Letter: 'It ain't over til it's over'

To the Editor:

The way I see it, Mass MoCA's illegal pillar art paint over of the children of North Adams historic art work and the following controversy, just "ain't over!"

For the past two years, this writer and others have worked tirelessly in an attempt to see if the kids art can be restored. Despite hundreds of signatures from locals and neighboring communities, the city of North Adams continues to keep hands off in doing something constructive in resolution of the issue.

You may recall that MoCA claimed that the artists who created a sound box under the bridge had exclusive right to the publicly owned pillars but, had no legal contract with the City to exercise the claim. Like the children, MoCA shared bi-mutual permission from the City to use the site for artistic displays.

Now here is the conundrum! Appearing on two pillars you will now see graffiti words that have been painted on two of the pillars. They have been there for months.

Vincent Melito
North Adams, Mass.

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.