image description
The airport terminal is about ready to move into but is still missing a cafe.

North Adams Expects Minimal Interest in Airport Restaurant

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
Print Story | Email Story

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.

Tags: airport terminal,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Weekend Outlook: Wilco Weekend & Summer Fun

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
It's Wilco Weekend in North Adams and an estimated 10,000 people will be descending on the city. The band curates the every other summer three-day Solid Sound festival at Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. It's too late to get tickets — the event's sold out! — but you can hear some of the performances in the downtown area. Or, you can listen for free on NEPM (New England Public Media) 88.5.
 
Check out the other events happening this weekend including parties, craft, and more

Friday

Karaoke Night
Dalton American Legion
Time: 9 p.m.

Sing your heart out at karaoke night.

More information here.

Berkshire Prides Birthday Bash
Stationary Factory, Dalton
Time: 7 p.m.

Celebrate 10 seasons of Berkshire Pride with a birthday dance party. There will be games, treats, face painting and more.

More information and tickets here.

Musical Bingo Fundraiser
Adams Theater
Time: 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy an evening of fun, music, and bingo with DJ Bizz to help support the theater's summer season.

More information and tickets here.

Summer Movie Night at Clapp Park
Clapp Park, Pittsfield
Time: 8:30 p.m.

Bring your own chairs and blankets to enjoy "Zootopia 2" and you will also be able to buy popcorn and soda.

More information here.

'A Hundred Words for Snow'
'62 Center, Williamstown
Time: 2 & 7:30, Friday-Saturday
 
After her father’s unexpected death, 15-year-old Rory discovers that he was planning a trip for the two of them to the North Pole. So, she picks up his ashes, her passport, and her mother’s credit card, and sets out to make good on his plans. Produced by the Chester Theatre Company. 
 
Tickets and more information here.
 

Saturday

Summer Reading Kickoff Party
Milne Public Library, Williamstown
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Celebrate summer at the library with musical performances, lawn games, crafts, and free ice cream.

The balloon twisting workshop and the adult Escape the Mummy’s Tomb will need to be signed up for.

More information here.

Hudpuckers & Team Contraband car show
Wahconah Park, Pittsfield
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For the second year, join Hudpuckers Pub for its annual car show with also motorcycles and trucks.

More information here

Craft Lab
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 2:30 to 4 p.m.

Drop into the library every Saturday and Monday for a free craft, this Saturday is painting rocks.

More information here.

Bennington Pride
Pleasant Street, Bennington, Vt.
Time: 10 to 4
 
View Full Story

More North Adams Stories