Controversial North Adams businessman Alex Kelly has signed a new lease at the city’s public airport.
Kelly, dubbed “The Preppy Rapist” in the 1980s, has been the source of public outcry since he began pursuing a home for his skydiving business at the Harriman-and-West airport early this year. After awarding him space at the airport at a contentious June meeting, the North Adams Airport Commission returned with new lease terms in July that included the ability to terminate any lease agreement at any time for any reason. Along with other dissatisfied airport users, Kelly expressed his disbelief with the terms to commission chair Jeffrey McNaughton.
“So what, we’re going to negotiate the lease in public?” asked Kelly.
“No, we’re not,” responded McNaughton.
North Adams Administrative Officer Michael Canales confirmed to WAMC that Kelly signed the new lease before the August 15th deadline.
