Tom’s Top 3 for 01/02: North Adams Swears In Mayor And New Council

Thomas Bernard was officially sworn in as the 26th Mayor of North Adams on Monday. IBerkshires.com reports that during the ceremony he assured his constituents that mistakes will inevitably be made as the new government steps off the path into what he called the "exciting and uncertain wilderness of possibility." Bernard said he WILL make mistakes, but he will never fail for lack of trying. Bernard gave an address that looked back to the traditions and history of the city, as well as the mayors who preceded him. Also taking the oath of office on New Year’s Day were returning Councilors Eric Buddington, Joshua Moran and Wayne Wilkinson and Keith Bona. Newcomers Rebecca Cohen, Marie Harpin, Paul Hopkins and Jason LaForest were also sworn in. Bona, who is the longest serving city councilor in the city, was voted by his colleagues as council president.

Pittsfield Inaugural Taking Place Tuesday

A new Pittsfield City Council and school committee was scheduled to take the oath of office on Tuesday morning. IBerkshires.com reports that the 2018 inauguration ceremony is was scheduled for 10 A.M. in the City Council chambers. Two new councilors, two new School Committee members, and a new city clerk were being sworn in. The City Council features two new members including Earl Persip III and Helen Moon along with nine incumbent councilors. The School Committee welcomes Dennis Powell and William Cameron will be sworn in alongside incumbents four. Michele Cetti takes over as city clerk – And Mayor Linda Tyer was to give her inaugural address.

Contractor On Board For Eagle Mill

The principal developer of the former Eagle Mill in Lee has secured the property and partnered with an established New England contractor. The Berkshire Eagle reports that those are two significant steps toward fostering the $60 million to $70 million project. Jeffrey Cohen of Eagle Mill Redevelopment says the commercial entity bought the historic paper manufacturing facility for $700,000, five years after negotiating a purchase-and-sale agreement for the property from an Albany, N.Y. entity. The new owner closed the deal on Wednesday of last week. Cohen also announced that D.E.W Construction Corp. of Williston, Vermont, known for historic preservation and new construction, will convert the majority of the 6.4 acre site into affordable housing, commercial/retail space and possibly a 100-room hotel.