NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) was honored recently by the Massachusetts Department of Public Safety Architectural Access Board and the Boston Society of Architects for the renovations of the Berkshire Towers dormitory. In recognition of the building’s improved accessibility, the College received the Public Architecture Honor Award during a ceremony at the State House.
Berkshire Towers, first built in 1973, began undergoing renovations in 2008. The brick towers now have a street-level entrance with an elevator to the main lobby. The old design had residents and guests enter on the second floor, using an exterior ramp.
Other additions to the space include a pull-off area for vehicles in front of the building, a kitchenette, new meeting and multi-purpose rooms, a new front desk, and a new laundry room and lounge space. “It’s an honor for the College to have a building project that’s been recognized by the state,” said Diane Manning, director of Residential Programs at MCLA. “It’s nice knowing that we have a facility welcoming to all... It’s really important to make sure buildings are accessible to all members of the MCLA community.
“The building was so lacking in any public space, and it’s so heart-warming to see the students in the meeting and multi-purpose rooms,” she added. “It’s such an improvement to the quality of life of the students in general.” The Berkshire Towers renovation project was designed by Kuhn Riddle Architects of Amherst.
The Massachusetts State College Building Authority funded the construction project through a $4 million bond. For more information on MCLA visit www.mcla.edu.
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Letter: Halt the Notch Reservoir Logging Project
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor:
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed logging project at the Notch Reservoir in North Adams, a key source of our city's drinking water. While the city has released minimal details regarding this project, what has been shared raises significant concerns about both the environmental and community impact.
After attending the Conservation Commission meeting on Oct. 3, it is clear that both the commission and the community feel ill-prepared to assess the project and its potential impacts on the surrounding wetlands.
There are several reasons this project must be reconsidered:
Risk to our watershed: Logging around our drinking water supply introduces the threat of contamination. The use of heavy machinery, combined with industrial activities such as equipment storage, maintenance, and potential leaks, poses an unnecessary risk to the water quality that so many residents depend on. The consequences of contamination could be devastating.
Lack of hydrological studies: No hydrological studies have been conducted to assess the current state of the reservoir or the surrounding wetlands. Without baseline data, we are unable to measure the long-term impact of this project. If water quality issues arise in the future, we will have no reference point to determine the extent of damage or hold responsible parties accountable. This is simply irresponsible.
Destruction of the Bellows Pipe Trail: The Bellows Pipe is an iconic hiking trail that connects our community to Mt. Greylock. This trail draws tourists and locals alike, contributing to the city's appeal and economy. The logging project threatens to severely damage this vital natural resource, severing a key part of our recreational landscape.
No financial benefit: The city's financial projections show a poor financial outcome from the logging project, meaning North Adams would not profit. To risk our watershed, our trails, and increased infrastructure strain makes no sense. The minimal financial gain does not justify the environmental and community costs.
Strain on local infrastructure: The increased use of local roads like Luce, Notch, and Reservoir roads by heavy logging equipment will put additional strain on our infrastructure. These roads run through residential neighborhoods, and the presence of industrial vehicles will not only cause wear and tear but also increase safety risks for residents and commuters. This cost has not been adequately considered.
I urge the city to halt this project, thoroughly study the potential impacts, and prioritize the long-term health of our natural resources.
Mill Town Circus's bright yellow and blue tent went up this week at Noel Field Athletic Complex and will open on Friday night with a 90-minute production inspired by the city's manufacturing history.
click for more
U.S. Sen. Edward Markey pledged his support as the city and its partners embark on an ambitious plan of refashioning the downtown, the Hoosic River, the bike path and the connections to the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. click for more
David Fabiano of Northern Berkshire Community Television Corp. has been selected as the grand marshal for the upcoming 68th annual Fall Foliage Parade presented by 1Berkshire. click for more
