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The New Bedford City Council met on January 8, 2026, handling a series of appointments and engaging in a heated debate over a proposed zoning change for parking requirements. The meeting began with several routine reappointments, including Gordon Carr to the Steamship Authority Port Council, Michael J. Paiva to the Traffic Commission, and Reverend Dr. Sandra Gatlin Whitley to the Council on Aging, all of which passed unanimously. The council also unanimously approved the new appointment of Wayne Edwards to the Veterans Advisory Board, waiving the standard committee screening process to expedite filling vacancies on that board. A key moment was the confirmation of Jason Thody as the new Chief of Police. The appointment was approved by a 9-1 vote, with Councillor Naomi R. A. Carney casting the dissenting vote, expressing her preference for an internal candidate, Captain Nate Rodriguez. Following the vote, Chief Thody was officially sworn in. The council also approved the appointment of George M. Beverus to the Board of Park Commissioners in a 10-0 vote. The most contentious part of the evening involved an ordinance to amend parking requirements. Councillor Leo Choquette, supported by numerous Ward 1 residents in attendance, moved to send the item back to committee for another public hearing, arguing the initial one was not well-publicized. This motion failed 3-7, and a subsequent motion to table the item also failed 4-6. The ordinance was ultimately passed to a second reading. The council also referred motions to committee regarding the potential lease of a Diocese of Fall River parking lot and the disposition of the former Phillips Avenue Elementary School, sparking discussion about past development opportunities.
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Council
City Officials
Public Safety
Public / Other
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
0:57Today is Thursday, January 8th, 7:01 PM, in the City Council chamber.
1:04At this time, I will recognize Deaconess Donna Britto of the In the Name of Jesus Church to lead us in a prayer.
1:15Amen.
1:16Thank you for inviting me.
1:17Happy New Year, everyone.
1:21Let us pray.
1:22Heavenly Father, Savior Jesus, Holy Spirit, as we begin this new year, we lift up our city council to you.
1:32Grant them wisdom to lead, unity to work together, and courage to serve justly.
1:41Bless our city with peace, opportunity, and health for all residents.
1:48May our leaders always remember their call to serve the least among us, and may our community be a beacon of your love and grace.
2:00Help us to build a future of hope, understanding, and shared prosperity.
2:06In Jesus' mighty name, amen.
2:12I will ask Councilor at Large Ian Abreu to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
2:15I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
2:31Thank you, Mr. President.
2:32Thank you, Councilor.
2:36I am joined this evening by my colleagues in the New Bedford City Council: Councilor-at-Large Ian Abreu, Councilor of Ward 2 Scott Pemberton, Councilor of Ward 1 Leo Choquette, Councilor-at-Large James Roy, Councilor-at-Large Naomi Carney, Councilor of Ward 3 Sean Oliver, and Councilor-at-Large Shane Burgo.
2:57I would just like to note that this meeting is being live streamed and recorded.
3:00City Council and committee meetings can be viewed on the City of New Bedford's homepage under Quick Links, then Meetings.
3:06I'll ask the clerk at this time if there are any letters to be read into the record.
3:09Mr. President, I have one letter from Councilor Lopes.
3:12Dear Council President Pereira and honorable members of the council, I am writing to inform you that I'll be unable to attend the City Council meeting on Thursday, January 8th, 2026, due to a prior commitment.
3:23Please read this letter into the record to make my colleagues and the public aware the reason for my absence.
3:27Sincerely, Joseph P. Lopes, Councilor of Ward 5.
3:30Motion received and placed on file.
3:32Motion to receive and place on file has been made by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Abreu.
3:37Any discussion on receiving the letter and placing it on file?
3:41All those in favor say aye.
3:42Aye.
3:43Opposed?
3:44The ayes have it.
3:44The chair would also like to recognize we have been joined by Councilor-at-Large Brian Gomes.
3:50Mayor's Papers is before us.
3:52I'll ask the clerk to read item M1, please.
3:54Mr. President, M1 is communication from the mayor to the council submitting the reappointment of Gordon Carr, the executive director of the New Bedford Port Authority, as the New Bedford designee to the Steamship Authority Port Council.
4:06This term will expire on December 31st, 2026.
4:13Motion to grant the reappointment's been made by Rule 38, uh, been made by Councilor Abreu, along to waiving Rule 38 and Rule 40, seconded by Councillor Baptiste, who has joined us.
4:26Um, 8 votes are needed as this is waiving rules.
4:30I'll ask the clerk to call the roll.
4:32Councillor Abreu?
4:33Yes.
4:33Councillor Baptiste?
4:34Yes.
4:35Yes.
4:35Councillor Burgoyne?
4:36Yes.
4:37Yes.
4:37Councillor Carney?
4:38Yes.
4:38Yes.
4:39Councillor Chauquet?
4:40Yes.
4:41Yes.
4:41Councillor Gomes?
4:42Yes.
4:42Yes.
4:43Councillor Oliver?
4:44Yes.
4:45Yes.
4:45Councillor Pemberton?
4:46Yes.
4:47Yes.
4:47Councillor Pereira?
4:48Yes.
4:48Yes.
4:49Councilor Roy?
4:49Yes.
4:50Yes.
4:50Passes 10 to 0, Mr. President.
4:52Item passes 10 to 0.
4:54Colleagues, I would also just like to share, um, I've had a communication with, um, Mr. Gordon Carr, and, uh, he has been— if reappointed, which we just did, uh, he will be serving as the Port Council's chairman next year, representing New Bedford and serving as the chair of that board.
5:09So best of luck to him.
5:10I'll ask the clerk to read item number M2, please.
5:14Mr. President, M2 is communication from the mayor to the city council submitting the reappointment of Michael J. Paiva of New Bedford, Massachusetts, to the Traffic Commission.
5:22This term will expire in December of 2028.
5:25Same course of action.
5:27Second course of action made by Councilor Gomes, second by Councilor Oliver.
5:31And that is to grant the reappointment, waiving Rules 38 and 40.
5:358 votes are needed.
5:36I will ask the clerk to call the roll.
5:38Councilor Abram.
5:39Yes.
5:40Councilor Baptiste.
5:41Yes.
5:41Councilor Burgos.
5:42Yes.
5:43Yes.
5:43Councilor Carney.
5:44Yes.
5:45Yes.
5:45Councilor Yes.
5:47Yes.
5:47Councilor Gomes.
5:48Yes.
5:49Yes.
5:50Councilor Oliver.
5:51Yes.
5:51Yes.
5:52Councilor Pemberton.
5:52Yes.
5:53Yes.
5:53Councilor Pereira.
5:54Yes.
5:55Yes.
5:55Councilor Roy.
5:56Yes.
5:57Yes.
5:57Passes 10 to 0.
5:58Item passes 10 to 0.
6:00I do not believe I see him in attendance.
6:02I don't think so.
6:03Okay.
6:03Anyway, I'll ask the clerk to read M3.
6:07Mr. President, M3 is communication from Mayor Mitchell to the council submitting the reappointment of Reverend Dr. Sandra Gatlin Whitley of New Bedford, Massachusetts, to the Council on Aging.
6:17Her term will expire in December of 2028.
