City of New Bedford Meetings
Search and subscribe to city meeting topics that impact you
Newsletters
Subscribe
← Back to video
City Council — April 9, 2026
−
Fit
+
IN
0:00
OUT
0:00
Length
0:00
▶ Play selection
Export clip
Keyboard:
I
set in,
O
set out,
←
/
→
nudge playhead 5s.
0:24
Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.
In
Out
0:26
It is Thursday, March, uh, April 9th, 2026, at 7:00 PM.
In
Out
0:31
I'm calling together this session of the New Bedford City Council.
In
Out
0:36
Tonight we are led in prayer by Pastor Jamie Winn of the Grace Harbor Church.
In
Out
0:41
Pastor, let's pray.
In
Out
0:48
Lord, you are good and mighty and you are holy, and we look to you now knowing that you are ultimately The one who gives wisdom and guidance.
In
Out
1:00
God, we pray that you would lead these meetings by your Spirit.
In
Out
1:05
We pray that these individuals in this room that you have gifted and, and put in positions of leadership would look to you, look to your love, look to your righteousness, look to your goodness as they seek to lead others.
In
Out
1:22
I pray that your love would, would mold and shape decisions we make.
In
Out
1:29
I pray that we'd be thoughtful toward, toward others.
In
Out
1:31
I pray that you would unify us, unify these individuals as they, they look to lead.
In
Out
1:38
And thank you for this time.
In
Out
1:39
We thank you for your spirit.
In
Out
1:40
We pray all this in the mighty name of God.
In
Out
1:42
Amen.
In
Out
1:46
Tonight we are led in Uh, the Pledge of Allegiance by Councillor-at-Large Naomi Carney.
In
Out
1:52
I 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.
In
Out
2:08
Thank you, Mr.
In
Out
2:08
Chair.
In
Out
2:11
Thank you, Councillor.
In
Out
2:13
I am joined in the chamber by my colleagues, Councilor at Large Ian Abreu, Councilor of Ward 2 Scott Pemberton, Councilor of Ward 1 Leo Choquette, Councilor of Ward 5 Joe Lopes, Councilor at Large Brian Gomes, Councilor at Large Naomi Carney, Councilor at Large and First Vice President Shane Burgo, Councilor of Ward 4 Derek Baptiste, and I am Councilor of Ward 6, City Council President Ryan Pereira.
In
Out
2:40
At this time, I'll ask the clerk if there are any letters to be read in the record.
In
Out
2:42
Mr. President, I have one from Councilor Oliver.
In
Out
2:45
Dear Council President Pereira and members of the council, I am writing to inform you that I'll be unable to attend the city council meeting on Thursday, April 9th, due to a scheduling conflict.
In
Out
2:54
Please read this letter into the record to make my colleagues and the public aware of the reason for my absence.
In
Out
2:59
Sincerely, Sean Oliver, Councilor of Ward 3.
In
Out
3:02
Motion received and placed on file.
In
Out
3:04
A motion to receive and place on file made by Councilor LaBergo, seconded by Councilor Carney.
In
Out
3:07
Any discussion?
In
Out
3:09
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
3:10
Aye.
In
Out
3:11
Opposed?
In
Out
3:12
The ayes have it.
In
Out
3:13
I'll ask the— moving on to the hearings portion of our meeting, I'll ask the clerk to read item number, uh, M— I'm sorry, 1A.
In
Out
3:21
Yes, President.
In
Out
3:21
1 is a hearing from Enstar Electric Company doing business as Eversource Energy for the location of one handhold and approximately 62 feet of conduit in Cushion Avenue.
In
Out
3:31
This work is necessary to provide service to 1780 Cushion Avenue and 1A is the order.
In
Out
3:36
Motion receiving place on file and open the public hearing.
In
Out
3:40
Motion to receive and place on file, open the public hearing, made by Councilor Burgo, seconded by Councilor Baptiste.
In
Out
3:48
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
3:49
Opposed, the ayes have it.
In
Out
3:51
Jessica, good evening.
In
Out
3:52
Good evening, Mr. President, members of the City Council.
In
Out
3:55
Uh, Jessica Elder representing Eversource.
In
Out
3:57
Thank you for having me this evening.
In
Out
3:59
This was Union Street.
In
Out
4:01
Um, I'm sorry, Kushnanav.
In
Out
4:05
We have 2 of them here.
In
Out
4:07
Um, so the, uh, work order 24777207, uh, we are doing infrastructure improvements for 1780 at Kushnanav.
In
Out
4:19
Um, the project includes installation of approximately 62 feet of conduit and the installation of one new handhole within the public right-of-way.
In
Out
4:31
The work is expected to take 1 to 2 days.
In
Out
4:34
It shouldn't take long, weather permitting.
In
Out
4:36
Of course, traffic will be maintained throughout construction with police details as necessary.
In
Out
4:41
All disturbed areas will be restored in accordance with city standards.
In
Out
4:46
Thank you.
In
Out
4:47
I would like to recognize that our colleague, Councilor-at-Large James Roy, has joined us.
In
Out
4:53
We are on item number 1, uh, Councilor.
In
Out
4:56
Any questions for Jessica?
In
Out
5:02
Okay, seeing none.
In
Out
5:06
If anyone from the pub— this is a public hearing regarding the work on Acushnet Avenue.
In
Out
5:10
If anyone would like to speak in favor of this item, to speak in favor.
In
Out
5:17
If anyone would like to be recorded in favor be recorded in favor.
In
Out
5:23
If anyone would like to speak in opposition— if anyone would like to speak in opposition— if anyone would like to be recorded in opposition— if anyone would like to be recorded in opposition— okay, seeing none, your pleasure.
