North Adams Seeks Input on School Project

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The community is being asked to weigh in on grade options for the Brayton/Greylock school project. 
 
A survey available at www.napsk12.org via SurveyMonkey offers two options to choose from —two elementary schools with Grades prekindergarten through 6 or one school with preK-2 and another with Grades 3-6.
 
The city has been engaged in a feasibility study for a new or renovated elementary school with the Massachusetts School Building Authority since 2022. As a result of this work so far, MSBA has given the city permission to consider the two different options for pursuing either a renovated or new elementary school on the west side of the city.
 
The NAPS School Building Committee is seeking community feedback about the options being considered and strongly encourages all community members to participate in the survey so their input can be included. 
 
Community forums on this topic will take place on Aug. 8 and Aug. 22 at a time and place to be announced. More information about the forums will be available on the district website and through North Adams Public Schools social media.  
 
Regardless of the option selected, the school project will, through redistricting, impact all elementary school students by changing where they attend school in grades preK-6. This project will not affect the grades currently taught at Drury High School, which are Grades 7 through 12.
 
The School Building Committee meetings are open to the public and the next scheduled meeting will be on Aug.15 at 4:30 pm via zoom. Additional information can be found at www.napsk12.org.

Tags: brayton/greylock project,   school project,   

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Brown Street Bridge Reopens in North Adams

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

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."
 
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