6:20Is it in course of action?
6:22Motion's been made to waive Rules 38 and 40 and grant the reappointment by Councilor Carney, seconded by Councilor Baptiste.
6:29Any discussion?
6:30I will ask the clerk to call the roll.
6:33Councilor Abreu?
6:34Yes.
6:34Councilor Baptiste?
6:36Yes.
6:36Councilor Berrigo?
6:37Yes.
6:38Yes.
6:38Councilor Carney?
6:39Yes.
6:39Yes.
6:40Councilor Choquette?
6:41Yes.
6:42Yes.
6:42Councilor Gomes?
6:44Yes.
6:44Councilor Oliver?
6:45Yes.
6:45Yes.
6:46Councilor Pemberton?
6:46Yes.
6:47Yes.
6:48Councilor Pereira?
6:48Yes.
6:49Yes.
6:49Councilor Roy?
6:50Yes.
6:51Yes.
6:52Passes 11— I'm sorry, 10 to 0.
6:53Item passes 10 to 0.
6:55I'll ask the clerk to read item M4.
6:58Mr. President, M4 is a communication from Mayor Mitchell to the City Council submitting the appointment of Wayne Edwards of New Bedford, Massachusetts to the Veterans Advisory Board replacing Karen Cosme, whose term has expired.
7:09This term will expire in December of 2026.
7:12Same course of action.
7:14Motion's been made to waive Rules 38 and 40 and grant the appointment by Councilor Burgos, seconded by Councilor Baptiste.
7:24Anyone on the question?
7:24Chair recognizes Councilor Burgos.
7:27Yeah, so I know everyone's like, what are you doing?
7:29This isn't a reappointment.
7:30Um, so yeah, so to To explain a little bit, for those of us that have been on council and know about the Veterans Advisory Board, they struggle a lot to fill the vacancies.
7:40I think right now they have about 4 or 5 vacancies.
7:43If we're able to fill this, then they'll only have 4 vacancies.
7:45They're looking right now, they have a pending application, and hopefully if that person gets through, they'll only have 3 vacancies.
7:53Unfortunately, very sadly, a lot of times when we do fill these vacancies, the person ends up dying.
8:01And so that's why it's very hard to fill this board.
8:04And even when we do fill the board, they have a tough time meeting a quorum.
8:07And so as we know, we just reorganized this body.
8:11It will take time for our new president to put out the committee assignments, get appointments and briefings scheduled, have this— I know typically we would send this to committee to be screened, then have him referred back out.
8:24Then get re— get actually appointed, that will take months.
8:30So to get this Veterans Advisory Board, tongue twister there, the VAB, back on board to be meeting and functional, I'm asking for this one exception that we waive the screening.
8:44If you've looked at his application, you've had a chance, you see that this veteran is recently retired, has a lot of time on his hand, and is willing to give back to this board, which again is a voluntary board.
8:55He has contract negotiation and purchasing experience.
8:58He's very much interested in veteran housing, mental health, and availability of service.
9:04What we can do, if you'd like, we can waive the screening, grant the appointment, and not waive Rule 40.
9:10And if you have reservations and you want to reach out to him, and within 24 hours you can have it put back on for the next council agenda, but I would just ask that you consider passing this through so we don't hold up the work of the Veterans Advisory Board at this time.
9:24Thank you.
9:28Anyone else on debate?
9:31Okay, seeing none this time, I'll ask the clerk to call the roll.
9:36Councilor Abreu?
9:37Yes.
9:38Councilor Baptiste?
9:39Yes.
9:40Councilor Brigo?
9:41Yes.
9:41Councilor Carney?
9:42Yes.
9:43Yes, Councillor Chauquette.
9:44Yes.
9:45Yes, Councillor Gomes.
9:46Yes.
9:46Yes, Councillor Oliver.
9:48Yes.
9:48Yes, Councillor Pemberton.
9:50Yes.
9:50Yes, Councillor Pereira.
9:51Yes.
9:52Yes, Councillor Roy.
9:53Yes.
9:54Yes, passes 10 to 0, sir.
9:56Item passes 10 to 0.
9:58M5 is before us.
10:00Mr. President, M5 is a communication from the mayor to the council submitting the appointment of Daniel Luis Reyes Ortiz of New Bedford as a constable, and M5A is his application.
10:10Motion to receive and place on file and refer to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings.
10:13Second.
10:14Motion to receive and place on file the communication and refer the item, the appointment, to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings, made by Councilor Burgos, seconded by Councilor Oliver.
10:24Any discussion on referral?
10:26All those in favor say aye.
10:27Aye.
10:28Opposed?
10:28The ayes have it.
10:29I will ask the clerk— we are moving on to new business now, and I'll ask the clerk to read item number 1.
10:35Mr. President, item 1 is a report from the Committee on Finance.
10:38Recommending to the council approval of the report as amended, recommending adoption of the order as amended for the City of New Bedford to accept the donation of real estate from Wayland Development Corporation shown on the City of New Bedford Assessor's Map 132 as Lot 62.
10:53Motion to receive and place on file and grant the order as amended.
10:58Motion to receive and place on file the report and adopt the order as amended, made by Councilor Oliver.
11:04Seconded by Councilor Abril.
11:05Any discussion on the item before us?
11:09All those in favor say aye.
11:10Aye.
11:11Opposed?
11:11The ayes have it.
11:12I will ask the clerk to read item number 2.
11:14Mr. President, item 2 is a report from the Committee on Finance recommending to the City Council adoption of the resolution to file and accept grants with and from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities grant program for improvements to the common, and adoption of the resolution for the dedication of Riverside Park.
11:352A and 2B are the resolutions.
11:41Motion to adopt the resolutions items 2A and 2B made by Councilor Abreu, seconded by Councilor Oliver.
11:48Any discussions on these items?
11:50All those in favor say aye.
11:52Aye.
11:53Opposed?
11:54The ayes have it.
11:55I will ask the clerk to read item number 3.
11:57Mr. President, item 3 is a report from the Committee on Appointments and Briefings recommending to the City Council approval of the appointment of Jason Thode as the New Bedford Chief of Police.
12:063A is a communication from the mayor.
12:08Motion to receive and place on file and approve the appointment and waive Rule 40, Councilor.
12:14And waive Rule 40.
12:15Yes.
12:16Motion to grant the appointment and waive Rule 40 made by Councilor Burgo, seconded by Councilor Baptiste.
12:23Anyone on the question?
12:25Chair recognizes Councilor Carney.
12:28Yes, thank you very much.
12:30For those who weren't here or didn't watch the appointments and briefings when this item came before us, I did welcome Chief Doty to the city.
12:41I wish him luck in his appointment because I know he'll be granted.
12:44But as I stated in appointments and briefings, my My response will be a no.
12:51And the reason for that, I won't go into major details.
12:53I did at the appointments and briefings meeting.
12:55Anybody can tune in and watch it.
12:57But as I said, we had 3 people, 3 police officers that were in front of the screening committee.
13:082 were from out of town and 1 was our own Captain Nate Rodriguez.
