NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The city is receiving $200,000 in state funding toward the refurbishment of the landmark Mohawk Theater marquee.
North Adams was awarded $200,000 from the Regional Economic Development Organization program, which is administered through the Massachusetts Office of Business Development. Some $2.1 million in the competitive grants were announced on Wednesday for 38 projects across the state, including more than $600,000 in the Berkshires.
The status of the 1938 theater has been the center of numerous discussion on downtown development and not a few biennial mayor contests. The marquee was last restored two decades ago and, while it's had some maintenance since, its neon lighting is worse for wear.
A proposal to sell the theater two years ago prompted the City Council to insist on conditions that the marquee would be not be removed by the buyer. Requests for proposals on the building have contained language requiring the marquee be restored as part of any deal.
It's not clear if $200,000 will be enough since the project will have to go out to bid. Pittsfield's Capitol Theater marquee cost $249,900 back in 2018; the marquee is now part of the Ralph Froio Senior Center.
Examples of eligible grants include non-construction facade improvement and investments in signage and aesthetic improvements, continuation of pop-up businesses, projects similar to the Shared Street and Spaces Program that support enhanced foot traffic and local commerce, and main street recovery projects with high local impact for small businesses, according to the announcement.
Also getting grants were:
• 1Berkshire Strategic Alliance Foundation: $140,000 for programs aligned with the Berkshire Blueprint.
• 1Berkshire: $28,875 for entrepreneurial and business support resource translation and $50,000 to redevelop and relaunch its jobs portal.
• Berkshire Regional Planning Commission: $42,350 for the "Berkshire Business Best Foot Forward" pilot program
• BRPC & Berkshire Natural Resources Council: $44,550 for online outdoor recreation asset map and commerce connectivity content
• BRPC & city of North Adams: $22,000 North Adams business permitting guide and enhancements
• Adams, North Adams and the North Adams Chamber of Commerce: $40,000 for pop up North Berkshire.
• Town of Adams, ProAdams: $17,908 for downtown signage project
• Town of Great Barrington: $8,910 for art box project
• Williamstown Chamber of Commerce: $10,642 for business district banner project
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Spectrum Cable Hearing Set in North Adams
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A public hearing for the renewal of the cable television contract for four North Berkshire communities will be held on Wednesday, April 24, at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
The 10-year contract with Spectrum/Charter Communications will cover the city of North Adams and the towns of Adams, Cheshire and Clarksburg.
The hearing in Council Chambers is open to residents of all four communities. In-person attendance is encouraged but a remote option is available here via Zoom.
Topics covered during the hearing will include the future of cable-related community needs and interests (community television) and performance of the operator under the cable license. It does not include internet or other provided services.
The hearing is required under state law as part of the contract renewal process. Any documents or reports relating to the contract can be obtained through the governmental offices of each community.
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