image description

Motorcyclist Killed in Two-Vehicle Collision in North Adams

Staff ReportsPrint Story | Email Story
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A motorcyclist was killed on Wednesday in a two-vehicle collision. 
 
Emergency personnel responded to a two-vehicle collision involving a car and a motorcycle near the South entrance of Walmart on Curran Highway at approximately 7:44 p.m on Wednesday, Sept. 2. 
 
The motorcycle was traveling south on Route 8 when a northbound SUV turned left toward South State Street, crossing into the motorcycle's path and striking it in the southbound lane, a press release from the District Attorney's Office said. 
 
Both vehicles sustained severe damage, and the SUV's airbags deployed. The motorcyclist, a young adult, was transported by Northern Berkshire EMS to North Adams Regional Hospital where he was pronounced dead. 
 
Identifying information for the deceased will be made in the coming days.
 
The collision remains under investigation. Should charges be brought forward against the driver of the SUV, the identification of the driver will be made, the press release said. 
 
First responders from the North Adams Fire Department, North Adams Police Department, Adams Police Department, and Northern Berkshire EMS were dispatched to the scene. At approximately 8:30 p.m. the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit assigned to the DA's office was also notified.
 

Tags: motor vehicle accident,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff

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."

View Full Story

More North Adams Stories