13:14Now there's 3 appointments there, and the 3 appointments went to the mayor's office, and the mayor chose Chief Doty, and which is his prerogative to choose the chief of police.
13:26But I'm of strong opinion that we should look at our own, and we have a homegrown here.
13:33The man's been in the city and working for the police department for well over 25 years, and I thought that he should have had a chance to become chief of police.
13:43So that's why my, my answer, my response will be no this evening in the chief's appointment, only for the fact that I think that we should start looking at our own.
13:53And what do we tell our men in uniform coming through the ranks, that you're going to work hard and come through the ranks, but when it comes to the top steps in the top positions, you're not going to get it.
14:05So anyways, that might be a no, but I do welcome Chief Doty.
14:08I know he'll be appointed tonight, and I do welcome him to the city, and I really do appreciate him coming here and deciding to live in New Bedford and not live in the outskirts.
14:18So thanks for that.
14:19Thank you.
14:19Thank you, Mr.
14:20Chair.
14:20Thank you, Councilor Carney.
14:22Any other— anyone else on the question?
14:25Okay.
14:25A roll call was requested, but we are waiving Rule 40.
14:27We need a roll call regardless.
14:29Thank you, Councilor.
14:30Clerk will call the roll.
14:31Councilor Abril?
14:32Yes.
14:33Yes.
14:33Councilor Baptiste?
14:34Yes.
14:35Councilor Borgo?
14:36Yes.
14:36Yes.
14:36Councilor Carney?
14:37No.
14:38No.
14:38Councilor Choquette?
14:39Yes.
14:40Yes.
14:40Councilor Gomes?
14:41Yes.
14:41Yes.
14:42Councilor Oliver?
14:43Yes.
14:43Yes.
14:44Councilor Pemberton?
14:45Yes.
14:45Yes.
14:46Councilor Pereira?
14:47Yes.
14:47Yes.
14:47Councilor Roy?
14:49Yes.
14:49Yes.
14:49Passes 9 to 1, Mr. President.
14:51Item passes 9 to 1.
14:53I will ask the chief to approach the podium, please.
15:09I, Jason Thody.
15:10I, Jason Thody.
15:11Do solemnly swear.
15:12Do solemnly swear.
15:13That I will faithfully and impartially.
15:15That I will faithfully and impartially.
15:17And to the best of my ability and understanding.
15:19And to the best of my ability and understanding.
15:21Perform my duties as Chief of Police.
15:23Perform my duties as Chief of Police.
15:25By serving the citizens of New Bedford.
15:27By serving the citizens of New Bedford.
15:29Officer And the officers in my command, with compassion, courage, and integrity.
15:36I will do all in accordance with the Constitution of the United States, the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the charters and ordinances of the City of New Bedford.
15:51So help me God.
16:27Congratulations, Chief.
16:28I'll ask the clerk to read items— item M, uh, item 4, please.
16:34Mr. President, item 4 is report from the Committee on Appointments and Briefings recommending to the council approval of the appointment of George M. Beverus of New Bedford to the Board of Park Commissioners, replacing Lee Blake, who has resigned, for Aides to Communication.
16:47Same course of action.
16:49Motion to grant the appointment and waive Rule 40, made by Councilor Oliver, seconded by Councilor Abreu.
16:54Anyone on the question?
16:57Roll call vote.
16:59Councilor Abreu?
17:00Yes.
17:01Councilor Baptiste?
17:01Yes.
17:02Yes.
17:03Councilor Burgos?
17:03Yes.
17:04Yes.
17:06Councilor Carney?
17:06Yes.
17:07Yes.
17:07Councilor Chauquette?
17:08Yes.
17:09Yes.
17:09Councilor Gomes?
17:10Yes.
17:11Yes.
17:11Councilor Oliver?
17:12Yes.
17:13Yes.
17:13Councilor Pemberton?
17:14Yes.
17:15Yes.
17:15Councilor Pereira?
17:16Yes.
17:16Yes.
17:17Councilor Roy?
17:18Yes.
17:18Yes.
17:19Passes 10 to 0.
17:21Item passes 10 to 0.
17:23I will ask Mr. Viveras to step up to be sworn in.
17:42I, George Viveras.
17:43I, George Viveras.
17:44Do solemnly swear.
17:45Do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and impartially perform my duties as a member of the Board of Park Commissioners in accordance with the laws and the Constitution of the United States, Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the charter and ordinances of the City of New Bedford.
18:11Charter and ordinances of the City of New Bedford.
18:14So help me God.
18:15So help me God.
18:43Without objection, the chair will take items 5, 6, and 7 together.
18:47They are all items out of committee and all to be passed to a second reading.
18:52I'd like to sever item number 7, please.
18:55Okay, item 7 has— item 7 will be severed, so we'll take items 5 and 6 together.
19:02Mr. President, item 5 is a report from the Committee on Ordinances recommending to the City Council approval of the ordinance amending Chapter 9 of the Comprehensive Zoning by adding Section 4200D, Solar Energy Systems.
19:145A is the ordinance.
19:16And item 6 is a report from the Committee on Ordinances recommending to the City Council approval of the ordinance amending Chapter 9 of Comprehensive Zoning relative to accessory dwelling units.
19:256A is the ordinance.
19:32Motion to pass both ordinances 5 and 6 to a second reading, made by Councilor Abreu, seconded by— seconded by Councilor Burgo.
19:41Anyone on the question?
19:43All those in favor say aye.
19:44Aye.
19:46Opposed?
19:46The ayes have it.
19:47I will ask the clerk to read item number 7.
19:49Mr. President, item 7 is a report from the Committee on Ordinances recommending to the council approval of the ordinance as amended relative to Chapter 9, Comprehensive Zoning, relative to parking requirements, Appendix C, Table of Parking and Loading Requirements.
20:027A is the ordinance as amended.
20:04Motion to send this item back to the Committee on Ordinance— second— additional public input.
20:10Motion to refer the item back to the Committee on Ordinances made by Councilor Choquette, seconded by Councilor, uh, Gomes.
20:19Any discussion on the item?
20:20On the question?
20:22Chair recognizes Councilor Chaukat.
20:24Good evening.
20:26So I'm joined in the chambers tonight by many residents of Ward 1, and if you are from Ward 1, please feel free to raise your hand.
20:37So unfortunately, the public hearing that we had a week before Christmas was not very well advertised, and there were a lot of individuals whose opinions were not allowed to be made as a record or matter of public record.
20:53So I really believe that since we work for these people and that many of us knocked on their doors, these folks need to have the ability to speak on this issue.
21:06Now, that may or may not stop what is about to happen with these parking requirements and the changes in the zoning, and it may very well not affect them at all.
21:18We may move on, but we have to make sure that we allow these folks to have their opinions heard.
21:26These are the people we work for.
21:28These are the people who pay our salaries, and these are the people who have concerns.
21:35And I would respectfully request that you know, folks look past the notion that, well, they had their chance.
21:45There was a public meeting.
21:48Because the next time some of us need votes from these folks, they may knock on— you may knock on their door and they may say, nope, the time has passed, not interested in talking to you.
21:59So going forward, I want this to go back to committee.
22:06And again, we're not, we're not trying to beat the Russians to the moon.
