MassDOT, Construction Firm Interested in Stanley Park Lots

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Site 9 redevelopment project is close to being finished with only some final amendments before approval.

"Site nine redevelopment project, if you look out there, you can tell we're getting very close to being completed. What's going on now is we're working with Mass DEP and the EPA to finalize the amended ERE," said Executive Director Michael Coakley at last week's meeting of the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority.

The ERE refers to the "easement and restriction for environmental conditions" at the site, required by the state's Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The amended documents will be sent to the state for approval before transferring the property to Mill Town.

"Hopefully, within a couple weeks, we're going to be all set, and then we sign that and send it off to the commissioner of DEP, and then she will hopefully approve it right away. And then everything will be set, and then we can do the transfer of the property, the 4.7 acres, to Mill Town," Coakley said.

Coakley brought up the negotiations with state Department of Transportation to use the parking lot adjacent to the Berkshire Innovation Center as a training site for commercial driver's licenses and motorcycles, noting the agency is still interested.

He also brought up the parking lot at Silver Lake Boulevard that is of interest to be used by Ludlow Construction.

"Ludlow Construction, it's going to be doing major work on the West Street project coming up, and they are looking for an area to store their equipment materials, and they've contacted me about leasing that parking lot," Coakley said.

The board authorized Coakley to negotiate the terms of a licensing agreement for Ludlow Construction.

Coakley also said leases with these two organizations will bring about $60,000 annually.

North Adams Council Recognizes Special Olympian, OKs Account Transfers

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
11:20AM / Wednesday, July 29, 2026

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 Monday 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.