Letter: Reflecting on North Adams' Resolution to Be a Sanctuary City

Letter to the Editor02:10PM / Thursday, March 27, 2025Print Story | Email Story

To the Editor:

I commend the North Adams City Council for passing the resolution declaring our city a Sanctuary City for transgender and gender-diverse people. At a time when human rights are under attack, this action reaffirms North Adams' commitment to being a place of safety, dignity, and belonging for all. Thank you to Councilors Breen, Blackmer, Fitch, Bona, Shade, and Morrow for using their platform to protect the rights of all community members.

While the overall sentiment in the room was supportive, I want to highlight a concerning moment. A local transgender teen stood up to share how their queer family had recently experienced transphobia. As he attempted to read a hateful text message his family received, Council President Sapienza interrupted him, striking his gavel and calling for respectful language. This reaction appeared to throw the teen off, and he quickly sat back down — seemingly unable to finish what he came to say. No councilor encouraged him to continue.

Sapienza had earlier asked the public to refrain from personal attacks but did not set expectations around language. While the content of the message was difficult to hear, this teen was not attacking anyone — he was shedding light on real harm happening in our community. His ability to express his fears in a public forum should not have been questioned or silenced.

I challenge Councilor Sapienza and the Council as a whole to reflect on the power dynamics at play. This teen holds no voting power but had the courage to stand at that microphone and speak his truth. It is your civic duty to listen fully —especially when it's uncomfortable — because too many young people in our community are suffering.

Finally, I want to thank Mayor Macksey, who later presented a proclamation for Trans Day of Visibility and, in an act of solidarity, personally handed it to the teen. This bold gesture from the highest-ranking city official demonstrated what true support looks like.

I urge our local leaders to ensure all voices — especially those of our most vulnerable youth — are heard and respected. It is through listening, not silencing, that we create meaningful change.

Jessica Sweeney
North Adams, Mass.

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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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