Letter: Yes to Greylock Project

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To the Editor:

It was brought to my attention that a claim I referenced in my previous letter to the editor was not accurate in my representation of it. However innocuous my intention was, it still mischaracterized the arguments that were made regarding the number of studies utilized. And, beyond that, I realized making the case for the school using the quotes of others was unnecessary. There are a plethora of good faith and factual reasons to support the school project, and I will continue to work with those at the forefront.

Reflecting on my own experiences in the North Adams Public School system, it's easy to reminisce about my time at Greylock Elementary over a decade ago. It's just as easy to remember my time fondly at the Brayton Elementary afterschool programs and at the YMCA. But nostalgia should not lead this vote, nor should the controversy of the moment.

The Greylock School Project is worth the investment. City history has been achieved in its record grant funding from the MSBA. $42 million offered by the state; that kind of money doesn't often come to North Adams. But this time it did. $20 million is not a small number to consider, but the alternative is an estimated double with no state assistance. Factored into this alternative would be roof repairs, piping renovations, and mechanical systems replacements. The estimated cost of such runs at approximately $45 million, laid solely at the feet of the taxpayers of North Adams.



This project has been in development for years, with the opportunity for public feedback and scrutiny. It has reached this point because the MSBA understands that our schools need to meet the quality expectations of the moment. We need to think about what kind of environment we are creating for our children's educational outcomes, as well as our educator's pedagogical outcomes. They deserve a more accessible outdoor environment. They deserve better opportunities for natural light in every classroom. They deserve to have a space that allows for the greatest impact and top-notch atmosphere to reflect the learning outcomes necessary of our student population.

Please join me in voting "Yes" to the Greylock School Project on October 8th.

Josh Vallieres
North Adams, Mass. 

 

 

 

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

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

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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