Letter: Vote No on Greylock School Proposal

To the Editor:

I'm writing today to express my concerns about the proposition to build a new K-2 school to replace the current K-2 school, Brayton Elementary. There are several reasons why voters should vote "No" on this proposal: the declining school population, the tax burden on the citizens of North Adams and our crumbling infrastructure.

It was projected that by the time the build is completed, there will be only 250 children attending this school. In addition to that, the cost of the bond (approximately $270 on average per year) will be pushed to the taxpayers of North Adams.

The tax increase of $270 is really for the next few years, but with taking a $20 million loan for 30 years that number could easily grow to a 10 percent or more tax increase over the longevity of the loan. Forcing taxpayers to foot the bill for the next 30 years. The reason this tax increase will happen is because of the decreasing tax base of the city. When there's not enough people to cover the bill for the school, the taxes will inevitably go up. This tax increase will affect the elderly who are in a fixed income, and tenants that pay rent and already struggling to pay the rent because of taxes and inflation.

Second reason this proposal is not a great idea to go through with is we already have several schools that could be renovated and reused. Brayton is only 30 years old. Most schools in this area are 50 years or older and aren't going through a new school process or even a renovation. It would be in our city's best interest to reinvest in the infrastructure we currently have. We could rebuild Brayton to make it friendly and probably reduce the cost of the build, that was also suggested in several proposals but the city opted to move forward with trying to build a new school.

Lastly instead of spending $65 million on a new school, we should instead take the grant money and reinvest it into our failing infrastructure. (Editor's note: MSBA money can only be used for the Greylock project.)

There's been several complaints of fire hydrants not working in town, which has led to the destruction of several homes over the past few years. Also with the roads and waterways in North Adams deteriorating, the money would be better spent on rebuilding our failing infrastructure and trying to attract new business to bring new families into the city and expand the tax base.

In conclusion, it would be in the city's best interest not to build a new school given the fact that the town isn't currently generating enough tax revenue to fix its failing infrastructure. Bonding a $65 million new school project which will inevitably cost more than the initial $65 million estimate will place a considerable burden on North Adams taxpayers. I propose focusing on rebuilding the community by investing in our failing infrastructure and starting from a ground up approach. We could revitalize the existing school structures where possible. This would save money, keep our taxes where they are and reinvest in the future of this city.

Please consider voting "No" on Oct. 8.

Scott Berglund
North Adams, Mass.

North Adams Unveils Hometown Heroes Banners

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
04:30PM / Friday, May 22, 2026

Carol Ethier-Kipp holds up the first aid kit her father used as an Army medic in World War II. See more photos here. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The City of North Adams honored its own on Friday afternoon, unveiling 50 downtown street banners representing local veterans who served — and continue to serve — the community and the country.

 

More than 300 residents packed the front lawn of City Hall as the community took a moment to reflect on its "Hometown Heroes" during the morning unveiling ceremony.

 

"In a city like North Adams, service is personal. The men and women we honor today are not strangers to us. They are our neighbors, our classmates, our parents, our grandparents," Mayor Jennifer Macksey told the crowd. "... These banners are far more than names and pictures hanging along our streets. They are visible reminders of the values that define North Adams: courage, sacrifice, humility, duty, resilience, and the love of country. They remind every person who passes by that this community remembers our veterans."

 

The banner program launched exactly a year ago. Veterans Services Agent Kurtis Durocher opened applications in October and spent the next six months working with families to bring the project to Main Street and over the Hadley Overpass. 

 

"We gather to recognize the brave men and women from our community who have served or who are currently serving in the United States armed forces," Durocher said. "These banners are more than images. They bear a tribute to service, sacrifice, courage, and pride, and they remind us that the freedoms we enjoy every day have been protected by our neighbors, family members, friends, and Hometown Heroes."

 

Each banner features a portrait of a veteran alongside their military branch and dates of service.

 

Durocher noted that the program was something residents clearly wanted, pointing to how fast applications flooded his desk. He praised the volunteers who stepped up to get the banners made and displayed — including city firefighters and Mitchell Meranti of Wire & Alarm Department, who were installing them as late as Thursday night.