In
Out
5:39
Motion to close the public hearing.
In
Out
5:41
Motion to close the public hearing made by Councilor Burgo, seconded by Councilor Lopes.
In
Out
5:46
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
5:48
Opposed, the ayes have it.
In
Out
5:51
Second.
In
Out
5:51
Motion to adopt the order made by Councilor Abreu, seconded by Councilor Burgo.
In
Out
5:55
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
5:57
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
5:58
Aye.
In
Out
5:59
Opposed, the ayes have it.
In
Out
6:00
I will ask the clerk to read item 2.
In
Out
6:02
Mr. President, item 2 is a hearing from Enstar Electric Company doing business as Eversource Energy for the location of approximately 240 feet of conduit to enlarge 2 manholes and re-roof a manhole in Union Street.
In
Out
6:14
This work is necessary to provide service to 193 Union Street.
In
Out
6:18
2A is the order.
In
Out
6:19
Motion received and placed on file.
In
Out
6:21
And open the public hearing.
In
Out
6:22
A motion to open the public hearing made by Councilor Burgos, seconded by Councilor Lopes.
In
Out
6:27
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
6:28
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
6:30
Aye.
In
Out
6:30
Opposed?
In
Out
6:31
The ayes have it.
In
Out
6:32
Now we're on Union Street.
In
Out
6:34
Uh, so again, work order number 22886511, uh, infrastructure improvement along Union Street, which is between, uh, Purchase and Pleasant Street.
In
Out
6:44
The project includes installation of approximately 244 feet of conduit and the enlargement and reconstruction of 3 existing manholes.
In
Out
6:55
That's 8000 over 216, 8000 over 215, and 214 within the public right-of-way.
In
Out
7:03
The work is to accommodate additional conduit and cables, which is why we're We're working enlarging these, these manholes.
In
Out
7:13
The work is expected to take no more than 2 to 4 days, obviously weather permitting.
In
Out
7:18
Traffic will be maintained as usual throughout the construction with police details as required, and any and all disturbed areas will be restored to their original conditions or better.
In
Out
7:32
Thank you, colleagues.
In
Out
7:33
Any questions?
In
Out
7:38
Okay, seeing none.
In
Out
7:41
Councilor Gomes, do you have your hand?
In
Out
7:42
I'm sorry.
In
Out
7:43
No.
In
Out
7:43
Okay.
In
Out
7:46
All right, this is a public hearing.
In
Out
7:48
Would anyone from the public regarding a project on Union Street like to speak in favor?
In
Out
7:53
To speak in favor of the project.
In
Out
7:55
Would anyone like to be recorded in favor?
In
Out
7:59
Be recorded in favor.
In
Out
8:01
Would anyone like to speak in opposition?
In
Out
8:04
Speak in opposition.
In
Out
8:06
Be recorded in opposition.
In
Out
8:09
Be recorded in opposition.
In
Out
8:12
Okay, seeing none, motion to close the public hearing.
In
Out
8:15
A motion to close the public hearing was made by Councilor Burgos, seconded by Councilor Lopes.
In
Out
8:19
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
8:20
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
8:22
Aye.
In
Out
8:23
Opposed?
In
Out
8:23
The ayes have it.
In
Out
8:25
Motion to adopt the order.
In
Out
8:26
Motion to adopt the order made by Councilor Burgos, seconded by Councilor Abreu.
In
Out
8:30
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
8:32
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
8:34
Aye.
In
Out
8:35
Opposed?
In
Out
8:35
The ayes have it.
In
Out
8:37
Colleagues, without objection, we will take hearings 3, 4, and 5 together as they are all the same project.
In
Out
8:45
Okay, without objection, I will ask the clerk to read items 3, 4, and 5.
In
Out
8:50
Uh, just if the clerk would read one and then just the 3 other roads.
In
Out
8:53
Thank you, Mr. President.
In
Out
8:55
Item 3 is a hearing from Cornerstone Energy Services on behalf of Enstar Electric Company, doing business as Eversource Energy, for the location of underground electric transmission lines on Ashley Boulevard.
In
Out
9:07
This work is necessary to improve system reliability.
In
Out
9:10
3A is the order.
In
Out
9:12
Item 4 is for the location of underground electric transmission lines on Nash Road, and item 5 is for transmission lines on Belleville Avenue.
In
Out
9:25
Motion to receive and place on file and open the public hearing for items 3 through 5A.
In
Out
9:30
Motion to receive and place on file and open the public hearings for items 3 through 5A, made by Councillor Burgo, seconded by Councillor Lopes.
In
Out
9:38
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
9:42
Chair recognizes Councillor Pemberton.
In
Out
9:44
Thank you, Mr. President.
In
Out
9:46
I, I just want to, uh, Thank you for coming, first of all.
In
Out
9:49
Oh, Councilor Pemberton, sorry, this would just be on opening the public hearing.
In
Out
9:52
So we'll open the public hearings, he'll present, and then— or do you have any questions prior to that?
In
Out
9:57
Okay, thank you.
In
Out
9:58
Okay, yeah, thank you, Councilor.
In
Out
9:59
In a minute I will recognize you.
In
Out
10:01
All right, anyone on the question of opening the public hearings?
In
Out
10:06
Okay, all those in favor say aye.
In
Out
10:08
Opposed?
In
Out
10:09
The ayes have it.
In
Out
10:10
Um, thank you.
In
Out
10:11
Good evening.
In
Out
10:12
If you could state your name and the company you work for, for the record.
In
Out
10:15
Okay, excuse me.
In
Out
10:16
Hi, my name is John Perrin with Cornerstone Energy Services, and we prepared the petition for Eversource for the, uh, the new underground transmission line.
