YMCA Removing Services From North Adams Facility

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire YMCA branch posted on its website on Thursday that they plan to remove services and programming from the Northern Berkshire branch facility, effective March 29, 2024.  
 
According to the statement:
 
"Our removal of services from this branch stems from various challenges, including the prolonged pool closure, childcare availability, staffing issues, and ongoing facility maintenance needs. Unfortunately, these factors have made it unsustainable to maintain the level of programming that the Y prides itself on and holds itself accountable to."
 
According to the message, the YMCA will continue to build its summer camp program at Windsor Lake, and before and after school programs. They also pledged to engage with community partners to explore programming.
 
"We are actively engaging with community partners to explore collaborative program opportunities under a 'Y Without Walls' concept to fulfill our mission and do the great work that we are known for. This is part of our mission to adapt and continue serving our community in innovative ways, aiming to evolve into a revitalized Y. "
 
The statement did note that the future of the now-closed pool seems "bright" noting that the city is committed to overhauling the pool ceiling/roof structure. The YMCA added that they would be open to providing lifeguarding services after completion.
 
"This phase signifies a shift rather than an end in our commitment to supporting the Northern Berkshire region."
 
The pool was closed in 2023 after the roof failed an inspection.
 
The statement included that Northern Berkshire memberships will be automatically terminated following the closure. Members can upgrade their membership and can continue to use the Pittsfield Branch and Bennington Rec locations.
 
Community members who are not currently members can reserve a day pass to access the facilities before the closure date.
 
"During this transitional phase, we are committed to finding a new pathway forward in North Adams, reintroducing a rejuvenated and invigorated Y experience," read a statement. 
 
The full statement can be read here.
 
 
 
 

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McCann Committee Gets First Look at $17M Renovation Progress

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

The project is in the home stretch with roofing and some windows and doors still to be installed. Superintendent James Brosnan also pointed above to HVAC improvements in the Guidance Office. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The McCann School Committee got a first look at the final stretch of a $17 million overhaul aimed at making the 64-year-old vocational school safer, quieter and more energy-efficient.

After a brief School Committee meeting Thursday, Superintendent James Brosnan led the members through the school, highlighting some of the changes made in the 64-year-old building.

"Just seeing this gives you a magnitude of the amount of work that goes on," he said.

The upgrades are being funded through the Massachusetts School Building Authority's Accelerated Repair Program and the Northern Berkshire Vocational School District's member towns.

Work was supposed to be completed before the start of the school year, but weather and the removal of materials caused a delay.

The tour was all indoors, and Brosnan told a disappointed committee that he was hesitant to take them onto the roof at night, but said the new roof is near 80 percent down.

"We have another 10, and 10 percent of that missing 20 is in the AVB [air and vapor barrier] and removal phase," Brosnan said. "That particular area is across the front, down the post-secondary ... we are going to pick up from guidance. So we have that plan going through next week. Fingers crossed, within two weeks we will have that piece down."

He said the roof has been built up and insulated for more efficiency.

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