ADAMS, Mass. — Town Administrator Jay Green told the Selectmen on Wednesday night that the Department of Public Works had opened all roadways and will continue storm clean up through the coming days.

 

"We were hit with a sudden storm this evening," he said. "... As of tonight, most of the roadways have been reopened, and the DPW will continue the clean up of town spaces."

 

The storm cut through the Berkshires on Wednesday afternoon leaving downed trees and wires. Many were left without power.

 

Green said this was the case in Adams, and that the damage was focused on the east side of town. Residents were told to avoid North Summer Street and Crotteau Street.

 

He thanked town employees, the Forest Wardens, and neighbors for stepping up and helping after the unexpected storm.

 

"I just want to thank them. They just descended from everywhere; They were right on the spot," he said. "There were neighbors that started clearing out trees and were helping before the DPW even mobilized."

 

Also in his report, Green said the Susan B. Anthony statue was installed on the Town Common last week and that work continues on the renovation of the park.

 

"I am pleased to announce that Susan B. Anthony has come home to Adams," he said.

 

The Adams Suffrage Centennial Celebration Committee had been working for more than two years to celebrate the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote along with Anthony's bicentennial. The celebration, that was going to culminate in August, has been delayed a year because of the pandemic, but the installation of Anthony's statue has gone as planned.

 

Green said once the project is closer to completion, he would like to hold a dedication ceremony before it gets too cold.

 

He also gave a COVID-19 report and said cases remain low in Adams. In the past 30 days, there have only been five or so new cases.

 

"We are still in the gray which is good, and it means COVID-19 is not prevalent in our community, but that can always turn," Green said. "... We are in good shape lets stay that way."

 

In other business, the Selectmen signed off on a list of approvals including a common victualer license for Peter Oleskiewicz, who plans to reopen the Miss Adams Diner.

 

"We want to thank Pete for coming to Adams. He has been a pleasure to work, and we look forward to him bringing the iconic diner back to life," Green said. 

 

The diner has had multiple owners but has sat vacant in recent years.

 

Oleskiewicz, a North Adams city councilor who also owns Desperados Mexican Restaurant in the city, said he is still working in the former railroad car and putting together a menu that will consist of diner essentials.

 

"It is a lot of work, and by the end of the month, we hope to be in full action. ... Every day we do a little more," he said. "We are getting there. We have a menu put together, and hopefully, we can open doors real soon and be part of this community."

 

Oleskiewicz said he would like to have outdoor seating much like his North Adams restaurant.

 

Green said the town hopes to help with this and that through a $25,000 Shared Streets grant has purchased metal outdoor tables. Some will be placed near the Miss Adams Diner. He said the town will likely not receive these tables before the close of the outdoor eating season.

 

Selectman Joseph Nowak said he did not like the stonework placed around the building in the recent past. Oleskiewicz agreed and said in the future he would like to remove it.

 

The Selectmen approved an all-alcohol club change of manager application for the Mountain Club from Richard Ziarnik to Lea Cudworth.

 

Former manager Ziarnik passed away and Cudworth volunteered to take his place.

 

"About 15 years ago, I was the first woman to ever hold office in the club," she said. "If that doesn't tell you something I am not sure what does."

 

The Selectmen approved the placement of temporary "Vote for Susan" signs on various town properties.

 

The Selectmen also approved the Nov. 3, 2020, election warrant and elected Richard Blanchard as the vice chairman. Vice Chairman James Bush passed away last month.