In
Out
10:25
It's 4.1 miles, runs through several roads.
In
Out
10:29
We have— the project has already had approved 9 of the roads.
In
Out
10:32
There's 3 more to go, which is items 3, 4, and 5 on the agenda today.
In
Out
10:41
If you could give a brief overview about what the work would entail.
In
Out
10:44
Okay, so the— go ahead, come on up, Anthony.
In
Out
10:46
Yeah, you're better at this than I am.
In
Out
10:48
Um, the work involves installing underground electric transmission line.
In
Out
10:51
It's a 115 kV line, goes, um, um, it'll be installed, uh, within the streets, uh, vaults every around 2,000 feet.
In
Out
11:00
Um, and, uh, you know, it'll be restored, backfilled, everything.
In
Out
11:06
To existing condition or better.
In
Out
11:08
I don't know if you want to augment that at all.
In
Out
11:12
Yeah, thanks.
In
Out
11:14
Council President, councilors, how you doing tonight?
In
Out
11:16
Uh, Anthony Valu, community relations, uh, for Eversource.
In
Out
11:19
And just to recap a little of the history here, so we— if you remember, uh, I know there's some new councilors as well, but we came in front of the council back in November of 2022 to present the total project.
In
Out
11:30
Uh, we got the previous grant allocations last July.
In
Out
11:33
And to summarize, uh, New Bedford has basically 3 transmission lines.
In
Out
11:37
These are 2 of them.
In
Out
11:38
They run from under the Acushnet River, from Acushnet down Ashley Boulevard County.
In
Out
11:43
They terminate at Pine Street substation.
In
Out
11:46
They were built in '49 and '51.
In
Out
11:49
We just have a project to replace those 2 lines, uh, completely to brand new modern technology.
In
Out
11:54
So we just need the last 3 grant allocations for that project.
In
Out
11:57
That's why we're here tonight, but happy to take any questions.
In
Out
12:00
Great, thank you very much.
In
Out
12:05
Um, Chair recognizes Councilor Pemberton.
In
Out
12:08
Thank you, Mr. President.
In
Out
12:09
Thank you, Anthony, for being here.
In
Out
12:11
Uh, so this work for all those streets will be getting done at the same, same time, or are you doing streets by street, or— Yeah, nope, that's a great question.
In
Out
12:19
So, uh, we originally had it broken down into 2 phases, um, but we've been meeting with the DPI, uh, we negotiated with this, with the Mayor's Office as well.
In
Out
12:29
We've now broken down that down into 5 zones.
In
Out
12:32
So we're basically doing one zone at a time.
In
Out
12:34
We're starting in the south right now.
In
Out
12:36
We're on— we did 2 vaults on MacArthur Drive.
In
Out
12:40
We took a little bit of a pause.
In
Out
12:42
We're currently doing 2 vaults on South 2nd Street, and then we're going to work our way north from there.
In
Out
12:46
So it's kind of north to south.
In
Out
12:47
We might be— there could be a jump of zones every once in a while.
In
Out
12:52
But we're trying to do all the vault work first, finish with the duck banks.
In
Out
12:57
Not all at once, but in a zone setting, so it's not all under construction at one time.
In
Out
13:02
Okay, good, good.
In
Out
13:03
Yeah, and we're just going to make sure we have details there and the correct details if we need to.
In
Out
13:08
Yep.
In
Out
13:08
Right.
In
Out
13:09
So another thing I want to add to is that we had a very comprehensive MOU— it's a memorandum of understanding— and in that, I think the mayor had mentioned it in his State of the City address as well, it's, uh, we proposed well over $20 million of restoration curb to curb on the whole, right?
In
Out
13:23
Route, brand new sidewalks, handicap ramps, a fully rebuilt traffic intersection, details, trees, uh, you name it.
In
Out
13:32
It's— we, we signed it, the administration signed it.
In
Out
13:35
It's a great agreement, and we're just happy to— we just want to get started to do the work.
In
Out
13:39
Very good.
In
Out
13:40
Yeah.
In
Out
13:40
All right, thank you.
In
Out
13:41
At that, I yield, Mr. President.
In
Out
13:43
Thank you.
In
Out
13:43
Thank you, Councilor Pemberton.
In
Out
13:45
Colleagues, any other questions?
In
Out
13:47
Chair recognizes Councilor Burgos.
In
Out
13:49
When is this work going to begin and when do you anticipate it ending?
In
Out
13:55
We started already.
In
Out
13:56
We started actually last fall.
In
Out
13:58
We put 2 vaults in on MacArthur Drive across from where our existing substation is on Pine Street.
In
Out
14:05
There was— we took a— we had to pause because we had to continue some negotiations on the MOU with the administration.
In
Out
14:12
Once we got that finalized this winter, we started again on South 2nd Street right by Harborview senior high-rise over there.
In
Out
14:21
So we've started the portions that we got the grant allocation for last July.
In
Out
14:25
We started where we have those, and then we're just going to continue.
In
Out
14:28
We should be done by what, 2028?
In
Out
14:30
Well, I guess just in regards to this particular section of Belleville Ave and where Belleville Road will be.
In
Out
14:37
Yeah, when do you guys think would be next year?
In
Out
14:40
Next year.
In
Out
14:41
Okay, just because, um, my concern is about the businesses in that area, if this will be disruptive to that particular roadway?
In
Out
14:50
What plans do we have to make sure that they still have access, or I guess patrons still have access to that area?
In
Out
14:57
Because I know we've had some issues that you've been able to help resolve with some other businesses near the other portion of Belleville Road, near End Zone.
In
Out
15:08
And so that's my only concern, is the continuation as we go down further down these roads that we're being mindful of the businesses that will need to continue to operate?
