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The trees have been cleared and equipment stationed at Greylock School in North Adams in preparation of demolition.

New Greylock School Project Underway

By Tammy Daniels iBerkshires Staff
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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Greylock neighborhood has been alerted to the beginning of demolition at the old Greylock School. 
 
Construction equipment is already at the site and the trees that lined Phelps Avenue in front of the school have been removed. 
 
A superintendent at the site confirmed that some abatement was occurring in preparation for demolition of the 1951 elementary school to make way for a new building. 
 
The $51 million project was awarded to Fontaine Bros. Inc. of Springfield last month. The entire project is estimated at $65 million though it is currently running $2 million under budget. 
 
Mayor Jennifer Macksey, chair of the School Committee, wrote to residents in the area to inform them of the possibility of disruption from noise and construction equipment. 
 
City Councilor Marie McCarron read the letter into the council's minutes on Tuesday night. The mayor was not present.
 
In the missive, the mayor noted the city has entered into the agreement with Fontaine as general contractor and that Collier's International, as the owner's project manager, will continue to guide the project. 
 
"You may notice increased activity in the area surrounding the school, including construction vehicles, equipment and occasional noise during the week of March, 9, 2026," she wrote. "The general contractor is expected to mobilize equipment on site to begin demolition and abatement of the existing building. Around the same time, installation of the site fencing in the initial stages of the site work will begin." 
 
The mayor said the project team will be on site daily and will work closely with the general contractor to make sure any activities are within the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
 
"We are committed to maintaining clear and consistent communication with the neighborhood throughout this approximately 18-month project," Macksey wrote. "Updates will be shared through the school website and newsletters and will include information about major milestones, any changes to traffic patterns and activities that may temporarily affect the surrounding area."
 
Anyone wishing to receive periodic construction updates can provide their email address to Jeffrey Manley at Jeffrey.Manly@Collierseng.com or Todd Ashford at Todd.Ashford@Collierseng.com.

Tags: Greylock School Project,   

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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 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.
 
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