22:10One additional meeting is not going to end the city of New Bedford and the ability to make zoning changes, some of it, some of which I do agree with, but some of which I don't agree with.
22:21And as President Kennedy once said, some of the best ideas in government come by letting the people speak.
22:27This is the people's house.
22:29Councilor, I stole your Your quote.
22:32But this is the people's house, and, you know, we need to let the people speak, because if not, then why are we even here?
22:41I yield.
22:42Thank you, Councilor Choquette.
22:45Thank you, Councilor Choquette.
22:46Uh, just for clarification purposes, I just would like to say that our office staff properly advertised this, uh, as required by Mass state law in the Standard Times and the city's website.
22:57For both the planning board and the committee.
22:59Um, so just, just for the record, the chair will rec— please, no applause.
23:05Thank you.
23:06Uh, chair will recognize Councilor Burgo.
23:09Uh, thank you, Mr. President, uh, for making those remarks, because that was the first thing I wanted to address about being well advertised.
23:15Because one of the criticisms, I think, of the public hearing was— well, first of all, there was a picture of a long line of individuals, some of which don't even live in New Bedford, and that was one of the criticisms.
23:25So people who don't live in New Bedford apparently got the advertisement, but some residents in Ward 1, I think theatrically I might say raise your hand if you were going to attend that meeting.
23:36I think they were aware of it but just assumed that it wasn't going to go through.
23:40It's also insulting to, I think, our planning board that did a lot of work crafting this.
23:45I know there's a lot of talk around just housing in particular in particular, but this parking ordinance does a lot more than just around housing and single-family housing or multifamily housing.
23:56It has to do with a whole myriad of parking situations.
24:01And I think that it's very shortsighted to get angry about one particular type of housing that Ward 1 in particular has tried as hard as they can to keep out of their particular ward.
24:13The whole not in my backyard mentality, while the rest of New Bedford from Ward 2 to 6 has tried their best to make it possible for people in New Bedford to live.
24:24So it's frustrating to me to see the work of government do this and see a small amount of people try to insult the work that has been done here and make it seem as though something's being rushed through when that is the last thing that has has taken place here.
24:42At the appropriate time, I'd like to make a motion to pass to a second reading.
24:46Thank you.
24:46Thank you, Councilor.
24:48Chair recognizes Councilor Gomes.
24:52Thank you, Mr. President.
24:52I kind of felt compelled to stand right now.
24:56You know, you just heard a few minutes ago about the people's house.
24:59This is the people's house, and we work for the people.
25:02And if the people weren't notified, if people didn't know about it And they know about it now.
25:07They should be given the opportunity because we have the power to give them the opportunity.
25:14Please, no applause.
25:15Thank you.
25:18We must remember why we're here and who put us here.
25:22The people put us here.
25:24And when the people have a request, we should stand up for the people and we should grant them that request.
25:31Tonight they're asking the districts go back to committee so that we get some public input, some public input that probably wasn't heard before.
25:38This has nothing to do with our staff.
25:40Our staff does a fantastic job.
25:41The planning board does their job.
25:43Everybody did their job.
25:46But I'm kind of broken to hear, you know, for a small amount of people.
25:50Let me tell you, that area is not a small amount of people.
25:53That area is a lot of people, and a lot of people who have lived there for a long damn time.
25:57I've been here 36, 34 going on my 36 years, many of these faces that you see, they have been in that neighborhood, owned them properties, or got the properties from their parents or whatever as, as things move along on our journeys in life.
26:12So I, I don't really want to get into a hassle with my colleagues, but I really believe again that this is the people's house.
26:20And when the people request you to hold a meeting so that they have an opportunity because they did not know, or whatever the factor is, that's our job, and we're the brokers for them.
26:32And that's why I'll pass the— I'll vote in favor of this tonight, because they should have the opportunity.
26:38That's all they're asking.
26:39The People's House, it belongs to them, not us.
26:44Thank you, Councillor Gomes.
26:46Anyone else on there first?
26:48Chair Agnes, Councillor Carney.
26:50Yes, um, I was wondering if we could ask our legal counsel to step to the podium.
26:56I have a question for him about the public hearing.
27:04Okay, so, um, on this ordinance that we had as a public hearing, can we bring it back to committee just to hear from the people without readvertising and changing, you know, going back to a public hearing?
27:21Or can we move, put a related motion to move it to maybe appointments and briefings so we can address the concerns of the neighborhood, so we can hear what they have to say about a parking ordinance?
27:34I understand it was properly advertised and whatever.
27:38It was the holidays, um, a lot of people were busy around that time.
27:42So, um, you know, I'm just wondering how the procedure would go.
27:47You could do it either way.
27:50You could send it and have a readvertised public hearing to open the public hearing.
27:54You could then just send it there for more discussion and invite certain people that were not able to speak.
28:00My recommendation would be that you send it back and you do a public hearing that's advertised so all people can come, people who are here want to speak one way about it or if they want to speak for it or against it.
28:12But my recommendation would be that you— if you choose to do this and open it back up for more public input, that you send it to the Ordinance Committee.
28:21And when that meeting's called, it's an advertised public hearing to reopen the public hearing and do it again and take more testimony from everyone.
28:29That would be my recommendation.
28:31Okay, thank you.
28:33Just a point of clarification, a piece of this.
28:36Attorney Garatowski, can you speak to the timelines as well associated with this.
28:40I believe the planning board would have to rehear it as well because we would elapse, uh, from my recollection serving as chairman of the ordinance committee.
28:47So yeah, um, uh, Chapter 48, Section 5 requires so much time after you hold a public hearing that you need to vote on it.
28:55Um, and so you— I don't know what the date of that was, but if you— it says you have to vote it, I believe it's within 90 days of the public hearing.
29:05But if you're having a public hearing again, you're starting that clock again.
29:10So you can send it back to the committee, you can send it back to the ordinance committee to have a public hearing.
29:16It says you cannot— if you don't vote within 90 days of the public hearing, you can't vote on it without a subsequent public hearing.
29:23This would be the subsequent public hearing that would start the 90-day clock from running again.
29:28And just for clarification, the 45-day clock from the planning vote has already been satisfied.
29:31That doesn't have to be— That's correct.
29:33Okay, thank you.
29:38Anyone else on the question on their first?
29:43Councilor Chauquette, did you request a second?
29:46I am— I did not, but I am ready to do a roll call vote on this motion as counsel— counsel— as Attorney Gorotowski instructed us.
29:57Okay, a roll call vote was requested on the question of sending this back to the Committee on Ordinances for an additional public input.
30:06The item before us is to refer the item back to committee.
30:09I will ask the clerk to call the roll.
30:11Councilor Abrams?
30:13No.
30:13Councilor Baptiste?
30:14Yes.
30:15Yes.
30:15Councilor Burgos?
30:17No.
30:17Councilor Carney?
30:18No.
30:19No.
30:19Councilor Chouquette?
30:20Yes.
30:21Yes.
30:21Councilor Gomes?
30:22Yes.
30:23Yes.
30:23Councillor Oliver?
30:24No.
30:25No.
30:25Councillor Pemberton?
30:27No.
