Derelict Plane Removed From North Adams Airport

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
06:08PM / Sunday, May 21, 2023Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Airport manager Bruce Goff told the airport commission that the derelict plane that had flipped over in 2022 has been completely removed from the airport campus.

"On April 21, he had the fuselage put on a flatbed and towed away," Goff told the commission Tuesday. "I like having aircraft here, but if they are here, I want them to be in working condition. So I am happy to see it go."

During a windstorm last year, the plane was completely flipped over. The city had to call a towing company to right the plane. The city could not contact the owner so they footed the $5,000 bill.

The city did eventually contact the plane owner hoping to recoup funds, however, the plane owner said he had no intention of paying the bill as he did not have the money.

Since then, the owner has been allowed at the airport only to dismantle and remove the aircraft.

There was talk of putting a lien on the airplane, but Goff said it was not worth the city's time as the plane's value would likely not even cover the cost of the towing bill.

Airport user Mike Milazzo said there is another derelict airplane at the airport the commission should consider removing.

"There are airplane parts under the wing, and there is a tarp that is loose and flying around," he said. "...At some point that plane will be a problem."

Goff gave his manager's report and said currently he has issued 65 airport badges.

"I think we are doing pretty well, and I know a few pilots who still haven't applied, but I think we have a good number right now," he said. "I haven't heard any complaints about access."

The airport revamped its badge system and cleaned up membership. Before there were multiple unaccounted badges, and it was unclear if some members were active or alive.

Continuing, Goff said on April 20, there were reports of a missing ten-year-old Pine Cobble student.

State Police used the airport to fuel their helicopter and airport staff monitored the air making sure there was no activity where they were conducting their search.

The boy was found safely.

Goff said the airport is having an issue with geese and acquired the services of an airport user's dog, Ava, to chase them away.

"Geese and aircraft do not mix, and we have spent a considerable amount of time and effort in harassing these geese off the airport as many as four times a day," he said. "Ava loves chasing geese and was very helpful."

Goff said the geese will continue to be a problem, and he is in the process of applying for a depredation permit. He said it is just too dangerous for geese to inhabit airports.

"A goose can do so much damage to a small aircraft. It would not be good if we had an accident here," he said.

Tags: airplanes,

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

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
03:33PM / Friday, October 16, 2026

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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