Now that the model units are open, Benchmark Development principal Charles said he expects to reconnect with prior contacts and hold regular open houses.
Though the vote was unanimous to keep the bridge closed, selectboard Chairman Steve Bannon said the board could always change its mind if there was a groundswell of objections from neighbors.
Chrystal Mahida and her husband, Vijay, who own several hotels in Berkshire County, did not offer a specific timeline for when construction to convert the school would begin, but she wanted to assure the public that plans are proceeding.
“Our goal is to even out the tourist season in the Berkshires so it lasts all year long."
---- Hotelier Vijay Mahida, on acceptance of the Business Person of the Year award
“The applicant has taken it all very much to heart and wants to do...what is right for the community…we all have the potential to get something good for Great Barrington.”
--- Sean Stanton, chairman of the Great Barrington Selectboard
“We are delighted. We feel good about the town. Vijay [Mahida] cares enough that he stepped up in a big way. They’re doing something very brave.”
-- Save Searles School founder Bobby Houston
Much of the discussion [about the hotel proposal] has either lost sight of the real issue or has twisted it into something it is not. I’ve been distressed by the seeming willingness of the participants in this debate to obfuscate what is, in actuality, a fairly simple question.
"The Selectboard will need to determine whether the proposed project will ‘redevelop’ the Searles building in a manner that secures to the Town the benefit of the building’s historic or cultural or architectural significance."
-- Great Barrington Town Counsel David Doneski
In his letter to the editor, Andy Moro of Housatonic writes: “The naysayers can't stand someone living the American dream proposing to develop an eyesore into something that will benefit the town.”
“It’s still the story of America,” noted Congressman Richard E. Neal, a story of the success of an immigrant family with tenacity and ambition. "Congratulations from the United States of America."
“This is an investment by local people. And we’ll be creating a shared environment for our customers and for the town, a virtual downtown resort, where our visitors will find destinations for entertainment, culture, shopping and dining within walking distance."
--- Chrystal Mahida, owner of 79 Bridge Street Realty, the future developer of the Searles School
"You could imagine that demolition is anathema to historic preservation. On the other hand, you could get a new structure that pays homage to history. It all depends on what the Selectboard is willing to do.”
-- Town Planner Christopher Rembold
