Letter: Women's Political Caucus Endorses Blackmer, Harpin

To the Editor:

The Massachusetts Women's Political Caucus Political Action Committee is a nonpartisan organization that recruits, trains and seeks to elect qualified women to public office. Over the 2019 election cycle, we have proudly announced our endorsements and rolled out support for numerous women running for office across the commonwealth including North Adams City Councilor Marie Harpin and Lisa Hall Blackmer, who are running for City Council in North Adams.

Councilor Marie Harpin, an incumbent, has been a passionate advocate for North Adams growth in the cultural economy along with farming and advanced manufacturing, leading to a diverse economy attracting workers to the area. She grew up in North Adams and is proud to be giving back to the community. Her dedication to the people of North Adams is a vital voice for all.

Lisa Hall Blackmer, a former city councilor, served on the North Adams City Council as president and vice president. She understands the challenges facing North Adams in planning and legislation. As an experienced lawmaker, we think she can work collaboratively to achieve success and bring meaningful growth to the community.

Amy Diamond and Caitlyn Clarke
co-chairmen of the MWPC PAC

North Adams Planners OK Starbucks Development on Problem Corner

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
05:19AM / Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Peter LaPointe of Colvest Group reviews aspects of the development plan at Monday's Planning Board hearing. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Planning Board on Monday approved a multi-tenant redevelopment of the former St. Francis property that will include a long-rumored Starbucks.

 

The special permit includes the site plan, a variance to the 35-foot setback and, as a condition, the addition of curbing to restrict driveway access on Eagle Street to right-turns only.

 

Colvest Group of Springfield plans to construct three buildings with four to six retail spaces, two drive-throughs and parking for 57 vehicles at the corner of Union and Eagle streets. 

 

Starbucks has committed to occupying a 2,500 square-foot building, said Peter LaPointe, vice president of real estate and construction for Colvest, and another national chain has signed a letter of intent for the "fast food" location on the plans. 

 

LaPointe said he could not name the restaurant at this time and that there were no tenants yet for the retail portions. Colvest would continue to own and maintain the property.

 

Colvest purchased the 1.9-acre lot in 2018 for $1.4 million, two years after the historic Catholic church was razed. The company demolished the rectory last year.

 

Planners have long considered this entrance corridor problematic because of traffic congestion at the lights where Eagle and Union/Veterans Memorial Drive (Route 2) cross. This is in part caused by drivers trying to enter and exit McDonald's and Dunkin Donuts directly across from the St. Francis property.