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.
 
 
 
 

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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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