Council Votes to Cut Sustainability Panel to 7 Seats
North Adams Council voted to amend and advance a Sustainability and Tree Commission ordinance, cutting its proposed size from nine to seven members. Acting President Fitch presided for the absent Council President Shade.
Select Board · Meeting of September 9, 2026
North Adams Council voted to amend and advance a Sustainability and Tree Commission ordinance, cutting its proposed size from nine to seven members. Acting President Fitch presided for the absent Council President Shade. Councilor McCarran argued to keep nine seats, saying the panel "was going to garner a lot of interest," but Councilor Sapienza said "leveling it out at seven would be much better." The council also postponed a proposed e-bike ordinance to November and scheduled a September 22 hearing on a new National Grid pole petition for Phelps Avenue.
During open forum, residents Jen Barbo and Lou Gurchie said Mayor Jennifer Maxey is illegally bypassing council confirmation for North Adams Housing Authority board appointments, citing Massachusetts General Law Chapter 121B and warning of possible HUD intervention.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,663 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of September 9, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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