Adams 2021 Year in Review
In yet another year burdened by a global pandemic, the town of Adams continued on at a swift pace.
Despite the problems posed by COVID-19, 2021 was a busy year for the town. Several projects made significant progress during the year, new officials were sworn in and developments in town seemed to be continuous.
Looking ahead to 2022, Adams is poised to continue at this speed, with several projects, including the Greylock Glen Outdoor Center, still ongoing.
Here are a few of the biggest stories from Adams over the past year.
Greylock Glen
The Greylock Glen project has been in development in one form or another for over 50 years. The Greylock Glen Outdoor Center represents a major step forward in the proposed plans. The project is finally nearing the construction phase heading into 2022.
Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito visited Adams in July after the state set aside $6.5 million in funding for the project. Following the commitment of state funding, approval from town boards and committees soon followed to push the project into the construction phase.
The Adams Fire District approved articles related to the project in August, while the planning board and conservation commission followed in September and December respectively.
When construction on the outdoor center is complete, the 9,200 square-foot facility will feature exhibit space, classrooms and a restaurant.
Memorial Building Project
The former Memorial School building, which had, for the most part, sat dormant since the school's closure began the process of renovation and conversion into residential and commercial space in 2021.
The Adams Board of Selectmen chose Rhode Island-based Developer Wayland North to convert classroom spaces into apartments.
Additionally, the Adams Council on Aging began work to move its operations from the Adams Visitor's Center to the Memorial Building.
Susan B. Anthony Monument
A bronze statue of Susan B. Anthony, an Adams native and one of the most significant figures of the woman's suffrage movement, was unveiled to the public in 2021.
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, state Sen. Adam Hinds, state Rep. John Barrett III, Berkshire County District Attorney Andrea Harrington and the town's elected women officials attended the ceremony for the statue.
The Funeral of Billy Evans
In April, William "Billy" Evans, a Capitol Police officer, was laid to rest at Adams' St. Stanislaus Kostka Church.
Evans grew up in North Adams and graduated from Drury High School. Evans passed due to injuries sustained when a car crashed into a checkpoint he was guarding at the Capitol in April.
Numerous public officials attended the service, including Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, U.S. Rep. Richie Neal, state Sen. Adam Hinds and more.
The Swearing in of Police Chief Kelley
Adams chose and swore in K. Scott Kelley as the town's new police chief in January of 2021.
Before taking the job, Kelley had more than 25 years of law enforcement experience in South Carolina. During those years, Kelley served in various roles for several towns and organizations, from a sergeant in Anderson, S.C., to Chief of Police at Spartanburg Community College.
Kelley replaced former Chief Richard Tarsa, who served with the Adams police force for 36 years.
Election 2021
In May, Adams elected Howard Rosenberg and John Duval to the Adams Board of Selectmen.
Duval, an incumbent who had been on the Board of Selectmen since 2012, received 572 votes.
Rosenberg, a newcomer who is served his first year as a select board member in 2021, received 727 votes.
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