Attorney Elisabeth C. Goodman Joins Donovan O'Connor and Dodig

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Donovan O'Connor & Dodig, LLP announced that Atty. Elisabeth C. Goodman has joined the firm.
 
Goodman comes to the firm after many years of successful practice in the Commonwealth, primarily in Berkshire County.
 
She was admitted to the Massachusetts bar in 1984 and is also admitted in the District of Columbia. She has extensive experience in real estate, zoning, and environmental law and represents a wide variety of clients including developers with innovative re-use projects, homeowners who organized into special government districts, emerging and start up companies, non-profit organizations, and environmental engineering firms. 
 
Goodman reviews and advises on complex transactions, including public financing and large-scale public construction projects. In addition to that work. Goodman is also experienced in estate planning and estate administration.
 
In addition to her advocacy for clients, Atty. Goodman is active in the community and has served as a board member of a number of local nonprofit organizations including, but by no means limited to, the Williamstown Chamber of Commerce, Greylock A Better Chance, Inc., and Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity. Goodman is presently the elected Town Moderator for Williamstown.
 
Marnie A. Clough, the current Managing Partner at the firm commented:
 
"Donovan O'Connor & Dodig, LLP is fortunate to have an attorney of Beth's caliber and background join the firm. Her knowledge and love of our area, coupled with her expertise in real estate, including zoning and environmental issues, as well as in estate planning and administration, is truly unique. We are excited to have her as part of our team."
 
Donovan O'Connor & Dodig, LLP is the region's oldest and largest law firm with offices in North Adams, Pittsfield, and Springfield, Massachusetts as well as in Bennington, Vermont and offers a wide range of legal services to meet the needs of the community.
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North Adams Housing Authority Director Steps Down

Staff Reports

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Jennifer Hohn, the longtime executive director of the North Adams Housing Authority (NAHA), has stepped down after 24 years with the agency.

The Berkshire Eagle reported that Hohn resigned from her position on Thursday. The NAHA Board of Commissioners is currently developing a transition plan.

Her resignation follows rising tension between Hohn and the tenants association. Residents—particularly at the Spring and Ashland Park apartments—have raised specific concerns regarding building security, drug activity, and trespassers.

This summer, Tenants Association President Corey Fortin posted a video on social media demonstrating that door alarms in some of the buildings were not functioning.

Shortly after the video was posted, the tenants association's office was locked. Members alleged Hohn locked the space in retaliation, while Hohn maintained it was a matter of tenant safety. Hohn also stated that NAHA does not officially recognize the association because it has yet to go through official channels for certification—a claim the tenants association disputes.

The dispute culminated in plans for a formal grievance hearing between Hohn and the association. Both sides agreed to hold a meeting on Oct. 3, but the hearing had not yet been scheduled at the time of her resignation.
During her tenure as director, Hohn oversaw significant changes at NAHA, including expansion and the dissolution of Housing Opportunities Incorporated, a program founded over 30 years ago to assist first-time homebuyers. Most recently, she led efforts to transition NAHA properties from traditional public housing models to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. She also directed the rebuilding of a Greylock Valley Apartments building after it was severely damaged by a fire.

The NAHA Board of Commissioners meets monthly, typically on Mondays.

 

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