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 Jewelry Store Has New Owner

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
05:34PM / Thursday, December 18, 2025

Cheryl Coppens put out a call for someone to take over the jewelry business she began last spring  — jewelry maker Alexandra Padilla answered the call.

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Artful Jeweler has a new owner who is looking to expand its offerings.

Cheryl Coppens opened the jewelry store in May, showcasing local artists, offering fine jewelry, and jewelry repair.

But a new grandson in Texas, and the difficulties in flying back and forth to see him, had her looking to move closer to him.

Last month, she posted on the business's Facebook that she wanted someone to take over the space and continue the venture. Alexandra Padilla reached out to her and Coppens said she met all her criteria she was looking for in anew owner.

"You have to really want to be in retail. You have to want to be in this community, priced where people can afford it. Alex is native to North Adams. Her husband, she's got two great kids, so it just felt like they would be able to continue the store," Coppens said. "So the criteria really was somebody that would work the store, not somebody that would just come in and hire employees. I didn't want that."

Padilla started taking over the store in the beginning of December. She has been selling jewelry for about three years, and has an online shop, and has worked in wholesale jewelry for about 15 years.

"I always wanted to have my own thing on it, and I wanted to bring something new, and I want to involve my family, my kids do something, and I want to be independent," she said.

Now Padilla showcases her jewelry in the Ashland Street store and plans to keep some of the local artists' items, like stained glass made by Coppens' mother.

Padilla customizes jewelry and tailors pieces to her customers.

She plans to work around her job at Berkshire County Head Start so she can open store for more hours. 

She also plans to redesign the store a little bit and bring in a couple more lines, like more rings and pearls. 

The store is open on Saturdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursdays 9 to 2, Fridays 9 to 6, and Sundays 9 to 3. The store has also been open on Mondays 10  to 5 and Tuesdays 10  to 3 for the holidays. 

Padilla thanks Coppens for trusting her and hopes customers continue to support the Artful Jeweler.

"Thank you for trusting me. I'm going to try and do my best and work hard to make it happen," she said. "This is our first time selling retail, so we hope the community supports us in here."

Coppens will be helping Padilla until she is comfortable operating the store on her own. She said it will continue to be a space of community support.