North Adams, Hoosic River Revival to Host Meeting About Flood Control

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A multi-year feasibility study now underway by the US Army Corps of Engineers ("Corps"), City of North Adams and Hoosic River Revival is evaluating options to modernize the Hoosic River flood risk management system in North Adams.
 
To inform this work, the City and Hoosic River Revival are seeking public input on the kinds of access and recreation opportunities that would be most meaningful to area residents. A community workshop is planned to share information about the feasibility study progress, to show examples of placemaking, and to explore the community's interests in riverside access, recreation, culture and community gathering spaces.
 
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. It will be held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.
 
People can also attend via zoom  with this link.
 
Modernization is intended to enhance flood protection and climate resilience, and restore river ecology displaced by the concrete flood chutes.
 
The study area encompasses the entire extent of the Hoosic River in North Adams. The study has progressed over the past year, and it is expected that a recommended modernization plan will be available by the end of 2025.
 
Local partners are working with the Corps to find ways to ensure that the modernization plan also includes opportunities for the creation of new public spaces, recreation opportunities that will connect the river to City life, and contribute to the economy.
 
This opportunity is called "placemaking" because it looks wholistically at the river and surrounding landscape, and involves the collaborative efforts of community members and stakeholders to create places that promote community health and well-being, stated a press release.
 
 
 
 

Tags: Hoosic River Revival,   

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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.

Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.

We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.

In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.

Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear. 

The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.

"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."

Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.

In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.

The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.

"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.

They are hoping their display carries on the tradition of the Arnold Family Christmas Lights Display that retired in 2022.

The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.

In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.

"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said. 

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