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The new terminal for Harriman & West makes its way down the airport's entrance to its new location.

North Adams Moves New Airport Administrative Building

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Thursday was moving day at Harriman & West Airport as the new administrative building was shifted 150 yards onto its new foundation parallel to the runway. 
 
A crew from Wolfe House & Building Movers of Bernville, Pa., had lifted the two-story building off its original pad and onto a motorized trailer for the short hike around the corner. 
 
The 20-year-old building had housed a medical practice and was constructed on land leased from the airport. The practice, which had come under the umbrella of the former Northern Berkshire Healthcare, moved several years ago to the main campus of the former hospital. The building was donated to the city by Berkshire Health Systems, which did not have a need for it after acquiring NBH's assets. 
 
The gaining the structure was a lucky break for the airport, which had planned on building a $4 million contemporary terminal several years ago. Harriman & West had been found to be among 17 airports in the state with deficient administrative buildings.
 
The funding was to come largely from the Aeronautics Division of the state Department of Transportation. North Adams was designated to be award the funds in a second round of grants but the funding dried up at that time. Last year, the Airport Commission proposed revamping the medical practice, which will be funded through MassDOT. 
 
The structure will contain administrative offices and a small public restaurant, although that will be slightly larger than the previous version with 62 seats. The second floor will also hold offices, storage and mechanicals. 
 
The total cost of the move and renovation is $3.6 million. Officials are hoping it will bring more attention to the airport by providing an area for residents and visitors to gather. 
 
The move took about two hours and drew a crowd of onlookers despite the frigid cold. One electrical line had to be moved but no traffic was affected. DA Sullivan & Sons was awarded the contract to transform the structure. 
 
See more photos from the move here; a live feed from the first part of the move available here

Tags: airport,   airport terminal,   big move,   harriman west,   

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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.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

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. 

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