace the former Department of Public Works director's position on the Traffic Commission because the interim director does not live in Adams. Only residents can serve on the commission.
Town Counsel Edmund St. John III said that because the bylaw states that there must be representation of the DPW on the commission, and there are already two town representatives serving, there should be no problem.
Selectman Arthur "Skip" Harrington thanked all those who attended the question and answer forum regarding regionalizing town dispatch services last week. He said many good points were brought up, however, he asked that everyone make sure they differentiate between fact and opinion.
Harrington added that he thinks the switch to regionalized dispatch is inevitable and the town should expect more cuts.
"We have to find ways to accommodate our needs without overburdening our taxpayers," he said. "If it doesn't happen this time other people are going to be laid off. We need to cut and in my opinion here is a place where you can cut without affecting the quality of service."
Arts Advisory Board member Francie Anne Riley said the board will hold evening meetings every third Tuesday of the month from 6 to 8 starting Jan. 19 at Town Hall. They are open to the public.
Correction: The original story had included a phone number for tickets; that number was incorrect.
Tags: dispatchers, scenic rail,