In
Out
15:19
Yeah, that's a great question.
In
Out
15:20
So per the DPU, we have to have a very extensive sort of like public outreach program for this.
In
Out
15:24
We have an interactive map that people can follow, and we have a fantastic project engagement team.
In
Out
15:29
She's in the back tonight.
In
Out
15:30
They literally knock doors.
In
Out
15:31
They go business to business.
In
Out
15:32
Everybody gets a letter.
In
Out
15:33
They work with them on trying to mitigate issues, making sure that their businesses remain open.
In
Out
15:37
If there's parking that we need to coordinate around, we can— we're going to do that.
In
Out
15:41
Making sure that the crews, if they are in front of a business, they're in there, in and out as quickly as possible.
In
Out
15:46
And as much notification in advance as we can provide, we make sure that those businesses get that.
In
Out
15:51
And if there is a serious disruption, then we can talk with those businesses one-on-one on other forms of mitigation.
In
Out
15:56
Okay.
In
Out
15:56
And I want to make it clear to Cornerstone Energies, I guess, that they are not to park in any of these private parking areas because that was also a concern from other business at the time that we were getting complaints about, that it's very clear that those are private property versus what's public property.
In
Out
16:14
And so, right, it's clearly defined as well.
In
Out
16:16
So Cornerstone only files the grant submission package.
In
Out
16:18
The contractor on this job is a company called Hogland, and they're well aware of everything that you had just outlined.
In
Out
16:25
Wonderful, thank you.
In
Out
16:30
Chair recognizes Councilor Carney.
In
Out
16:31
Thank you, Mr. President.
In
Out
16:33
Hi, Anthony.
In
Out
16:34
Um, is this the same project that Um, that involves the, the Riverside Lofts area?
In
Out
16:40
Correct.
In
Out
16:40
Okay, so, um, so that has been determined that there was no Sunday work, right?
In
Out
16:46
And you are working on Saturdays right now?
In
Out
16:48
Correct.
In
Out
16:49
And what is the impact?
In
Out
16:50
Have we gotten any feedback from the tenants out there?
In
Out
16:53
I know somebody— I spoke to one of the tenants in there, a little not happy with some of the work that's been going on.
In
Out
17:00
So, um, the impact of them, because I know we had the meetings down there and there's no Sundays, but y'all working till Saturdays.
In
Out
17:06
So what time?
In
Out
17:08
Uh, what time do you usually work till?
In
Out
17:09
2 o'clock?
In
Out
17:10
2 o'clock.
In
Out
17:10
Okay, I think it's 8 to 2, and we haven't had, uh, very— we deal a lot with the management of Riverbank, right?
In
Out
17:17
We haven't had too many complaints, I don't think, from individual residents, right?
In
Out
17:21
And, uh, when are we going to be out of there?
In
Out
17:25
In the spring of 2028.
In
Out
17:27
That's a long time.
In
Out
17:28
Spring of '27, we should be completely done.
In
Out
17:31
Completely done for disturbing that, because there's a lot of elderly there, and, you know, the parking, and we we discuss all that stuff.
In
Out
17:38
So, right, I just hope that we're still mindful of the tenants there.
In
Out
17:41
Absolutely.
In
Out
17:42
And because they are mostly elderly there, right?
In
Out
17:44
Okay, thank you for that.
In
Out
17:46
You got it.
In
Out
17:46
And, um, we also— we resealed there that— I know there's that other parking lot that we had, right?
In
Out
17:51
We resealed it.
In
Out
17:52
We put, uh, some lights up there in the parking lot.
In
Out
17:54
There was never lights in there before.
In
Out
17:56
So, okay, we try to do some things to try to help them out.
In
Out
17:59
Super, thank you.
In
Out
18:00
You got it.
In
Out
18:01
Thank you.
In
Out
18:02
Thank you, Mr.
In
Out
18:02
Chair.
In
Out
18:03
Thank you.
In
Out
18:03
Counselor Lopes, did you want the floor?
In
Out
18:05
No.
In
Out
18:05
Okay.
In
Out
18:06
Anyone else, colleagues?
In
Out
18:10
If the body would allow from the chair, I do have concerns, Anthony, regarding the work at the end of Ashley Boulevard.
In
Out
18:19
Sure.
In
Out
18:19
With the 195 viaduct project, the traffic over there can be pretty gnarly.
In
Out
18:25
What are some plans, especially in between Sawyer Street and Cogswell, that's that one-way section?
In
Out
18:32
That's going to get— could get pretty, pretty backed up.
In
Out
18:36
Uh, uh, uh, I, I travel that area quite often.
In
Out
18:39
What are some mitigation plans?
In
Out
18:41
What are our— what are your thoughts on that?
In
Out
18:44
Um, I might look to the bench here for one of them.
In
Out
18:46
That's fine.
In
Out
18:47
PMs, if they— you guys got any?
In
Out
18:49
Yeah, sure.
In
Out
18:50
Come on, Donald.
In
Out
18:51
Come on, we don't bite.
In
Out
18:55
He— we, we have, um, to briefly answer that, and maybe Donald can chip chip into.
In
Out
19:01
We have extensive— we meet biweekly with the DPI, weekly with MassDOT.
In
Out
19:06
Okay.
In
Out
19:07
We also have an extensive traffic management plan, 2 MassDOT specs that have to be approved before any construction starts with the DPI.
In
Out
19:19
So I think that's pretty robust.
In
Out
19:21
I don't know if you want to add anything.
In
Out
19:23
No, I just— we're— and my name is Dylan Gower.
In
Out
19:25
Just go to the microphone.
In
Out
19:27
Hi, good afternoon or good evening everyone.
