Man Sentenced to State Prison After 2022 North Adams Drug Offense

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Nichols Melendez, 33 of Springfield, was sentenced in Berkshire Superior Court to seven to nine years in state prison.
 
On Monday, Dec. 2 Melendez pleaded guilty to six charges related to drug distribution and illegal firearm possession.
 
According to a report from the District Attorney's Office, On March 15, 2022, the North Adams Police Department executed a search warrant of 64 Charles Street, North Adams. The search was conducted based on previous investigation a suspected large-scale drug distribution involving Melendez. 
 
There were four people in the Charles Street residence during the search including Melendez and Troy Dupras. Dupras pleaded guilty earlier to drug trafficking charges related to the same search. When police entered the residence, they discovered Melendez in a back bedroom. Melendez was found to have an illegal firearm, approximately $11,882 in cash, and large amounts of drugs and drug trafficking paraphernalia. 
 
Evidence recovered from the scene included 92.9 grams of crack cocaine (valued at approximately $9,290), 10,130 bags of heroin (valued at approximately $60,780), around $11,882 in cash, a loaded High Point 9mm firearm, 9mm ammunition, and drug distribution paraphernalia such as digital scales, multiple phones, and plastic baggies.
 
The charges include trafficking in cocaine (7 to 9 years in state prison), trafficking in fentanyl (36–100g, 7 to 9 years in state prison, concurrent), illegal possession of a firearm (2.5 to 5 years in state prison, concurrent), illegal possession of a loaded firearm (2.5 years in state prison, concurrent), armed career felon (7 to 9 years in state prison, concurrent), and improper storage of a firearm, rifle, or shotgun (1.5 years in the House of Corrections, concurrent).

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The Grand Coming to North Street, Bousquet Under New Food Management

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Grand has secured its liquor license, and the McNinch Restaurant Group now operates Bousquet Mountain’s restaurant, its third eatery in the city. 

On Monday, the Licensing Board approved the transfer of all alcohol-seven-day liquor licenses for The Grand on North Street and the ski area at 101 Dan Fox Drive.

The former Iztac Mexican Restaurant has given way to a more subdued, moody facade as local Gordon Hebler prepares to open as an oyster bar and piano lounge with seafood options. Its liquor license was transferred to Chesnut Catering doing business as The Grand, owned and managed by Hebler.

He envisions following the theater and music programs in the county, closing for a couple of months at the beginning of each year.  Seating was also reduced from accommodating around 100 patrons to 60. 

"We're going to be pretty busy. I have that feeling anyway," Hebler said. "…If the foot traffic is any indication of what we're going to see, I'm very excited." 

An entertainment license was also approved for The Grand. A piano and vocalist are planned for Wednesday through Sunday evenings; an opening date has not yet been set. 

"It’s not just a run in and grab a quick bite and run out," Hebler said. "It's a little bit more involved."

The board also approved an all-alcohol seven-day liquor license transfer from Fresh Powder LLC to the McNinch Restaurant Group for Drifters Bar and Restaurant, located in Bousquet’s ski lodge, and the ski area.

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