Grazie, Valentine's Event Gain Planning, Licensing OK

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
11:15AM / Friday, February 14, 2025Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Grazie Ristorante was approved this week for its new location on State Street and for its alcohol license, and another eatery got the OK to serve wine and beer for a Valentine's Day dinner.

Matt Tatro, owner of the Italian restaurant on Marshall Street has been making plans to relocate to the former Hot Dog Ranch near Noel Field Athletic Complex.

The building had a short period as The Ranch under new owners before it was purchased and renovated as the The Venue, which hosted events. Tatro purchased it last month as Jato LLC for $375,000.

The Planning Board approved his permit and signage on Monday, with hours Wednesday to Monday from 11 to 11. The License Board approved the transfer of the alcohol license for Grazie North Adams LLC on Tuesday. Tatro anticipates opening in April.

Michael Kelly was approved for a one-day alcohol license from the License Board. he is offering a Valentine's Day prix fixe dinner at 23 Eagle St. on Friday from 5 to 10.

Kelly is part of a three-way partnership using the former Desperados, which operates during the day as Eagle Street Cafe. He operates under Fewd in the evening and on Friday will be working with the cafe owners on the dinner.

While he was approved for beer and wine, the board members had some hesitation because the dinner was advertised as open to the public rather than being a ticketed event.

"I would like to see this board put a stipulation that only alcohol is served with a meal, that someone can't just come in and order a beer," said board member Rosemari Dickinson, who was concerned of running afoul of state laws. "I'd like to see the alcohol be a complement to the meal, because that's basically what you're presenting this."

Kelly offered to remove chairs from bar area to deter patrons but board member Peter Breen didn't want him to give up seats if patrons wanted to eat at the bar.

After discussing some past approvals, such as fundraising dinners at parishes and downtown events, Dickinson said she felt less uncomfortable about the approval — but cautioned that Kelly had to be careful about service.

He said he is TIPS (Training for Intervention ProcedureS) trained, as is the bartender that night and another person working service.

Also approved this week by was a change of name to Tilly's Tap and Tavern for Valley Park Lanes located on Curran Highway. The Planning Board approved an application by Alexis Rosasco to open Rosasco's, a fine art gallery at 12 Holden St.

Tags: license board, Planning Board,

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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
03:33PM / Friday, October 16, 2026

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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