In
Out
19:29
My name is Donald Gallagher.
In
Out
19:30
I'm a project manager for Eversource Major Projects Transmission Department.
In
Out
19:35
So where we turn off Ashley Boulevard on our Phase 2 portion of this project, one of our deals with traffic management is to maintain one lane of traffic at all time no matter what kind of construction we have ongoing at that area.
In
Out
19:47
OK. We turn off Ashley Boulevard onto Nash Road and that's the end of Ashley Boulevard run for us.
In
Out
19:55
So at that portion where we turn, we have like a kind of a specialty traffic management look into.
In
Out
20:01
We completed a fully comprehensive traffic study previously a couple of years ago.
In
Out
20:08
We've ran that down the DPI and we coordinate with D.W. White and MassDOT every week.
In
Out
20:13
When are you going to be in Wall Square?
In
Out
20:17
Oh, 2027.
In
Out
20:20
What's, what's that?
In
Out
20:20
Sorry, uh, I think the area, the area you're talking about, we won't be there till 2027.
In
Out
20:26
Okay.
In
Out
20:27
Yeah, the, the, I, I know the MassDOT project for 195 is like a 5-year project, so we probably will be there.
In
Out
20:33
There'll still be ongoing traffic patterns might change by that time with MassDOT's work moving along, um, and the work over there.
In
Out
20:40
But that's— there's a— you guys are meeting with the right people, and, and I have confidence that we'll have a good plan in place.
In
Out
20:47
All right, thank you.
In
Out
20:48
One additional item I want to mention too is that in the MOU, I think I sent all of you a copy, we also, um, we coordinated with DPI and we paid a company, a third-party engineering company, to take some of the burden of reviewing all these engineering plans, the traffic management plans.
In
Out
21:04
It was quite a bit of money, so we tried to do that to lift some of the burden on city employees.
In
Out
21:09
Fantastic, thank you.
In
Out
21:11
Colleagues, any other questions at this time?
In
Out
21:16
Okay.
In
Out
21:16
So from the general public, this is a project on Ashley Boulevard, Nash Road, and Belleville Avenue.
In
Out
21:24
If anyone from the public wishes to speak in favor of this project— speaking— sure, come to the podium please, sir.
In
Out
21:40
So the chair will allow you to ask a question at this time, sir, if you want to go to the podium.
In
Out
21:45
Just, we need your name and your address.
In
Out
21:48
My name is Bob Burgess, and I have property at 232, 234 Ashley Boulevard, business property.
In
Out
21:57
Yes, on the corner of Coffin Avenue.
In
Out
21:59
And I'm just curious, um, when is, when is the project going to start?
In
Out
22:03
In my area on Ashley Boulevard.
In
Out
22:06
And I'm just wondering, you know, how long it's going to take.
In
Out
22:09
And, um, you know, you mentioned about the traffic, single lane.
In
Out
22:13
Yep.
In
Out
22:14
Ashley Boulevard, as you said, you know, it's a, it's a rough area, a lot of traffic.
In
Out
22:19
And I was just wondering how much it's going to interfere with the business.
In
Out
22:22
But basically, when will it start and, uh, how, how long will it take in the area between, let's say, Dean and Coffin Avenue?
In
Out
22:31
Is that— can that be answered?
In
Out
22:33
Okay, uh, we'll have some of the gentlemen behind you get that information to you, sir.
In
Out
22:36
Okay, Mr. Burgess?
In
Out
22:37
All right, thank you.
In
Out
22:38
Thank you.
In
Out
22:40
All right, any, uh, Anthony, at an appropriate time, can you just meet with the resident?
In
Out
22:47
Okay, perfect.
In
Out
22:48
Thank you very much.
In
Out
22:49
All right, okay, anyone else from the public wish to speak in favor?
In
Out
22:55
Yeah, okay.
In
Out
22:58
Speak in favor.
In
Out
22:59
Be recorded in favor.
In
Out
23:01
Be recorded in favor of the project.
In
Out
23:05
Would anyone like to speak in opposition of the project?
In
Out
23:09
Speak in opposition.
In
Out
23:12
Would anyone like to be recorded in opposition?
In
Out
23:15
Be recorded in opposition.
In
Out
23:18
All right, seeing none, um, Chair would like a motion to close the public hearing.
In
Out
23:26
Motion, motion to close the public hearings on items 3 through 5A by Councillor Lopes, seconded by Councillor Burgo.
In
Out
23:34
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
23:35
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
23:38
Opposed?
In
Out
23:38
The ayes have it.
In
Out
23:40
Colleagues, a pleasure.
In
Out
23:47
Motion to adopt the order for 3, 4, 5.
In
Out
23:49
Motion to adopt orders 3, 4, and 5 made by Councillor Pemberton.
In
Out
23:53
Seconded by Councilor Abreu.
In
Out
23:55
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
23:57
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
23:59
Aye.
In
Out
23:59
Opposed?
In
Out
24:00
The ayes have it.
In
Out
24:01
Moving on to mayor's papers, I will ask the clerk to read item M1.
In
Out
24:05
Mr. President, item M1 is communication from the mayor to the council submitting an order that the city accept Mass General Law Chapter 71, Section 71F to enable a school department to establish a non-resident tuition revolving fund.
In
Out
24:18
M1A is the order.
In
Out
24:20
Motion to receive and place on file, adopt the order, and accept Mass General Law Chapter 71, Section 71F.
In
Out
24:28
Motion to— motion made by Councilor Roy to adopt the— accept Mass General Laws Chapter 71, Section 71F, and adopt the order.
In
Out
24:40
Seconded by Councilor Burgo.
In
Out
24:42
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
24:44
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
24:45
Aye.
