NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Jennifer A. Macksey has pulled nomination papers for a third term as the mayor.
"Serving as mayor of North Adams has been the honor of my lifetime," she said in a statement. "Together, we've achieved remarkable progress, but our work is far from finished. I am eager to continue building on our successes and facing the challenges ahead."
Macksey said she wants to continue to advance North Adams, prioritizing improvements in infrastructure, public safety, and economic development.
She made history in 2021 as the first woman elected mayor in the city's 126 years and easily cruised to a second two-year term in 2023.
Macksey touted a list of accomplishments over the past four years, including relocating to the Police Department to the Berkshire Plaza, which addressed longstanding issues at the outdated and inaccessible police station. She said leadership changes have "bolstered department morale and operational efficiency" although a permanent solution for the Police and Fire Departments continues.
Her administration secured $1.2 million from the state for damage recovery after the July 2022 storm and she says she has prioritized infrastructure improvements, including repairs to the Walnut Street retention wall, the Galvin Road culvert to prevent flooding, and the Brown Street bridge.
A collaboration with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is underway to create a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) program, Macksey said, and to establish an economic development advisory team to facilitate future growth.
Her administration has submitted grant applications totaling hundreds of millions of dollars, securing
more than $27 million in awards for projects ranging from education, brownfield cleanup, and public safety to street improvements and cultural activities.
Among major projects is the construction of a new Greylock School, which has been approved by the Massachusetts School Building Authority; a $3 million study of Hoosic River flood control with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Hoosic River Revival; the $750,000 Route 2 overpass study; and the design of a new bike trail from Williamstown to Adams.
"My vision for North Adams is one of continued growth and prosperity," said Macksey. "We are focused on building a vibrant downtown, attracting new residents and businesses, and ensuring the infrastructure is in place to support future development. Together, we will continue to create a dynamic, thriving community."
She said she was committed to making the city "an even more extraordinary place to live and work, and together, we will build a brighter future."
Macksey will hold more formal events for re-election campaign in early summer.
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Weekend Outlook: Mother's Day & More
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
Check out the events happening this weekend including fishing, plays, and more.
Final weekend to walk the grounds of Naumkeag and see the thousands of flowering bulbs. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be sold on-site.
'Big Fish'
Taconic High School, Pittsfield
May 8, 9, 14, 15,16. Times vary at 2 and 7 p.m.
The Taconic Theater department stages "Big Fish," a musical about son who goes on an adventure to find the truth about his father's wild and unbelievable stories.
'The Prom Musical'
Berkshire Community College
Showings Friday through Sunday
A small-town prom is getting too much attention when a student wants to bring her girlfriend as a date. A troupe of Broadway stars arrive in the conservative community out on a mission to help in this musical comedy.
Baby Animals
Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield
Time: 11 to 4, through May 10
A sure sign of spring is the arrival of baby animals at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield. See lambs, piglets, calves, chicks and kids and enjoy events and activities throughout the Village, from daily talks about the farm and the Shakers to craft demonstrations to walks along the Farm & Forest Trail.
Admission is $8 to $20, free for children 12 and younger. More information here.
Friday
Night of Dreams Fundraising Gala: Berkshire Dream Center
Berkshire Hills Country Club, Pittsfield
Time: 6 to 9 p.m.
This annual gala is a major fundraiser for the nonprofit Berkshire Dream Center. Enjoy dinner, music, a silent auction, and more.
Mass Kids Lit Fest
Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Children's author Carol Munro will do a "Springtime Storks" storytime, based on a true story of resilience and love between two migrating birds. Children will have the chance to create their own stork hand puppets and learn more about storks.
Local historian and Historical Commission Chair Dustin Griffin will speak on the politics and leaders of Williamstown at the start of the Revolution. The museum is at 32 New Ashford Road.
Looking out at that scenery doesn't have to end when you go indoors with Marvin scenic doors, transforming any space by bringing the outdoors in.
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Waste treatment plan supervisor Brad Furlon warned the Finance Committee last week to expect a future 500 percent increase in sludge disposal.
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The fund had grown immensely over the past 25 years, raising some $1.75 million during that period. But the 1960s would see the fund grow even more in both fundraising and the agencies it supported. click for more