North Adams Nightclub Taking 'Hiatus'; Building Listed for Sale

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — HiLo announced that it will be taking a hiatus noting that the COVID-19 pandemic has created a challenging environment to operate in.
 
The Union Street music venue made the post to its Facebook page on Nov. 26 and noted that the pandemic has not been easy on the music venue. 
 
"It is with much sadness that we are announcing that HiLo will be taking a hiatus. The challenges of a pandemic have made it very difficult for venues and artists alike. HiLo has not been immune to those challenges." 
 
Very Good Properties LLC purchased the former Quinn's Paint & Wallpaper building in 2018. Before that, the 55-59 Union St. building was the Crystal Hard Hat Saloon as well as an antique shop and a "dog" museum.
 
Very Good Properties substantially renovated the space and opened in 2019. The lower level housed the music venue and bar while the upper levels were renovated into apartments, currently listed on AirBnB. 
 
Initially, the pandemic largely grounded live performances in the venue, however, once the COVID-19 vaccine was distributed and music venues were allowed to reopen with restrictions, performances were scheduled up until the end of the year.
 
The Union Street venue is listed for sale for $259,900. 
 
As for the Parlor Cafe that is housed in HiLo, it will continue to operate out of HiLo through December. They will then move to a new downtown location next year. 
 
Parlor staff wrote on their own Facebook page:
 
"The Parlor crew has made the decision to persevere through this challenge, and we will be moving to a downtown location in early 2022. As always, we will keep our customers and friends updated as we learn more information about the timing and location of the move. Thank you for your continued support. We can't wait to build another community space with you!"

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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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