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The Jones Block is envisioned by town officials as a cornerstone to downtown revitalization.

Work Resumes On Adams' Jones Block

By Andy McKeeveriBerkshires Staff
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Photos courtesy of Polonia Restoration.
Recent work has included insulation, planning and inspections.
ADAMS, Mass. — Work on the Jones Block has resumed after town officials recently voiced concern over its progress.

According to Director of Community Development Donna Cesan, the developer sent an email to the town outlining a schedule for future work.

The outline, which is expected to be updated in two weeks, calls for the upstairs apartment to be completed by the end of May and the entire building to be renovated by the end of the year.

"He's really focused on trying to finish it up," Cesan said on Friday. "We conveyed to him a number of times that we want him to finish it."

Town officials were concerned with the project because work had stopped and the town was losing contact with developer Gerry Sanchez, president of Polonia Restoration.

Two years ago, the town used a $1 million grant for exterior work on the Park Street building, envisioning the historic building would be vital to its downtown revitalization plans — leaving some with a fear that the investment had gone to waste.

However, the Monday email has changed things in Town Hall. Cesan said the delays were caused partially in regard to finances. The local bank the developer was using had new personnel working on the project, she said, and they were sorting out finances with him.

"I've heard there has been a lot of talk with the bank," Cesan said.

In Monday's email to the town, Sanchez said he was scheduled to meet with the town building inspector to approve insulation and a vapor barrier so wallboard could be installed in the apartment.

He also outlined a series of interior work that has been completed since the last time he met with town officials. Sanchez was in a conference on Friday and could not elaborate on the work.

The completed work includes plumbing, insulation and vapor barriers in all of the first floor and preparation for the completion of the apartment.

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Adams Community Bank Makes Donations to Local Food Pantries

ADAMS, Mass. — Adams Community Bank (ACB) announced $50,000 in charitable donations to support food pantries across Berkshire County.
 
The funds will be distributed directly to food pantries serving families and individuals in need across the county's cities and towns. 
 
This donation aims to help pantries meet rising demand for essential food supplies, especially as many households continue to face increased economic pressures. 
 
"As a community bank, our mission extends far beyond financial services," said Julie Fallon Hughes, President and CEO of ACB. "We are dedicated to supporting the well-being of our neighbors. These food pantries play a critical role in ensuring families have access to nutritious food, and we are honored to help them continue this vital work."
 
In conjunction with the donation, every ACB branch is hosting a bank-wide food drive throughout December. Community members, customers, and employees are invited to drop off non-perishable food items at any of our branch locations. All donations will remain in the local community, benefiting the food pantry that serves each respective town or city.
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