Patrick Appoints New Chairman of State Board of Higher Education

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BOSTON – Governor Deval Patrick today announced the appointment of Fred W. Clark as Chairman of the state’s Board of Higher Education. Clark, Vice President of Mirrione Realty Corporation, is a former Executive Officer of the Massachusetts State College Council of Presidents. He is also a former trustee of Bridgewater State College and served as District Chief of Staff to the late Congressman John Joseph Moakley. “Fred Clark’s experience in higher education, business and public service make him an excellent fit to lead the Board of Higher Education,” said Governor Patrick. “Fred’s understanding of and commitment to the vision of a public education system that is built on a bedrock of coordination, cooperation and collaboration distinguish him as the right person to help usher in a new era of education improvement in the Commonwealth.” Governor Patrick outlined his vision for the future of public education in Massachusetts earlier this summer, highlighting the link between education and the economic, social and civic prospects for individuals, communities and the Commonwealth. The Governor has called for unprecedented levels of communication and interaction among all areas of the state’s public education system, and last week, he announced the members of the Leadership Council of the Readiness Project who will develop a comprehensive 10-year strategic plan to achieve the vision. “In business, we know that the success of any vision or strategic plan depends upon strong leadership and the people tapped to implement and execute the plan,” said Alan G. Macdonald, Executive Director, Massachusetts Business Roundtable. “The Governor is wise to appoint leaders at every level that have the skills and experience to help make that vision real. Fred is one of those leaders, and we are pleased to be part of this effort.” Clark, an Easton resident who received his BA from Bridgewater State College and his JD from Suffolk University Law School, is well-known for his collaborative leadership style and his consensus-building approach. Clark will fill the Board of Higher Education seat vacated by Stephen Tocco. “For the first time in a long time, Massachusetts has a Governor with a long-term vision for what education means not only to students but to the health and vitality of the state,” said Bob Antonucci, President of Fitchburg State College. “Appointing Fred Clark to lead the Board of Higher Education suggests that the Governor’s commitment is not just to articulating a bold vision, but also to ensuring action.”
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Former Harry's Supermarket Under Construction for Restaurant

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Construction is underway to transform the former Harry's Supermarket into a restaurant

Late last month, the Conservation Commission greenlit some tree pruning on the property. New windows and a new door can be seen in the front of the building. 

"It's a substantial renovation that's currently underway here," Brent White of White Engineering said, speaking on behalf of the applicant and owner, Huajie Zhu. 

A fire gutted the longtime Wahconah Street supermarket in 2023, and the following year, Zhu purchased the property for $460,000 two years ago to build a restaurant with hibachi in the existing footprint of the more than 100-year-old building. 

White explained that the project has been ongoing for over a year, and the Community Development Board granted the property a waiver to reduce the minimum required number of parking spaces so that additional spaces aren't needed.  

He noted that, looking at the site plan, there is very little room to do so. A mirror will be installed near the sharp turn on Bel Air Avenue to alleviate traffic concerns. 

Pruning will be done on trees in the southeast corner of the existing paved parking lot, as a number of branches are hanging over. The new owners also intend to patch, sealcoat, and re-stripe the parking lot. 

A fire tore through the building less than an hour after the supermarket closed for the day three years ago. An automatic sprinkler system is required for the new use. 

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