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Frustrated Eagle Street Merchants Planning ActionBy Jen Thomas - June 03, 2008
iBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS — Frustrated with a lack of an identity, several Eagle Street merchants have banded together to form a merchants' association, in an effort to create a unified feel for the downtown business district.
According to Timothy Lanfair, the owner of Dragonflii Clothing Co., the group has already had one "official" meeting but it's the agenda for the next meeting — scheduled for this Wednesday — that has sparked a real interest.
"It seems like I really started something here," said Lanfair, who is working closely with other business owners to start the fledgling organization.
The major topic of discussion is building a relationship with the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce to help promote and support the businesses who line the historic street. The chamber's President and CEO Michael Supranowicz has agreed to attend and Lanfair said he'd received more than 30 e-mails in two days concerning the chamber's role in bolstering business.
.JPG) "I've been here for eight months and I've never had anyone come in here. I just feel like these people aren't taking an active role," said Lanfair. "If the Chamber of Commerce isn't working for us or promoting us, they should be."
The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce operates out of an office in Pittsfield and has been criticized in the past for neglecting North County businesses. The Northern Berkshire Chamber, which was headquartered in the city, merged with the Berkshire Chamber seven years ago. Williamstown has its own chamber of commerce.
For Lanfair, getting the Berkshire Chamber involved in attracting attention to the small business district is just one issue up for discussion on Wednesday.
"Our other big topic is transportation issues," said Lanfair.
Lanfair said getting tourists from the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Arts — "Only three blocks away!" — is a priority for the merchants and they're considering their options when it comes to providing the necessary transportation.
"Mass MoCA is the draw but now we need to know how to get them from there to here," said Lanfair, who intends to discuss the possibility of using the city's historic trolley as a shuttle.
With four new businesses — Dragonflii, the Bark 'n' Cat, Papyri Books and A & M Home Decor — settling on Eagle Street within the last year, the association seeks to both develop a uniform logo for the street and to find power in numbers.
.JPG) "I think the merchants have two problems. First, it's difficult for us to meet because we're running our own businesses or working other jobs to support our businesses and second, we haven't yet defined our goals," said Lois Daunis, who owns Papyri Books with her husband, Michael. "My hope for this meeting is to work on some short-term goals."
The group is working with a designer to create a logo for the street and to set up an area that business owners can use to display their brochures in one common space. Additionally, the meeting will act as a brainstorming session to consider creative ideas for outdoor entertainment and events for the upcoming summer tourist season.
Some of the concepts were broached at an IDEA meeting in April.
"There's no road map to what we see and how to get there and we need one. I'm in love with Eagle Street and I see great things for it but we need to find a unified voice," said Lanfair.
Many of the merchants have expressed concern about the property at 30 Eagle St., referred to as the Manuel building for the family that owns it. The late 19th-century structure should be a gem on the street but is instead regarded as an eyesore. Listed for sale on the Internet by the owners for $350,000, the building's two ground-level commercial spaces are unoccupied.
"One thing affects us all," said Lanfair. "I'd love to see someone buy it and do something with it."
With so many issues on the table for discussion, Lanfair and Daunis were quick to note that the focus of the group is clear.
 "We need to give people a good reason to come down to Eagle Street. We have to get the word out there," said Daunis. "I'd like the merchants to work together to define the street."
City Councilor and Hoosac Bank Vice President Richard Alcombright has been working with the group, first out of curiosity and now as a resource who's familiar with the downtown scene.
"Anything they do as merchants to help market their stores is a wonderful thing. Some of their goals are easily attainable and some could reap some serious benefits. They're energetic, creative people and I think a lot can be gained from these meetings," Alcombright said. |
Thanks for all the interest. I run Widgitzat 16 Eagle street,my name is Dan Field and I been opperating there for seven years.
I'm trying to clean up my act by clearing out extra stuff so if anybody wants to stop by to make any sugestions please feel free. Would you realy like some benches, we can do that.Do you think the linden trees at the end of the street need a little pruning,I could take care of that.
Did some one mention ice cream, I have a milk shake machine I have no use for,get in touch with me.
And to everone who has written here come by and introduce yourself I didn;t know we had so many friends. | | from: widgitz | on: 06-17-2008 |
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I love the idea of eagle nights,,, and love all the suggestions!! i think exactly liek this,,, we are planning EASLE street,, more to be anounced as we get closer ,, but all those things,, music, ouside venues,,,, i myself have though of putting a small icecream shop on eagle street in my vacant spot,, with some outside chairs etc,, to try to spur some outdoor activity,, along with some entertainment on a friday night,,,a,,, "first friday" perhaps? or eagle nights,,, anyone wishing to submit suggestions,, please feel free my email is dragonfliiclothingco@gmail.com
I also want to put out there that,,, i would like to see an overall merchants association open to all downtown businesses,, to further organize and mobilize,,
thanks for all the support
| | from: dragonflii | on: 06-12-2008 |
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| You should also target different markets. Families, both tourists and local. Young crowds, teens and MCLA students. More sophisticated crowds: How about summer four string and classic concerts selling wine and bread, you could charge for the concerts. How about artist market every other weekedn displaying their artworks on the sidewalks. How about outdoor theatre on Main st. How about local musicians concerts. Bring the city together by making family contest: cooking contests, art contests, father and son contests. No need of sophisticated prizes just recognitions. friendly competition always attracts people. How about family days contests and days. How about "eagle nights " How about home brew contests. There is plenty, open a forum, a thriving downtown is good for everyone. | | from: resident | on: 06-08-2008 |
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Hope my comments as a consumer are helpful. I personally, do not go downtown. There is nothing there for my family's need. However, I would love it just for strolling and meet and greet people but there is nothing invitating about it. There is not a single bench to sit. There is not an outdoor ice cream place or coffee shop to sit and look around. There is not a single green space where my children can run around. Certainly, the problems goes deeper, as you have mentioned there is no identity becuase NA has no identity. There is no cohesion, cooperation or sinergy among the different institutions and organizations.