In
Out
24:46
Opposed?
In
Out
24:46
The ayes have it.
In
Out
24:48
Item M2, please.
In
Out
24:50
Mr. President, M2 is communication from the mayor to the council submitting an order authorizing the payment of an outstanding invoice from prior fiscal year totaling $4,182.01 to be charged to the account of treasurer collector purchase of services.
In
Out
25:04
M2A is the order.
In
Out
25:06
And if the clerk wouldn't mind reading M3 as well, please.
In
Out
25:08
Certainly.
In
Out
25:08
M3, Mr. President, is communication from the mayor to the council submitting an order authorizing the payment of an outstanding invoice from a prior fiscal year totaling $450 To also be charged to the account of the Department of Facilities and Fleet, purchase of services.
In
Out
25:22
M3A is the order.
In
Out
25:28
Motion to adopt orders on M2 and M3 made by Councilor Burgos, seconded by Councilor Roy.
In
Out
25:34
All those— anyone on the question?
In
Out
25:36
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
25:38
Opposed?
In
Out
25:38
The ayes have it.
In
Out
25:39
I'll ask the clerk to read item M4.
In
Out
25:42
Mr. President, M4.
In
Out
25:44
As communication from the mayor to the council submitting an ordinance amending Chapter 9 zoning establishing form-based code districts.
In
Out
25:50
M4A is the ordinance.
In
Out
25:52
Motion to refer to the Committee on Ordinances.
In
Out
25:53
Second.
In
Out
25:55
And planning.
In
Out
25:55
And planning.
In
Out
25:56
Motion to refer to the Committee on Ordinances and the Planning Department made by Councilor Burgo, seconded by Councilor Carney.
In
Out
26:02
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
26:04
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
26:06
Aye.
In
Out
26:06
Opposed?
In
Out
26:07
The ayes have it.
In
Out
26:08
Madam— Mr. Mr. President, without objection, can we take items M5 through N10A together, waive the readings, waive the readings and grant the reappointments, and waive Rule 40?
In
Out
26:19
And 38.
In
Out
26:21
M30.
In
Out
26:22
Yep.
In
Out
26:22
Okay, so a motion's been made by Councilor Lopes to take items M5 through M10 together.
In
Out
26:38
Waive Rules 38 and 40 and reappoint the appointments.
In
Out
26:44
Seconded by Councilor Gomes.
In
Out
26:46
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
26:49
Okay, roll call vote please.
In
Out
26:52
Oh, excuse me, I'm sorry, I'll have the clerk read them.
In
Out
26:55
Well, he made a motion to waive the reading too.
In
Out
26:58
Oh, he did?
In
Out
26:59
Yeah.
In
Out
26:59
Oh, I'm sorry.
In
Out
27:00
Okay, I didn't see this.
In
Out
27:01
Is there any objection to waiving the reading from the body?
In
Out
27:03
You can at least give the reappointments and the names.
In
Out
27:07
Okay, so then, yeah, general public, please.
In
Out
27:10
We're just going to read them at this point.
In
Out
27:11
I read them first.
In
Out
27:11
Yeah.
In
Out
27:13
Mr. President, M5 is communication from the mayor to the council submitting the reappointment of Glenn Chandler of New Bedford to the library trustees.
In
Out
27:19
This term will expire in April of 2029.
In
Out
27:22
M6 is for Anne R. O'Leary to the library board of trustees with the same expiration date.
In
Out
27:27
M7 is for Rosemary Saber to the library trustees with the same expiration.
In
Out
27:32
M8 is the reappointment of Brian Ayotte to the Community Preservation Committee, which will expire in April of '29.
In
Out
27:38
M9 is for Diana Henry to the Historical Commission, expiring in February of 2029.
In
Out
27:44
And M10 is a communication from the mayor submitting the reappointment of Adriana Baptista of New Bedford as a constable.
In
Out
27:50
Thank you.
In
Out
27:51
You're welcome.
In
Out
27:52
Thank you, Councilor.
In
Out
27:53
All right, uh, at this time, on the waiving of Rules 38 and 40, reappointing.
In
Out
27:58
I will ask the clerk to call the roll.
In
Out
28:01
Councilor Abreu?
In
Out
28:02
Yes.
In
Out
28:03
Councilor Baptiste?
In
Out
28:03
Yes.
In
Out
28:04
Yes.
In
Out
28:04
Councilor Bruggo?
In
Out
28:05
Yes.
In
Out
28:06
Yes.
In
Out
28:06
Councilor Carney?
In
Out
28:07
Yes.
In
Out
28:07
Yes.
In
Out
28:08
Councilor Chilpette?
In
Out
28:09
Yes.
In
Out
28:09
Yes.
In
Out
28:10
Councilor Gomes?
In
Out
28:11
Yes.
In
Out
28:11
Yes.
In
Out
28:12
Councilor Lopes?
In
Out
28:12
Yes.
In
Out
28:13
Yes.
In
Out
28:13
Councilor Pemberton?
In
Out
28:14
Yes.
In
Out
28:15
Yes.
In
Out
28:15
Councilor Pereira?
In
Out
28:16
Yes.
In
Out
28:17
Yes.
In
Out
28:17
Councilor Roy?
In
Out
28:18
Yes.
In
Out
28:18
Yes.
In
Out
28:19
10 to 0.
In
Out
28:20
Item passes 10 to 0.
In
Out
28:22
Is there anyone in here That just was reappointed?
In
Out
28:27
I know some of you.
In
Out
28:28
I don't see— I didn't see anybody.
In
Out
28:30
Okay, I don't see anybody.
In
Out
28:34
Okay, very good.
In
Out
28:37
Moving on to new business, I'll ask the clerk to take, uh, read item number 6, please.
