Letter: Greylock Glen's Future Is at a Crossroads; Time to Act Is Now
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To the editor:
I urge the citizens of Adams to support the citizens' petition to establish a Greylock Glen Commission — a critical step to provide the expert oversight this project desperately needs. An oversite committee was envisioned in the original Greylock Glen Amended Master Plan, and its absence has contributed to significant challenges in the development process.
Currently, the Town of Adams is the developer for the Glen, and the financial results have been disappointing for taxpayers. Leadership decisions made in haste have left the town bearing the burden of their inexperience, with key town officials departing mid-stream. This lack of continuity and expertise underscores the necessity of a dedicated commission of experts to guide the project toward a sustainable and successful future and protect Adams taxpayers.
For generations, the state and town have pursued the dream of turning Greylock Glen into a financial success for Adams. Yet, each attempt has highlighted the challenges of balancing development with sustainability. The town continues to face economic struggles — declining population, rising real estate taxes, crumbling infrastructure, empty storefronts, and underperforming schools. It's clear that developing the Glen will not be a magic solution to these challenges. Instead of continuing down this unsustainable path, we must pause and create the oversight necessary to guide the project responsibly.
State Rep. John Barrett III, who was instrumental in the success of Mass MoCA, has emphasized the importance of creating a commission for the Glen. The formation of the Mass
MoCA commission ensured that North Adams taxpayers' funds were not used. The Mass MoCA commission provided experienced oversight and careful planning before any construction began. The result? A thriving cultural and economic success story that continues to benefit the region decades later. We should heed Rep. Barrett's advice - he understands the complexities of large-scale projects and the value of expert guidance.
Establishing a Greylock Glen Commission would not only bring much-needed expertise to the project but also help relieve the financial burden on the town. Importantly, there is $150,000 already earmarked and available to the commission to help them get started. This funding ensures that the commission can hit the ground running without adding to the strain on taxpayers. By forming the commission, we can shift the responsibility to a qualified body equipped with the resources to manage the project effectively.
The leadership turnover in the Town of Adams underscores the need for consistent, qualified oversight. Key figures such as the Town Administrator, the Director of Community Development, and the Director of Finance have all departed, leaving the project without continuity. Currently, the Selectmen — who lack the time and specialized expertise to manage such a large development — are tasked with oversight. A dedicated commission would bring stability, professional experience, and accountability to the project, ensuring its success for future generations.
Taxpayers were promised that Greylock Glen would be self-sustaining, but the current state of the project suggests otherwise. No significant revenue is coming from the recently opened Outdoor Center. There is no restaurant or retail business yet. Instead of the Glen being self-sustaining, the taxpayers of Adams have spent over $2 million on this development just in the last couple years. With no end in sight, the development of the Glen is at risk, as well as the financial stability of the town itself.
The Amended Master Plan from 2004 outlined an oversight committee as follows: "The Committee would be composed of five persons, which shall include representatives of the
Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Division of Capital Asset Management. the Town of Adams, the Mount Greylock State Reservation Advisory Committee, and an individual selected by the Commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation from nominees recommended by the boards of trustees or directors of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the Massachusetts Chapter of the Sierra Club and the Massachusetts Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club. The Department of Conservation and Recreation will provide staff support to the Committee as needed to ensure the Committee's effectiveness and timely action."
This structure was designed to ensure the project's success while protecting the Glen's unique natural resources. Establishing a commission now would honor that vision and bring the expertise and resources this project needs to succeed.
In 2019, a commission was approved at town meeting. Unfortunately, it didn't get through the next step, the Legislature, in time. This is something that has already been approved. Now we need to say again that we want a commission. John Barret has committed to shepherding it through the Legislature.
To the residents representing us at town meeting as precinct representatives: Please vote yes to the Article 9 citizens' petition to create a Greylock Glen Commission. This is our chance to ensure the Glen is developed responsibly, with expert oversight and a clear plan for the future, while protecting Adams taxpayers. Let's protect this vital project and our town's resources by taking the right step forward — before it's too late.
Caroline Scully
Adams, Mass.