There should be a circuit or a map pointing at all the historic buildings and houses in downtown neighborhoods. Perhaps the trolley could drive tourist and locals around showing the icons of the city, such as the steeples, MCLA, heritage park etc. More trees and green areas to beautify the city, signs pointing at different areas of the city. There could be a river walk behind Mass MOCA, by adding trees, benches, lights at night. Also downtown should offer a place where backpackers and hikers could come after hikes, they leave as soon as they are done with their hikes.
Please fine houseowners and landlords who have their housefronts full of junk. The highlights of the city are blurred by these housefronts. I would love to cooperate and volunteer to bring up downtown and give my points of view as a consumer and resident.Please make a residents and merchants forum invitating the public. | | from: resident | on: 06-08-2008 |
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| Let's face it Chris, in a town full of bad pizza joints, your's was the worst. Economic climate had nothing to do with that. These folks have fresh ideas and vision; qualities sorely lacking in this town and suppressed by the current regime. Good luck to Eagle Street. | | from: Dots | on: 06-04-2008 |
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| Wow Chris what do you have against Tim?? He is a very nice guy and trying to make a difference in the city...What are you so bitter about....I think you comment was totally uncalled for and an apology to him would be nice | | from: Eagle Street Angel | on: 06-04-2008 |
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wanted to take a minute today to thank everyone for the feedback, both good and bad. Sparking discussion is a motivator for change, and I am acting as a change agent for all local businesses.
I do want to be clear, i am not looking for an angel, or trying to make north adams the mecca of skateboarders, as my shop is very different. Skateboards only make up about one third of who i am. Dragonflii Clothing Co. is just that,, women's clothing,cool funky clothing, that is inspired by a california feel.
I look forward to more spirited debates along this journey!
| | from: dragonflii | on: 06-04-2008 |
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On behalf of Time and myself, I would like to thank everyone for their positive support of the merchants vision for downtown. To the nay-sayers, you have just as much right to your own opinion, but we will not let it hinder us in pursuing our own goals.
Yes, we are in tough economic times, there is no doubt about that. However, with the cost of gas rising, does it not make sense to provide consumers with products right in town, and save them the need to travel? I believe that the downtown could be something again, and a place where we could provide many of the goods and services consumers are looking for....it will be an uphill battle, but I think the investment in this area's future, as well as our children's future, is well worth it. | | from: Jessica Gwozdz | on: 06-04-2008 |
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| I think NA could make it much easier for pedestrians to get from MASS MoCA to Main and Eagle Streets with better crosswalks. Pretend that you're a MASS MoCA visitor and want to visit downtown -- have an idea of where downtown is (there's a map at MASS MoCA), you know its just a block or two, but if you try to get there on foot the crosswalks are not in logical places for pedestrians and the light at the corner of Main and Marshall is also no good for pedestrians. We have tons of crosswalks across Main Street and cars stop. Why can't there be more across Marshall Street? If we want visitors to go downtown, let's make it as easy (and pleasant) as possible for them to get there! | | from: Miss Sixty | on: 06-04-2008 |
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I have been really encouraged by local residents who choose to shop in North Adams. It's true that one cannot find everything one needs in our area, however, I rarely go to Pittsfield to shop. Most business will special order items as well for consumers. Form relationships with our local merchants and our town and that will only bring more business and a sense of community.
I find the comment made by Chris Tremblay completely inappropriate and mean spirited. Tim is doing very well on Eagle St. as are some of the other businesses. | | from: Christa Abel | on: 06-04-2008 |
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Eagle street is a hard sell. Parking is terrible.
Main Street has virtually no businesses left. Why
stay in North Adams to shop? Most people don't. I
have not shopped downtown in like forever. They have nothing that I want. | | from: sparrow | on: 06-04-2008 |
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| this has been tried in the past....this is nothing more than a group of people who feel they should be doing more business than they are and think that some outside force is working against them....i do agree that the berkshire chamber of commerce is doing nothing for north adams....the fact is that we are in the grasp of a recession and the people of north adams don't have discretionary funds to spend on non vital expenses....i found that out my self....and also the tourists that were to save us have simply driven by or not even bothered to drive here....tim get over yourself.....this aint the skate mecca of new england....you made a foolish business move and now you want everyone to feel sorry for you and are desperatly trying to find someone or something to blame....maybe if you stayed at all of those restaurants you resurected you wouldn't be crying.....wow you've put a whole 8 months into it....according to you your business should be of wal mart stature by now....maybe you'll find your angel | | from: chris tremblay | on: 06-03-2008 |
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| Berkshares might be another option as a marketing tool it will get you on their list of local businesses check out their site for more info. www.bershares.org alot of so. county business are using this idea since the "Big box" companies are not intrested in it and it has proven to attract people to the independant small businesses. | | from: Suzanne Eisermann | on: 06-03-2008 |
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I am not a merchant, but sounds to me like you would be better off to follow the example of Williamstown, and initiate North Adams Chamber of Commerce.
And I do believe a united stand is more likely to bring results. In other words, why not have all the merchants in the downtown area band together, rather than making a divided stand, just Eagle Street merchants. | | from: phyllis | on: 06-03-2008 |
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| Eagle Street was a bustling street in its heyday and it certainly can be again. You are definitely going in the right direction...keep up the good work, Don't quit "Downtown needs you". | | from: Jill Adams | on: 06-03-2008 |
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