Adams Awarded Grant to Study the Removal of Fisk Street Dam

Print Story | Email Story
ADAMS, Mass. — The Town of Adams has received a $94,125 grant from the Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Dam and Seawall program to study the removal of the Peck's Brook, also known as Fisk Brook, dam located near Russell Field and the American Legion Hall. 
 
According to a statement from the town, the dam is a risk to the community, with homes, bridges, the rail trail, athletic fields, as well as water and sewer lines, located just downstream. The study will review removal options with the public, while also identifying permits needed for removal and sampling sediment located in the dam's impoundment.  
 
The town anticipates the study will begin in late 2024 or early 2025. The dam is considered by the commonwealth to have been abandoned by its owner, Cwmfelin Ltd. Taxes on the property have not been paid since the 1990s.  
 
The town has been trying to acquire the property through tax title taking to accelerate the removal process.
 
The Healey-Driscoll administration announced more than $13.9 million in grants to support the repair of dams and coastal infrastructure across Massachusetts. The funding, provided through the Executive Office of EEA's Dam and Seawall program, will help 23 municipalities and nonprofit organizations to address critical repairs and safely remove outdated structures in their communities. 
 
The Dam and Seawall program focuses on enhancing the safety and functionality of essential infrastructure, which protects residents and supports local economies. Prioritizing repairs and removals will help mitigate risks associated with severe weather events and rising sea levels. 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Adams Starting Administrator Search in New Year

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — Town officials hope to start the search for a new town administrator by January. 
 
Vice Chair Christine Hoyt said last week that she was preparing a request for quotes for consultants to aid in the search. 
 
"The chairman did appoint me to put together a request for quotes to hire a consultant for our upcoming town administrator search," she said at Wednesday's meeting. "I've received a number of different RFQs from a number of communities who have just done this in the last year, and I'm just writing it up so that is tailored to the town of Adams."
 
She expected to have the document ready this week to distribute to the board in advance of the regular Nov. 20 meeting. The goal is to get it approved and posted by Nov. 22, and review any responses prior to the Dec. 18 meeting. 
 
"Which would give us the opportunity to post the job for the town administrator in the month of January, which lines up with the MMA's Connect 351 conference," Hoyt said. "I think it would be to our best interest to have something in place in regard to a posting by that conference rolls around." 
 
The Massachusetts Municipal Association's annual conference takes place on Jan. 23-25. Hundreds of elected officials and administrators attend the gathering. 
 
Officials anticipate some time before getting a new administrator in place. Current administrator Jay Green,  was selected as the new Lenox town manager, replacing Christopher Ketchen. 
 
View Full Story

More Adams Stories