30:28No.
30:28Councillor Pereira?
30:29No.
30:30No.
30:30Councillor Roy?
30:31No.
30:32No.
30:32Fails 3 to 7.
30:34The item fails 3 to 7.
30:37Motion to pass to a second reading.
30:38Motion to pass the item to a second reading made by Councillor Burgos, seconded by Councillor Oliver.
30:44Any discussion?
30:46Uh, Chair recognizes Councillor Burgos.
30:49Oh, the man that loves everybody.
30:51She lives across the street.
30:52So just to explain what's happening here, this is not final action.
30:57This— what's happening now is we're passing this to a second reading.
31:01This will appear on the next scheduled agenda.
31:03What I would recommend to those that are upset right now in this room that are heckling right now, send emails, call us.
31:10We are here.
31:11We're willing to listen.
31:12Please, please send to us.
31:13What I will say say is since the last— excuse me, excuse me, if everyone could just please keep while a debate is ongoing.
31:19Thank you.
31:19Since the last meeting, I have not heard from one person in this room that objects, uh, to this parking requirement.
31:27I have heard from people who are in favor of it.
31:30So if you do object to it, I will, I will meet— excuse me, please, please, everybody.
31:37Councilor Choquette, you will refrain yourself please.
31:41Councilor Burgo has the floor.
31:43Thank you.
31:44So what I want to say is this is not a final action tonight.
31:48This is passing to a second reading, and I'm willing to hear from you.
31:52I am your elected official, and that's my job, is to listen to you, to listen to those who object and those who approve.
31:59So that's why I want you to know that this is not final action tonight.
32:02You will still be heard.
32:04I will be voting to passing this to a second reading, it is not over.
32:07You still will have an opportunity to be heard.
32:09So please, if you'd like to, at the end of the meeting, I will be here to listen to it.
32:14If you want to send an email, if you want to make phone calls, please do so.
32:17So I just want to encourage you to make sure that you are heard and that even though there's not a public forum for it, we are still here to listen to you.
32:25I just want to make that known.
32:27Thank you.
32:28Thank you.
32:29Chair recognizes Councillor Carney.
32:32Yes, uh, thank you, Mr.
32:33Chair.
32:34Um, I did hear from a couple of people, um, in Ward 1 after the meeting that was— that we had after the public hearing.
32:43Um, I did let them know that, you know, that we'd had the public hearing.
32:47Um, it was duly advertised, like my colleagues have said, and there was quite a span of that.
32:53Unfortunately, um, they weren't relayed the message.
32:57They didn't see what was going on.
33:00But I have heard for it, and like my colleague said, it is going to a second reading.
33:06I do have a couple— I've talked to a couple of constituents.
33:09I believe I have one more I need to call back.
33:11Fortunately, it was just too much of a rush today because I got the call today before the meeting and not— only spoke to one person after the meeting that wasn't happy with the with the ordinance.
33:25I do— I know which property they're looking at, and I know what, um, what their concerns are, and I would like to listen to the concerns.
33:34I did take pictures of the property.
33:37I did look at the footprint.
33:38I know that they're going to knock it down and build a bigger footprint, but they do have to realize that this ordinance for the 1 and 2 bedrooms is the 1 parking.
33:49If anything goes over that, it reverts back to the old ordinance that we have that requires more parking.
33:56So we're looking at 1 or 2.
33:58And when the, when the developer comes to the footprint, um, and we hear these concerns, we can talk to the planning board, we can talk to the building department, and we could say, hey, listen, you know, we want to make sure there's that, that those parking restrictions are there, and it's the 1, um, and 2 bedrooms.
34:19So I know that these days everybody has 1 and 2 cars.
34:22So if there's 2 people living there, most likely there will be 2 cars.
34:27Um, the, the area is quite vast, you know, it is a populated area.
34:32It's on Ashley Boulevard, there's businesses all over the place, and I've looked at their parking area.
34:37So, um, I'm willing to, you know, they can call me and listen Um, as long as I know and I don't have another meeting on that same night, I understand there will be more meetings with this developer, and I'm hoping Councilor Choukat reaches out to all of us so we can get there and listen to the concerns.
34:55But we are looking at citywide, and we are looking at reducing the taxes in the city, and it's really— everybody is paying so much.
35:03And what— yeah, please refrain yourselves, folks.
35:07This is— please.
35:09Yeah, Ward 1 pays an exorbitant amount of taxes, as Ward 6 and Ward 5.
35:17I get that.
35:18But what we're trying to do is minimize these things and trying to get this city so everybody's taxes will come down.
35:27And without these developments going on, it's making it very difficult.
35:31So we are here for your concerns.
35:33Please reach out and call me.
35:35It is going to a second reading, and we will be there to discuss with the developers to make sure that this does not hinder that neighborhood.
35:43Thank you.
35:44Thank you, Councillor Carney.
35:46Chair recognizes Councillor Choukat.
35:51So respectfully, uh, I, I just kind of shocked, um, I really thought that with the folks here tonight, that many of us would remember that we're supposed to be legislators in a democracy.
36:11The people are here right now.
36:14All we're asking, or all we did ask, because the point is now moot apparently, was to allow this to go back for an additional public hearing.
36:24So that people could speak.
36:26This is the United States of America.
36:29We pledge allegiance to that flag.
36:31We pay taxes to the Massachusetts flag.
36:34We pay taxes to the Commonwealth flag.
36:37I, I don't know why you're laughing, Councilor Burgow.
36:40This is, this is not a laughing matter.
36:43Mr. President, tell him to direct his comments to you, please.
36:46Councilor Choquette, please direct all comments to the chair.
36:48Thank you.
36:51Again, I apologize to the people of Ward 1 and any other ward in here who have been let down tonight.
37:00Representative government is supposed to allow the people to speak.
37:04There is no wrong time to let folks speak in a public hearing, ever, in a democracy.
37:14Area.
37:15If you represent, or you really represent.
37:17It doesn't belong there.
37:19So that's number one.
37:20Number two is these people should be heard, and I don't give a darn.
37:24That's how I work.
37:26And I'm not grandstanding, because we'll hear that song later.
37:29You'll hear that song, I grandstand around here.
37:31I grandstand for the people of this city, and that's what they recognize, and that's why I figure I'm still here.
37:37You know?
37:38That's why I'm still here.
37:40They don't have to love me.
37:42I don't have to do everything they want.
37:44But when they know they got representation, they'll put it back.
37:47That's why I never supported the petition that's out there from the mayor's office for term limits and whatever.
37:55They're the term limits.
37:56They'll make the decision.
37:59I know my voice is raised because I'm a little shocked tonight.
38:02I'm a little shocked with this body that you couldn't respond to the people.
38:07Oh, it's a little amount of people.
38:09Who are you talking to, man?
38:11These are people just like the people of the South End, people of the West End, the people of this whole darn city, and they deserve the same respect and the same representation.
38:19And I'm going to give them the representation.
38:21You can pass it to a second reading.
38:23I could do something, but I'm not going to do it.
38:25You'll see if you pass it to a second, because there's already a coup in here tonight taking care of business, and I'm noticing that in the past couple of nights.
