Letter: Support Bond for Mayor

To the Editor:

Dear North Adams friends, I have been following the campaigns for the office of mayor of North Adams and the City Council races from my home in North Carolina. I was moved to send a letter of support for Lynette Bond after seeing a letter sent out by Jennifer Macksey's campaign, which stated that if you like what has happened in North Adams government the past 12 years Jennifer Macksey is not your candidate.

Since I was part of that government for six years, I feel a need to respond this way: What defined our government during the time I served was a willingness to be open and transparent in notable contrast to what came before.

So I feel a need to speak up! This summer when I was home, I met with Lynette Bond. I was impressed that she brings a very diverse life experience to the table as well as a very positive energy. I like her visibility and engagement with the citizens of North Adams including serving as a foster parent, leading the successful fight to save the Colegrove School, and serving on city boards. I see her as a team player who will make an excellent ambassador for the city of North Adams.

North Adams needs a mayor who will represent the people who vote for her and the people who vote against her. As you go to the voting booth on Tuesday, Nov. 2, I would urge my friends and supporters to vote for Lynette Bond.

Nancy Bullett
Newport, N.C.

Nancy Bullett is a former North Adams city councilor. 

Brown Street Bridge Reopens in North Adams

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
01:16PM / Monday, December 15, 2025

Mayor Jennifer Macksey is the first to drive across the bridge, closed since early 2023.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Mayor Jennifer Macksey led a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, Dec. 15, marking the official reopening of the Brown Street Bridge.

 

"We are very excited despite the cold weather," Macksey said before the ribbon-cutting. "… We are chipping away at these projects, but this is long overdue."

 

The bridge had been closed to all vehicle traffic since March 2023 after being deemed structurally deficient by the state Department of Transportation (MassDOT). The 26-foot steel structure, built in 1952, was flagged after its superstructure rating fell to 3.

 

The reopening follows a temporary repair project designed to safely restore access while the city and state determine a long-term plan. The temporary repair contract was awarded to J.H. Maxymillian at a cost of $349,920.

 

Funding for the project included $75,000 from state Chapter 90 road funds, with the balance was covered by state flood money the city had been previously awarded following a severe storm in July several years ago.

 

The mayor emphasized the critical need to reopen the span, particularly for public safety. 

 

"The perception behind that was we have flooding on West Main Street and River Street, we have to use this bridge," she said. "We are very excited to have it open. Not only to alleviate traffic problems down at the intersection of Big Y and the intersection of City Hall, but to help our friends at emergency management with the ambulance."