The commission may have to reformulate an RFP for a restaurant at the airport terminal if it does not get enough bids.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The city does not expect much of a response for the airport terminal restaurant request for proposals.
Administrative Officer Michael Canales told the Airport Commission on Wednesday that only one person came to the pre-bid site visit earlier this month and he does not expect a high number of bidders, if any.
"At this time, I am not really expecting any and I would be surprised if we receive any in this round," Canales said. "If we do get one, then I will be presenting it at the next meeting so we will see."
The city moved and renovated a former doctors building on the airport campus to act as the new terminal and administrative building. The facility was renovated to house a restaurant overlooking the runway at Harriman & West Airport.
Canales previously stated that there was a lot of interest in the space but Wednesday said only five bid packets were taken.
He understood that the hours set by the commission may have created some concern among those interested. Last year, the commission only set one requirement on a potential restaurant: It must be open at least five days a week.
Canales said the commission can vote to change this to something potentially more favorable.
"We can look to see what alternatives that we can place in the RFP then release it in February," he said.
Canales also read a report from the airport's engineer, Stantec, and said the building is essentially done and contractors are working through a punch list.
"They are working to complete the items," he said. "They are looking this week to have the [certificate of occupancy] issued on the building."
The project was set to be completed last year but an unforeseen insulation issue caused a substantial delay.
Stantec will provide a letter of completion when everything is wrapped up and the project does include a $20,000 furniture allowance.
Chairman Jeff Naughtan said the commissioners are also working on draft regulations for an RFP seeking a Fixed Base Operator to run the airport. They plan to form a subcommittee to refine the RFP.
The commission discussed the future federally funded perimeter fence project and airport user Trevor Gilman asked if the commission favored this project.
"I am just wondering if this is Stantec guiding the project direction or is it an Airport Commission initiative?" Gilman asked. "Does the commission want to spend the money we get annually on some of these other things?"
Chairman Jeff Naughton said he was under the impression that this project was driven by the Federal Aviation Authority but would ask Stantec.
Gilman, a former airport commissioner, said the commission typically make its own decisions when it comes to federal funding.
Questions also came up about cracks in the runway that was repaved 10 years ago. Canales said he would investigate this and see if there are grant funds coming or money already available for crack sealing.
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Hoosic River Revival to Host Hybrid Fundraiser and Community Events
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Hoosic River Revival is scheduled to host a hybrid internet and event fundraiser from June 9 to June 21, 2025, which includes an online silent auction and an in-person walk and gathering at MASS MoCA.
The online "Confluence Of Two" Silent-Auction Fundraiser will run from June 9 to June 20 at 12 p.m. This auction provides an opportunity to bid on one-on-one time with various Berkshires-celebrated VIPs, with proceeds benefiting the non-profit Hoosic River Revival. The VIP experiences offer winning bidders the chance to walk up to one mile with a community leader as they lead registered walkers in the "Hoosic River Run" on the morning of June 21.
The "Hoosic River Run" is a mile walk and timed 5k race, hosted by Hoosic River Revival and the City of North Adams. The event begins and ends at MASS MoCA, following a route along a section of the Hoosic River that is lined with flood chutes. For those who do not win auction lots, in-person registration to walk or run will be available on June 21, starting at 7 a.m.
At 7 a.m. on June 21, the "Confluence Of Two" meetup and photo opportunity will take place at MASS MoCA Courtyard A. Winning bidders and their VIP walking partners will be introduced by Hoosic River Revival. Participants will receive Hoosic River Run T-shirts and swag bags, and each duo will be photographed for publication.
Also at 7 a.m., conceptual designs for a new architectural riverwalk will be premiered. These designs, recently commissioned by Hoosic River Revival, in collaboration with the City of North Adams and internationally-acclaimed architecture firm Group Work, aim to transform the river into a central asset for the city. The visualized concepts are intended to enhance flood safety, ecology, infrastructure for recreation, and riverside accessibility for residents and visitors. They include the option for a riverwalk loop that could connect diverse neighborhoods and potentially link to the Natural Bridge State Park, expanding on the vision of Hoosic River Revival Founder Judy Grinnell since 2008.
The one-mile walk will commence at 8 a.m., following the same route as the timed race. Participants will traverse the MASS MoCA campus, pass the Little Hoosac Tunnel, and circle back at Western Gateway Heritage State Park. At the park, students from the Berkshires' Academy for Advanced Musical Studies (BAAMS), accompanied by founding musician Richard Boulger, faculty, and alumni, will premiere an original song titled "The Wise Old Hoosic," dedicated to the Hoosic River.
Following the outdoor gatherings and race awards presentation at Courtyard A, MASS MoCA Community Day will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering additional special events. Visitors can view the industrial-engineering perspective of the "Confluence Of Two" branches of the Hoosic River from The Prow balcony in Building 6, which was redesigned by Bruner/Cott Architects.
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