38:32Maybe the past 24 hours.
38:34So we'll play that game.
38:35It's going to be quite the year.
38:39Thank you, Councillor Gomes.
38:40Anyone else on their first?
38:44Okay.
38:44On their second, Councillor Choquette.
38:46At this time, I'd like to make a motion to table this, and we will take a roll call vote.
38:53Motion to table has been made.
38:54Is there a second?
38:55Second.
38:57Motion to table.
39:17Thank you.
39:20Motion to table has been made by Councillor Chaukat, seconded by Councillor Gomes.
39:25I will ask the clerk to call the roll.
39:28Councilor Abram.
39:30No.
39:30Councilor Baptiste.
39:32Yes.
39:32Councilor Burgow.
39:33No.
39:34No.
39:34Councilor Carney.
39:35Yes.
39:36Councilor Choquette.
39:37Yes.
39:38Yes.
39:38Councilor Gomes.
39:39Yes.
39:40Yes.
39:40Councilor Oliver.
39:41No.
39:42No.
39:42Councilor Pemberton.
39:44No.
39:45No.
39:45Councilor Pereira.
39:46No.
39:47No.
39:47Councilor Roy.
39:48No.
39:49No.
39:49Fails 4 to 6.
39:50The item fails 4 to 6.
39:52The item before us is to pass the ordinance to a second reading.
39:58All those in favor say aye.
39:59Aye.
40:00Opposed?
40:01The ayes have it.
40:04Mr. Chairman?
40:05Yes.
40:06Motion to waive the reading for items 8 through 11A and, uh, take no further action.
40:12Motion has been made to take items 8 through 11A, waive the readings, take no further action, by Councilor Burgos.
40:20Seconded by Councilor Oliver.
40:21Any discussion on the item?
40:23All those in favor say aye.
40:25Aye.
40:25Opposed?
40:27The ayes have it.
40:28I will ask the clerk to read item number 12, please.
40:32Mr. President, item 12 is a written motion from Council President Pereira and Councilor Abreu requesting that the Traffic Commission install no parking from 10 PM to 8 AM signage on Coral Street spanning the entirety of the street from Brock Avenue to West Rodney French Boulevard corners due to the volume of late evening and early morning parking in the neighborhood, which oftentimes disrupts the quality of life for the residents.
40:54Motion to follow recommendation.
40:56Second.
40:56Motion to refer the item to the Traffic Commission by Councilor Abreu, seconded by Councilor Burgo.
41:01Councilor Abreu on the question.
41:03Thanks a bunch, Mr. President.
41:04I'll be quick.
41:05I've received the calls, um, the closest city councilor to that neighborhood.
41:10I live literally— you could flick a pea off my front porch and you would hit Coral Street and the SCYAA field.
41:17And I know you get the calls, and I'm sure others in this room who are at large have gotten the calls as well.
41:22It's a problem in this neighborhood for sure, in particular during the spring, summer, and fall seasons, whether it's SCYAA baseball, whether it's Whalers youth football, and even folks throughout the night, especially in the warmer to milder months of the season.
41:38We're talking fireworks, we're talking late-night partying, drinking, and just a lot of actions of ill repute.
41:44So this isn't the panacea to solve all that ails this neighborhood right now, Mr. President.
41:50I know you and I have talked with others in the neighborhood.
41:53We've spoken with not only neighborhood stakeholders but folks who run the South End Uh, Youth Athletic Association, folks who run the South End neighborhood meetings.
42:05And there's more to come perhaps on this, but, uh, this is a step in the right direction to at least give some teeth, um, to— in the way of whether it's an ordinance or in this case a traffic commission order, uh, to erect some signage to try to, um, enact some type of, uh, semblance of a quality of life for this neighborhood.
42:22So with that being said, Mr. President, I'll yield at this time, but the motion pretty much does speak for itself.
42:27And I'm sure you and I and others in this room will be sure to let the neighborhood know when this goes to the Traffic Commission for the hearing so that they can come and speak in support of this.
42:36Thank you.
42:37Thank you, Councilor Abreu.
42:39Anyone else on the question?
42:41Okay.
42:42All those in favor say aye.
42:44Aye.
42:44Opposed?
42:45The ayes have it.
42:46I will ask the clerk to read item 13.
42:48Mr. President, item 13 is written motion from Councilors Pemberton and Abreu requesting that Mr. Paul Brooks Jr., Director of Real Estate and Development for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River, appear before the Committee on City Property to discuss the feasibility of leasing the diocese's 25,000-square-foot parking lot on the corner of Ashley Boulevard and Earl Street to the City of New Bedford for municipal parking purposes.
43:12Motion to follow the recommendation, refer the item to the Committee on City Property.
43:17The Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River, the Mitchell administration, and the purchasing department, made by Councilor Abril, seconded by Councilor Pemberton.
43:28On the question, chair recognizes Councilor Pemberton.
43:32Thank you, Mr. President, for allowing me to, uh, speak at this, uh, motion.
43:39Uh, first I would like to thank my colleagues to the right of me for, uh, for helping me and support me of this motion, uh, learning how to write a motion for the first time.
43:48I, I appreciate it.
43:50Uh, you know, all through my campaign, uh, it's one of the things I've heard is about is, uh, parking and housing.
43:59Uh, so I, you know, I realize it's a problem across the city.
44:04Uh, so I'm proposing this motion, um, You know, so we can eliminate some of the problem.
44:12This was also going hand in hand on that next motion that I have.
44:21So, you know, I just make this motion so we can see what the diocese has planned, what they want.
44:29I just want to, you know, see if we can take it over.
44:34You know, it's just It's been empty for years now.
44:39So, you know, I just— I'm asking for everybody's support on this.
44:43I also realize that we don't have any assigned committees yet, but I'm also— but I'm asking whoever the chairman or the chairwoman may be if they can put this on the agenda ASAP, please.
44:54And with that, Mr. President, I yield.
44:56Thank you.
44:57Thank you, Councilor Pemberton.
45:16Thank you, Councilor Pemberton, for your first floor speech.
45:19The chair will recognize Councilor Gomes.
45:24Oh, thank you, Mr. President.
45:27Um, I stand to, um, object to this, this evening, because maybe my colleagues are not aware of what has transpired here.
45:37As you know, some of you that have been here, I'm the one that put the motion forth several years, 2 years ago, to meet with the diocese on the churches across the city, on what, what we should do with them, many of them being vacant, whether we should turn them into housing, what we do.
45:52We did that.
45:53We did that.
45:54Myself, Councilor Morad, Um, Councilor, um, um, Giesta and myself.
46:00The last meeting was actually attended by myself, Councilor Bergo, and, um, Councilor Giesta, where the proposal was given to us for this.
46:09So I don't mean to throw, you know, bad apples into the basket here, gentlemen, but you can't do this because there's a proposal that has been made, and I'm surprised some of you don't have it in your hand.
46:19That becomes, um, Giesta originally had it or whatever, but there's a proposal to take down the church to put housing there.
46:27They're going to use the parking lot across the street.
46:30It's all interconnected.
46:32Um, it's, it's a fantastic looking project.
46:34I tried to find it before I came here tonight, but I couldn't find it.
