ADAMS, Mass. — Spring Street's going to be the subject of award-winning photographer Gregory Crewdson.

 

The Board of Selectmen last week approved the closures of the street between Pleasant and Dean Streets from Wednesday through Saturday, April 1 to 4, to allow for the Crewdson's production company to set up for his complex and intricate shots. 

 

The street will be closed between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m., with no parking from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The production crew will number about 35. 

 

Hover Productions had requested two days mid-month but postponed to the rain date of the first week of April, though it's possible those the shooting could be delayed again. 

 

Acting Police Chief Timothy Sorrell reminded the board that Crewdson has used Adams in the past as a background for his urban surrealism. 

 

"With Spring Street, it was going to be seven o'clock in the morning and possibly eight o'clock at night, and they did that on Albert Street," he said. 

 

Administrative Assistant Jordan Lipinski said Council on Aging Director Sarah Fontaine had expressed concern about access to Barrett House, which is located at the corner of Pleasant and Spring streets. 

 

"The Barrett House isn't going to be affected, except they won't be able to come down right through Spring Street," said the chief, noting the parking lot and entrance on Pleasant Street. 

 

"I also suggested to the production company that they go around and personally speak to businesses and let them know what's going on, so they can make arrangements."

 

He said the entire street won't be closed off completely during those days except when the production does the "long shot."

 

"When they do the long shot, they need us to shut down the entire section of Spring Street because they're going to be set up down at Gavin [Avenue]," he said. "But they seem to imply that was going to be towards the end of the day."

 

Selectwoman Christine Hoyt asked that he speak with Fontaine about the schedule and Chair John Duval asked if residents would be able to get to their homes. 

 

Sorrell thought residents would have some access to their homes but might be delayed during the actual shooting and producers "work out something where they can park someplace else and get to their house, or whatever it is they have to do, because obviously, people need to get to and from their houses."

 

Board members suggested that the production company speak with the businesses and residents to ensure they knew what was happening.

 

Once it's clear the production would happen, Sorrell said he could do a reverse 911 so whoever had signed up for the alerts will get one noting the street has been shut down. 

 

The department will also post to social media. 

 

The board that night also approved a new contract with Sorrell to extend his acting position until June 30 with a bi-weekly salary in the amount of $4,900, less applicable taxes. Sorrell, who retired as the Lanesborough police chief and had been a special officer in Adams since 2021, was appointed as interim Adams chief in October. 

 

Board members said they were appreciative of the work he has been doing and have been hearing good things from the department.