Select Board member Ronald Boucher and Danielle Luchi earlier this year. Boucher has submitted his resignation from the board and Luchi, vice chairman, was sworn in as chairman on Thursday.
CLARKSBURG, Mass. — The town is down to two Select Board members with the departure of Chairman Ronald Boucher.
Boucher, in his second term, submitted his resignation from the board on Thursday, Sept. 2.
He said he felt he didn't have the time to dedicate to the position, noting he has nine grandchildren and a new job that keeps him on the road a lot.
"It's been a tough three years," he said. "There were a lot of changes within town government, changes in my life and there comes a point ... I've given back enough and I just don't have basically the adequate time and energy to do it the right way."
Boucher acknowledged that this resignation had taken the other board members by surprise but he didn't think it was fair to the taxpayers to stick around if he couldn't commit 110 percent.
Select Board member Danielle Luchi confirmed his resignation and said she was sworn in as chairman of the board by Town Clerk Marilyn Gomeau on Thursday morning.
"I'm happy to take on the responsibility as the new chairman," she said.
Boucher, a former North Adams city councilor, was elected to a three-year term on the board as a write-in 2018 and re-elected this past May.
There is no Select Board meeting scheduled yet this month. Luchi, elected in 2019 and vice chairman, said no decision has been made about filling the board vacancy. Boucher said he had strongly advised holding a special election "because you really need three people on that board."
"I've been talking with Marilyn, she's looking through bylaws, and talking with town counsel," Luchi said. "I'm taking it one day a time and doing what's best for the town."
She said it was important to prioritize things, particularly what's been happening in the town treasurer's office, where a consultant has been working with the treasurer to straighten out the town's finances.
The problems there had boiled over at the last Select Board meeting in August when Boucher lost his temper over the chaotic conditions in the office. His resignation came a week later.
Boucher is also the town moderator, taking the post after no one stood for election this past spring, and said he will continue in that role.
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Friday Front Porch Feature: A Charming House Like New
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
The home prior to renovations.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Are you looking for a newly renovated home with great space? Then this might be the perfect fit for you!
Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 100 Autumn Drive.
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom split level was built in 1965 and is 1,396 square feet on 0.32 acres.
The house was completely renovated recently. It includes a one-car garage, and comes with appliances including a dishwasher and stove/oven, and other major appliances.
The house is listed for $359,500.
We spoke with owners Michael Zeppieriand Chris Andrews, who did the renovations. Zeppieri is an agent with Alton and Westall Real Estate Agency.
What was your first impression when you walked into the home?
Zeppieri: I purchased this home to do a full renovation flip and saw tremendous potential in this mid-century split level home that had not been updated since it was built in the 1960s, in a great North Adams neighborhood.
Andrews: The house was a much different house when we first purchased it in 2022 (photo attached is from about 2010.) The interior was painted all in dark colors and we brightened it up with neutral colors. The transformation makes you feel like you are in a totally different house.
What were the recent renovations, any standout design features?
Zeppieri: The house has had a complete reconfiguration including new kitchen with high-end appliances, ceramic tiled baths, hardwood floors, new windows and roof ... just to name a few. All a buyer has to do is move in and enjoy.
Andrews: Yes, we renovated the entire house. New windows, new roof, all new custom black gutter system, new blacktop driveway, hardwood floors were installed through out the house. New kitchen and bathrooms as well as painting the exterior and interior of the house. New paver patio in the back yard.
What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?
Zeppieri: The buyer for this home could be a first-time homebuyer or a retiree ... the location is close to attractions in North Adams ... and the property is located in Autumn Heights, which is a very small residential development with several long-term owners.
Andrews: This home is truly ideal for a variety of buyers. Whether a first-time homebuyer, a small family or even someone looking to downsize from a larger home.
What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market?
Zeppieri: The location, price and move-in condition of this home make it a true market leader in the North Adams Market.
Andrews: This house is completely renovated and in a desirable location of North Adams. The natural light in the home really makes the interior pop. And with all the upgrades the home stays quite cool in the summer months.
Do you know any unique stories about the home or its history?
Zeppieri: This home was built for the Gould family in 1969 and they lived there till 2010. It was always a family home during that time in which the Goulds had two children ... and Virgina Gould managed Mohawk Forest Apartments and was a very active resident of North Adams.
Andrews: Built in about 1965.
What do the current owners love about this home?
Zeppieri: As the current owner it was a fun project to transform this home and get it ready for its next adventure with a new family to enjoy for many years.
Andrews: No one has lived in the house since we purchased the home. The new owners would be the first to live in the house since the renovations have been completed.
What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space?
Andrews: I would suggest seeing the house either on a sunny day or at twilight to really get a vision of how special the home feels.
You can find out more about this house on its listing here.
*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.
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