In
Out
28:42
Mr. President, I'm sorry, item 6 is a loan order appropriating $13,787,624 for the purpose of paying the cost of replacement of the roof and accessibility, accessibility upgrades to the Alfred J. Gomes Elementary School located at 286 South 2nd Street.
In
Out
29:00
Motion to be, uh, received and placed on file and adopt the loan order.
In
Out
29:05
Motion to adopt the loan order made by Councilor Baptiste, seconded by Councilor Albergo.
In
Out
29:09
Anyone on the question of adoption?
In
Out
29:12
Roll call vote.
In
Out
29:13
Councilor Abreu?
In
Out
29:14
Yes.
In
Out
29:15
Councilor Baptiste?
In
Out
29:16
Yes.
In
Out
29:16
Yes.
In
Out
29:17
Councilor Bruggo?
In
Out
29:18
Yes.
In
Out
29:18
Yes.
In
Out
29:18
Councilor Carney?
In
Out
29:19
Yes.
In
Out
29:20
Yes.
In
Out
29:20
Councilor Chouquette?
In
Out
29:21
Yes.
In
Out
29:22
Yes.
In
Out
29:22
Councilor Gomes?
In
Out
29:24
Yes.
In
Out
29:25
Councilor Lopes?
In
Out
29:26
Yes.
In
Out
29:26
Yes.
In
Out
29:27
Councilor Pemberton?
In
Out
29:28
Yes.
In
Out
29:28
Yes.
In
Out
29:29
Councilor Pereira?
In
Out
29:29
Yes.
In
Out
29:30
Yes.
In
Out
29:30
Councilor Roy?
In
Out
29:31
Yes.
In
Out
29:32
Yes.
In
Out
29:32
Passes 10 to 0, Mr. President.
In
Out
29:34
Item passes 10 to 0.
In
Out
29:36
I'll ask the clerk to read item number 7, please.
In
Out
29:38
Mr. President, item 7 is a report from the Committee on Finance recommending the council approve approval of the COLA base increase from $14,000 to $16,000 effective July 1st, 2026, as detailed in a communication dated November 26th, 2025, which was submitted by Eric Cohen, the executive director of the New Bedford Retirement Board.
In
Out
29:57
7A is a communication from former Councilor Mourad.
In
Out
30:01
Your pleasure, colleagues.
In
Out
30:04
Motion to receive and place on file the report out of the Committee on Finance and approve the COLA base increase.
In
Out
30:09
Second.
In
Out
30:10
Motion to approve the COLA base increase made by Councillor Burgos, seconded by Councillor Carney.
In
Out
30:14
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
30:17
Chair would request a roll call vote.
In
Out
30:22
Councillor Abreu?
In
Out
30:23
Yes.
In
Out
30:23
Yes.
In
Out
30:23
Councillor Baptiste?
In
Out
30:24
Yes.
In
Out
30:25
Yes.
In
Out
30:25
Councillor Burgos?
In
Out
30:26
Yes.
In
Out
30:27
Yes.
In
Out
30:27
Councillor Carney?
In
Out
30:28
Yes.
In
Out
30:28
Yes.
In
Out
30:29
Councillor Chilcott?
In
Out
30:30
Yes.
In
Out
30:30
Yes.
In
Out
30:31
Councillor Gomes?
In
Out
30:32
Yes.
In
Out
30:33
Yes.
In
Out
30:34
Excuse me.
In
Out
30:34
Councilor Lopes?
In
Out
30:35
Yes.
In
Out
30:36
Yes.
In
Out
30:36
Councilor Pemberton?
In
Out
30:37
Yes.
In
Out
30:38
Yes.
In
Out
30:38
Councilor Pereira?
In
Out
30:39
Yes.
In
Out
30:39
Yes.
In
Out
30:40
Councilor Roy?
In
Out
30:41
Yes.
In
Out
30:41
Yes.
In
Out
30:42
Passes 10 to 0, Mr. President.
In
Out
30:43
Item passes 10 to 0.
In
Out
30:46
I'll ask the clerk to read item number 8.
In
Out
30:48
Mr. President, item 8 is a report from the Committee on Finance recommending to the council adoption of an order for the Community Preservation Act FY26 funding recommendations for 20 projects totaling $2,220,000.
In
Out
31:01
$27,341.
In
Out
31:03
In 8A is the order.
In
Out
31:05
Motion to adopt the order made by Councilor Burgos, seconded by Councilor Baptiste.
In
Out
31:10
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
31:12
Roll call vote.
In
Out
31:13
Councilor Abreu?
In
Out
31:15
Yes.
In
Out
31:15
Councilor Baptiste?
In
Out
31:16
Yes.
In
Out
31:16
Yes.
In
Out
31:17
Councilor Burgos?
In
Out
31:18
Yes.
In
Out
31:19
Yes.
In
Out
31:19
Councilor Carney?
In
Out
31:20
Yes.
In
Out
31:21
Yes.
In
Out
31:21
Councilor Choquette?
In
Out
31:22
Yes.
In
Out
31:23
Yes.
In
Out
31:23
Councilor Gomes?
In
Out
31:24
Yes.
In
Out
31:25
Councilor Lopes?
In
Out
31:26
Yes.
In
Out
31:26
Yes.
In
Out
31:26
Councillor Pemberton?
In
Out
31:28
Yes.
In
Out
31:28
Yes.
In
Out
31:29
Councillor Pereira?
In
Out
31:30
Yes.
In
Out
31:30
Yes.
In
Out
31:31
Councillor Roy?
In
Out
31:31
Yeah.
In
Out
31:33
Yes.
In
Out
31:34
Item passes 10 to 0.
