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Construction on Phase 1 of the Greylock Glen trail system will begin this spring.

Greylock Glen Trail Work To Begin In Spring

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
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ADAMS, Mass. — The town, in conjunction with the state Department of Conservation and Recreation, will begin construction on Phase 1 of the Greylock Glen trail system this spring.
 
As the nicer weather returns, DCR will commence construction of the 2-mile, Class 1 "Glen Meadow Loop" trail in the center of the glen development area.
 
"I’m ecstatic," Town Administrator Tony Mazzucco said. "If I could do backflips I'd be doing them right now ... the credit goes to  [Director of Community Development] Donna Cesan. Her decade-plus worth of work is finally making this project a reality."
 
The trail is expected to be 8-10 feet wide crushed stone surface — the class 1 trails will be optimal walking, hiking, and biking, cross country skiing and even carriage and sleigh rides.
 
Eventually, work will continue to a 30-mile improved trail system for hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and skiing.
 
The state is investing some $3 million in the slightly modified trail system approved by the Conservation Commission last year. The original proposal was unvieled in 2009.
 
Cesan said in a press release that Phase 1 of this project will be the first part of the $50 million Greylock Glen resort project.
 
"Getting a jump start on construction of the trails system will not only be a boon for public enjoyment but help the Town attract private developer partners for the other components of the Glen resort development," Cesan said. 
 
Half of the trails will be built over existing trails and the other half will be new construction in fields or woodlands.
 
There will be multiple trails of different difficulties for mountain biking, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing and snowmobile connections. 
 
"We are incredibly excited to begin on-the- ground trail construction at Greylock Glen as a part of this model for environmental conservation, active recreation, and economic development," DCR Commissioner Leo P. Roy said in a press release.
 
The glen project has been designed as an environmentally sustainable ecotourism destination that will include a lodge and conference center, a campground, an outdoor recreation center and environmental education facility, a performing arts amphitheater, an environmental art garden and dozens of miles of multi-use trails.
 
The glen site in total is 1,063 acres and approximately 95 percent of that is permanently protected. Fewer than 50 acres will be developed, with the town as the lead developer.

Tags: DCR,   Greylock Glen,   trails,   

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Adams Housing Authority Seeking Commissioner

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
ADAMS, Mass. — Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners is in need of a member. 
 
Executive Director William Schrade notified the Board of Selectmen of the opening last month and returned at its request last week to explain the commission's responsibilities.
 
"The state has asked us to reach out and go every avenue we can to try to find people who might be willing to serve for the state appointee," he reminded the board. "If the state does not appoint someone within 120 days, it falls into the role the Board of Selectmen to be able to choose that person with no input, obviously, from our Board of Commissioners or or myself."
 
The three major duties of the authority's board is to monitor the annual budget, set policy and hire and fire the executive director. 
 
There are five members, three elected by the town, one appointed by the Selectmen and one by the governor. 
 
The Selectmen's appointee is the tenant representative and must be a resident of the authority. The board appointed the most recent tenant representative last spring. 
 
The seat is the governor's appointment with a term of five years. Any Adams resident interested can apply online here or contact Schrade at 413-743-5924.
 
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