Lanesborough Asks for Input on Master Plan

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LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Residents are being asked to weigh in on the development of the town's first master plan. 
 
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission, through Senior Community Planner Seth Jenkins, is working to meet with town officials, boards/committees, and citizens to inform the plan. 
 
The document will provide the town with a clear direction for development, growth, and investment in the coming 10-20-year timeframe. The Planning Board will oversee the document's creation and help to implement the plan's objectives.
 
Master plans are typically divided into the following sections: goals and policies, land use, housing, economic development, natural and cultural resources, open space and recreation, services and facilities, circulation, implementation.
 
Massachusetts General Law, Title VII, Chapter 41, Section 81D assigns the responsibility of creating a master plan to the Planning Board to provide "a basis for decision-making regarding the long-term physical development of the municipality."  
 
To inform their decisions, the Planning Board needs input from the residents and stakeholders — the deadline is Nov. 1. 
 
"We are asking residents and businesses to tell us about their needs and desires for the town's future," said Jenkins. "The master plan is being paid for with a $50,000 grant from the state Executive Office of Environmental Affairs and $10,000 matches from both the town and Berkshire Regional Planning Commission."
 
The plan is expected to be finished by May 31, 2025. The link for the survey is www.surveymonkey.com/r/LanesboroughMP.
 
 
 
 
 

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North Adams Council Recognizes Special Olympian, OKs Account Transfers

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff

Jenna Thomas has participated in the Special Olympics for more than 20 years, earning numerous medals. 
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Special Olympian Jenna Thomas was recognized at City Council on Tuesday for her medal-winning performance at the 2026 games last month in Minnesota.
 
"I think it's so appropriate as I'm about to proclaim Disabilities Pride Month that we recognize and honor Jenna," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey, who had Thomas join her at the podium."
 
Thomas was one of nearly 3,000 athletes who participated in the 2026 Special Olympics, which brought nearly 3,000 athletes from across the country to celebrate the talents, determinations, and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She won bronze as a member of the Berkshire County Arc Titans bowling team, a fourth in doubles with teammate Katherine Meunier and placed in the top 10 for singles nationally.
 
She's been participating in Special Olympics since her teenage years, competing in cross country skiing, track and field since 2009. Thomas switched to bowling in 2019 and has won gold; she was recognized by the mayor in 2023 for her athletic accomplishments representing Massachusetts and North Adams. 
 
"Look at how beautiful that is — a bronze medal in bowling and placed fourth in the doubles competition, demonstrating her dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship on the national stage," said the mayor. "She also got to meet the governor's partner, Joanna [Lydgate], who we went out with for ice cream. ...
 
"In returning home, she credited her participation to the friendships she's made and the joy of competing ... her accomplishments are a source of pride for the city of North Adams and should serve as an inspiration for the entire community."
 
The mayor also presented $730,741.06 in end-of-year transfers. These transfers are made from accounts with excess funds to accounts that have gone over. Every line with the exception of snow and ice must be balanced for the end of the year.
 
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