Across from the manufactured park, the little pocket park on Eagle is getting a makeover.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Work is beginning on the NAMAzing Eagle Street Initiative with the delivery of an extended park structure right on the street.
The manufactured pocket park built by B&B Micro-Manufacturing, a local tiny house construction company, takes up about two parking spots on the west side of the one-way street. It offers plenty of seating and counter space for eating and solar lighting for the evening.
The structure is part of a rejuvenation plan for the historic street that is being funded with $35,871 in donations and a $25,000 matching MassDevelopment grant. The fundraising effort, done online through Patronicity, raised about $10,000 above its $25,000 goal.
The grassroots effort has involved residents, local businesses and city officials to develop ways to reinvigorate the byway through signage, social spaces, art installations and clearly marked entrances for pedestrians and motorists.
Right across from the manufactured park, the small pocket park installed where the former Tropical Gardens used to be is also being refreshed. The land was donated to the city about a decade ago after the building on it burned. The park had a bench but wasn't particularly inviting and not well used.
The initiative is putting in cobblestones, artwork and seating to make the space more welcoming. Fencing in the rear will allow for future access to the Center Street parking lot. The idea is to expand the social space on Eagle and provide an area for programming such as music or events.
New overhanging signage for the stores along the street have already been approved by the City Council and Planning Board. The round signs are being manufactured Neathawk Designs and a logo of a white eagle on blue will be used to designate the area. Eagles also decorate the brackets that will hold the signs. The colors and fonts are the same as the city's new branding design that can be seen on the three welcome to North Adams signs.
The entire project will have a ribbon cutting upon completion later this summer but the new parklet will be open for use.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
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.
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.
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.
click for more