46:38I might have put it somewhere else, but, um, I, I don't— again, don't mean to throw bad apples on, uh, what you're requesting, but, um, why would I want this parking lot for public parking.
46:50Why would I want this public— we just finished talking about getting tax money.
46:54We're going to get taxes from the proposal.
46:56And the proposal is a beautiful proposal from the diocese, and we continue to meet with them.
47:01So we'll meet with Mr. Brooke or whatever from the diocese.
47:06That's fine.
47:07But I didn't mean to throw the apples on you.
47:09You've got to pay attention to what's going on around here, because I don't know why no one knows about this project.
47:15And it's in the forefront.
47:18Thank you, Councilor Gomes.
47:19Chair recognizes Councilor Abril.
47:20Thank you, Mr. President.
47:21I'm not sure, uh, things have changed, but that property's been on the real estate market for over 600 days, listed at $1.1 million.
47:29There's no movement on there.
47:30In fact, there's a number for a realtor to call.
47:32You can go online right now and check.
47:33It's for sale by the diocese for $1.1 million, including the parking lot and the church.
47:40So if a development's happening, I don't know why it's— that's not the case.
47:44And I've had conversations with folks in the diocese.
47:47As what I was told from folks within the diocese, as of right now, there is no buyer for that property.
47:54Now, speaking with the ward councillor, my rationale, my thought— and I won't speak for him— but my understanding is that by creating more municipal parking, this could alleviate the heartburn that could cause over the Phillips Avenue development.
48:08That was the issue with Phillips Avenue a few years ago.
48:11It was parking.
48:12It was too dense.
48:13Where were folks going to park?
48:14Well, it's one block north.
48:16This could alleviate that problem.
48:18That was the rationale behind this.
48:19Again, the property's been on the market for over 600 days.
48:23The diocese is asking for over $1 million.
48:26No one's buying it.
48:27No one's biting.
48:28Unless I'm— unless we have information otherwise, but it's listed right now online, and I'm told by the diocese that they're still looking for a buyer for that property.
48:38Thank you.
48:39Thank you, Councilor Abreu.
48:41Chair recognizes Councilor Burgo on his first.
48:44Thank you.
48:46Uh, yeah, to echo some of the sentiments from my colleague from Clara Street— yeah, that's right, Clara.
48:51Thank you.
48:52Um, he's, he's right.
48:54Um, I think some of the confusion that might be here is because of the fact that, uh, this project is a multi-layered, multi-year project.
49:04A lot of it hasn't been submitted yet.
49:06That's why I think a lot of it hasn't really been out there.
49:09It was a preliminary meeting.
49:12I know I was invited at the time because I was council president.
49:15Councilor Diesta because it was her ward, and she had extended it to some of the at-large councilors.
49:21So it's still in very early phases.
49:25But that's also why at this time, as much as I congratulate our new colleague in his first floor speech, I too think it would be somewhat of a waste of time to send it to city property for a piece of property that we know is under development and based on the plans that we have looked at would be much better suited for housing at this time rather than parking.
49:51So I just wanted to rise to support my colleague from Clara Street, to add some validity to what he was speaking to and the meeting that myself, Councilor Giesta, and our colleague from Clara Street all attended.
50:04And with that, I'll just sit.
50:07Thank you.
50:08Thank you, Councilor Burgo.
50:10Anyone else on their first?
50:13Councilor Gomes on his second.
50:15Thank you, Mr. President.
50:16I'm going to tell you how important this meeting was.
50:18We didn't only meet with the diocese, we met with their financial people, we met with their land people, we met with all kinds of people.
50:25There was a whole table down the street here when we met with them.
50:28So I don't know who the good councilor from the South End is talking to, but I know that Mr. Brooks has been dealing with us since this came to fruition and I put this forth.
50:39He has been the contact man, and I have not heard anything anything from him or whatever.
50:44And if this is to alleviate what's happening at the Phillips Avenue School, why did we ever let what happened at the Phillips Avenue School— do we want to recap that?
50:52Do we want to recap the petitions that were passed into the city council that had 75 false names of residents that didn't even live here?
51:00And we drove crews right out of here that night when that developed— that property could be developed right now.
51:05Phillips Avenue could be developed and no— went Since when did we take public parking, or did we buy a parking lot so that we could put the public in it?
51:14Since when?
51:15They took over the Phillips Avenue School, and that's what happened, and they wanted to keep it.
51:20One guy that lived right across the street with a big apartment complex, the same guy that took me to court, if for some of you that were here, didn't win, another one of them times, take them to court, you didn't win, know what we're doing, I know what I'm doing.
51:34We stopped that project up there.
51:37We stopped the project.
51:38It was for him to use it for parking, for them to use it for parking.
51:41Look what it looks like.
51:44Look what it looks like.
51:45I'm not here to get in arguments.
51:46I'm here to take care of the people's business.
51:48I'm here to deal with my colleagues when they want to put something forth that is in the best interest of the city.
51:53This is not in the best interest of the city.
51:55And again, I'm going to repeat, I see Councilor from the South End sitting here like, he's talking you know what.
52:03I'm not talking.
52:04We sat there with him.
52:05I just had my colleague stand up and tell you.
52:08I see his head shake as I tell you about the finance people.
52:10They had everybody there.
52:11They've got a plan.
52:13And I'm going to get the plan and I'm going to get it to our clerk's office so that we can get copies to everyone of what was proposed for that area.
52:20And I thank my colleagues for listening to me.
52:22And I didn't think this was the kind of night we're going to have, but I believe that there's gonna be more nights like this.
52:27Because when you don't come here as an individual, you come here as a team, this is what happens.
52:32And I know about the team because, see, I've been here a while.
52:35You see, I've been ambushed here.
52:39And you know, I let you guys go.
52:40I let some of you go.
52:41You know, I never said anything to you?
52:42Because silence is better than arguing with you.
52:46You think you won?
52:47Ride it.
52:48Ride it.
52:49Gives me the character of who I'm dealing with.
52:52On the City Council.
52:54Thank you very much.
52:56Thank you, Councilor Gomes.
52:57Anyone else on their first or a second?
53:00All right, on the question, uh, the item before us is referring to the Committee on City Property.
53:05All those in favor say aye.
53:07Opposed?
53:08The ayes have it.
53:10I'll ask the clerk to read item 14.
53:12Mr. President, item 14 is a written motion from Councilors Pemberton and Oliver requesting that the Committee on City Property meet begin the process of disposition for the Phillips Avenue Elementary School located at 249 Phillips Avenue.
53:26To receive and place on file, refer to the Committee on City Property and the Mitchell Administration.
53:32Motion to refer the items to the Committee on City Property and the Mitchell Administration made by Councilor Oliver.
53:37Is there a second?
53:39Seconded by Councilor Pemberton.
53:41Anyone on the question?
53:42Chair recognizes Councilor Pemberton.
53:47Again, I want to thank you, Mr. President, for allowing me this time.
53:50Uh, and I also want to thank my, uh, colleague in front of me to the left here, uh, for helping me support, uh, and write this motion up.
