Two former Massachusetts governors were in North Adams Saturday to announce new efforts to continue the city's transformation from an industrial-based economy to a tourist destination.Former governors Michael Dukakis and William Weld joined Mayor Richard Alcombright and MASS MoCA visionary Thomas Krens at Western Gateway Heritage State Park for a well attended press conference. Krens outlined plans for an extreme model railroading museum at the park and a global contemporary art museum at the city’s airport. Weld says the projects will create a six-mile cultural corridor between North Adams and Williamstown.
“It’s another step in the road to realizing that the arts and cultural offerings of western Massachusetts are arguably superior to those east of Route 495,” Weld said to rousing applause from a crowd of about 75 people.
Krens also announced a renewed push to revitalize the 1,200-seat Mohawk Theater. With further study coming, Krens says the projects are at least two years off.