53:58Um, this kind of— the first motion, the reason why I made that first motion is because with this motion here, I noticed that everybody, you know, was pocketing that Phillips Avenue School.
54:10You know, I'd like to put it back up for RFP.
54:14And the idea behind the St. Killian's parking lot was just a shift, was just a shift.
54:23I figured if the cars were parking at Phillips Avenue and they also needed another place to park, then the St. Killian's parking lot would have been just the answer because it's only 2 blocks away from the Phillips School.
54:35So that's the only reason why I I would suggest in that parking lot as well.
54:40But going back to, uh, to the motion number 14 is, uh, I just would hope, uh, that, uh, my colleagues here, uh, would go ahead and put this on the, uh, agenda on the city property.
54:51And again, I know we don't have that committee yet, but whoever the chairman or the chairwoman may be, if they could put this on the agenda, uh, ASAP.
55:00And, uh, you know, this should have been built a long time ago.
55:03Uh, we shouldn't be having this conversation about the Phillips Avenue School now.
55:07Uh, like I said, it's, it's a shame that it didn't get developed like it should have.
55:13I wish it had.
55:14Uh, but here we have another opportunity.
55:16Uh, so with that, again, Mr. President, thank you.
55:19I yield.
55:19Thank you, Councilor Pemberton.
55:21Chair recognizes Councilor Oliver.
55:24Thank you, Mr. President.
55:26Um, I— although this is a pretty straightforward motion Um, it is something that we need to address.
55:32I think today there's been a lot of talk about housing and parking, and this is another one of those motions.
55:40Uh, yeah, there was some action that was taken by this body a while back where it kind of extinguished the development of this property.
55:50And we talk about putting taxes— things back on the tax rolls and, and getting housing We don't know what this— what, what is in store for this, um, property, but we do know that we need to relinquish it, um, or we're going to be stuck with either demolishing it, taking care of it, or, or, or whatnot.
56:09So let's not hinder any building or any development of this anymore.
56:14Let's not drive any other developers out of here, um, and address the concerns of the as they arise, as we typically do.
56:24My colleague from the far south end spoke about the gentleman that was a big proponent of preserving the use of that parking lot for the local neighborhood.
56:41And if you drive by that neighborhood, all you see is the same cars in the same spot and It's almost more of a storage lot than it is a parking lot.
56:51So it's time that this body take action, and I hope that this is going to be the beginning of putting that back on the tax roll and having a nice building to look at in that stretch of the boulevard.
57:00Thank you.
57:01Thank you, Councilor Oliver.
57:02Anyone else on the question?
57:03Chair recognizes Councilor Gomes.
57:07Mr. President, I'll support the motion.
57:09Anything that gets a property such as that— but as I'm going to read remind everyone again that property is like it is because this council drove the developer out of there for the simple factor of holding the property for what it looks like today.
57:23And in the interim, it has decayed.
57:25As you know, we have put blocks in there because on one side you can't go because the building is, is crumbling or whatever.
57:31I don't know if we'll get the same reaction on sending this out in an RFP to have it developed as before, but There's always a good chance of that happening, and I'll support that.
57:42But I wish that some of the same people supported the project when it was before us before, instead of killing it because of— who knows?
57:52Who knows?
57:53I'm still mind-boggled about that that night.
57:56After showing you proof, showing you proof that the petitions that were before us were rotten, no good, they didn't belong here, it was just a big farce.
58:04That's all it was, to try to keep that property and see what it looks like today.
58:08And again, we are not in the business of shifting parking spaces.
58:13You should have never been parked in there anyway.
58:15It was a school.
58:16And that's what happens around this city.
58:18They just— some people just take advantage of things and start— starts with 1, 2, 3.
58:23Next thing you know, we've got 24 or 30 cars in there.
58:25And now they own it.
58:27No, they don't.
58:28No, they don't.
58:30Them cars did not belong there.
58:31I'm not shifting any cars to any parking lot.
58:33I'm not buying a parking lot to shift any cars.
58:37You live in a neighborhood, you've got to adjust yourself.
58:39And we know what the parking situation is.
58:41We know how hard the parking situation is.
58:45But I'm not about to start spending the taxpayers' money so that I shift some parking that shouldn't have been there in the first place if we had developed the project.
58:52And again, some people that voted against that project.
58:56As the ambush went on.
58:58I know, roll your eyes, Mr. President.
59:00I'm sorry to have to do it, but I'm not letting anybody get away with anything here.
59:04No more.
59:05No more.
59:05And especially when it has to do— Thank you, Councilor Gomes.
59:10Anyone else?
59:13Seeing none, all those in favor of referral to committee say aye.
59:17Opposed, the ayes have it.
59:18Item 15 is before us.
59:20Mr. President, Item 15 is a petition sponsored by Councilor Oliver for an indemnity agreement with MLM Realty Trust Partners at 297 Ashley Boulevard in New Bedford for the permission to encroach onto city property with an 80-foot by 3-foot awning.
59:36Motion to receive and place on file the communication.
59:39And, uh, do we have to send this to property?
59:41No, just receive and place on file.
59:43Adopt the order.
59:44Yeah, adopt the order.
59:44Okay, motion to adopt the order made by Councillor Oliver, seconded by Councillor Abreu.
59:49Anyone on the question?
59:51All those in favor say aye.
59:53Aye.
59:53Opposed, the ayes have it.
59:54I'll ask the clerk to read item 16.
59:57Mr. President, item 16 is communication from the city clerk to the council submitting an application for a new private livery license on behalf of Celestine Wilkins of 1 Warwick Street in New Bedford, doing business as Chris Transportation at 1 Warwick Street in New Bedford.
1:00:12This license will, will run from now till June 30th, 2026.
1:00:24Motion to refer the item to the Committee on Appointments and Briefings made by Councilor Burgo, seconded by— was that Councilor Baptiste?
1:00:32Seconded by Councilor Baptiste.
1:00:34Anyone on the question?
1:00:35All those in favor say aye.
1:00:36Aye.
1:00:37Opposed?
1:00:37The ayes have it.
1:00:38We'll ask the clerk to read item 17.
1:00:40Mr. President, item 17 is communication from Council President Pereira submitting a copy of a letter sent to Sean Seed of City Engineer regarding his inability to attend the meeting at the sewage treatment plant regarding the CSO capital improvement plan on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025.
1:00:56Motion to receive and place on file.
1:00:57Motion to receive and place on file the communication by Councilor Burgo.
1:01:02Is there a second?
1:01:03Second.
1:01:03Seconded by Councilor Oliver.
1:01:06All those in favor say aye.
1:01:07Opposed, the ayes have it.
1:01:09Motion to take up and adopt— motion to take up and adopt consent made by Councilor Baptiste, seconded by Councilor Burgo.
1:01:16Anyone on the question?
1:01:18All those in favor say aye.
1:01:20Opposed, the ayes have it.
1:01:22Seeing no further business before us, the chair receives a motion to adjourn from Councilor Burgo, seconded by Councilor Baptiste.
1:01:29Any discussion on adjournment?
1:01:31All those in favor say aye.
1:01:33Opposed, the ayes have it.
1:01:35We are adjourned to 8:02.
1:01:36Thank you.