In
Out
31:36
I will ask the clerk to read item 9.
In
Out
31:40
Mr. President, item 9 is written motion from Councillors Abreu, Lopes, and Choquette that the City of New Bedford, through its Tourism and Marketing Office and all relevant departments and organizations, actively engage in regional planning and promotional efforts associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as 5 group stage matches will be held at Gillette Stadium between June 13th and July 9th of 2026.
In
Out
32:03
And further, that the city recognized the significant opportunity presented by anticipated overflow hotel demand and increased regional visitation by positioning New Bedford as a welcoming and accessible destination for out-of-town and international visitors attending these matches.
In
Out
32:19
And further, that the Tourism and Marketing Office work in coordination with state and regional tourism partners, local hotels, restaurants, and business organizations to develop and implement a targeted marketing strategy showcasing New Bedford's accommodations, dining, arts, culture, and waterfront amenities.
In
Out
32:36
And further, that the city explore opportunities to support visitor access through transportation coordination, informational materials, and potential visitor packages.
In
Out
32:45
Further, that a representative of the Tourism and Marketing Office be requested to appear before the Committee on Economic Development to provide an update on planned initiatives and partnerships related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In
Out
32:58
Recommendation— motion to follow the recommendation of the motion and refer to the Committee on Economic Development, Tourism Director, representative of the Mayor's Office, Southeastern Mass Convention Visitors Bureau Executive Director Christine— Christiane Tyrell, Michael O'Sullivan of the One South Coast Chamber.
In
Out
33:16
Made by Councilor Burgo, second by— made by Councilor Abrams, second by Councilor Burgo.
In
Out
33:25
On the question, Chair recognizes Councilor Abrams.
In
Out
33:27
Thank you very much, Mr. President.
In
Out
33:29
Sometimes good ideas come by what other municipalities are doing, and I've been following, because my day job working for the Chamber of Commerce up in Brockton, I I've been seeing what the administration of Brockton's been doing, what their Office of Economic Development's been immersed in, and they have been for months now dovetailed in with the folks from FIFA, Gillette Stadium, the Kraft Group, working with partners in the hotel industry, the restaurants, the private industry, and of course the chamber to promote Brockton, the Metro South, and the South Shore area as a good destination for hotels, for staycations, daycations, uh, what's going on in between the matches is listed in the motion here.
In
Out
34:13
The FIFA World Cup will be happening for about a month right here, right on the edge of Bristol County, right here, right on the South Coast.
In
Out
34:21
Now I can tell you that Brockton, Providence, Boston, Taunton, and Fall River, from what I'm told, are all at capacity for hotel occupancy for these 4.5 to 5 weeks during the World Cup, even just before.
In
Out
34:40
So it begs the question, with these hotels being at capacity, what are we doing?
In
Out
34:45
What's New Bedford doing to promote this World Cup and how we can attract this— these international visitors and these national visitors and tourists to New Bedford for those several weeks?
In
Out
34:57
We have hotels, we have 3 of them.
In
Out
34:58
We have beautiful restaurants.
In
Out
35:00
We have our waterfront.
In
Out
35:01
We have some amazing amenities here in New Bedford.
In
Out
35:04
I want to know, what are we doing for that month to attract visitors and tourists here to our city?
In
Out
35:10
This will be a tremendous economic boom for this region for this month.
In
Out
35:15
I've spoken with folks in print, social media, and in newspaper advertising, and in media in general, and to their knowledge, and in my questions I've asked them, we don't have a plan.
In
Out
35:27
Or at least if we do, they They don't know about it.
In
Out
35:30
You figured they would know about it.
In
Out
35:31
They would be the conduit to promote said plans to the populace about what's going on.
In
Out
35:36
So through you, Mr. Chairman— Mr. President, to the chairman of the committee, of which I'm also the vice chair of, I ask that we have an expeditious hearing on this soon so we can get these players to the table from the private sector, the Southeastern Mass Visitors Bureau, the chamber president, as well as our own tourism office to see what is it that we're doing for these 4 weeks.
In
Out
35:59
We have such a tremendous following of soccer here in New Bedford based on the wonderful melting pot of ethnic backgrounds we have in New Bedford— Portuguese, Brazilian, Cape Verdean, this goes on and on and on.
In
Out
36:15
We— there's a lot of excitement going on around the World Cup.
In
Out
36:17
This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, so we need to be out in front of it.
In
Out
36:21
We need to have a plan.
In
Out
36:22
We need to get folks down here.
In
Out
36:24
Basking in what New Bedford has to offer.
In
Out
36:26
And I hope we have a plan, and if we don't, we need to get one soon.
In
Out
36:29
Thank you, Mr. President.
In
Out
36:30
I'll yield at this time.
In
Out
36:32
Thank you, Councilor Abreu.
In
Out
36:34
Anyone else on that— on the question?
In
Out
36:37
Okay, seeing none, all those in favor say aye.
In
Out
36:41
Aye.
In
Out
36:42
Opposed, the ayes have it.
In
Out
36:43
Item number 10 is before us.
In
Out
36:46
Mr. President, item 10 is communication from the clerk to the Council, submitting an application for a new private livery license on behalf of Maria DePina of 28 Windsor Circle in Brockton, Mass., and Maria L. Pires of 60 Foster Street in Brockton, doing business as Sister Express Transport, which will be located at 109 Robeson Street in New Bedford.
In
Out
37:07
The term of the license is to run from July 1st of this year to June 30th of next year.
In
Out
37:11
Refer to Committee on Licensing and Permits.
In
Out
37:14
Motion to refer to the Committee on Licensing and Permits made by Councilor Abruzzo, seconded by by Councilor Burgo.
In
Out
37:20
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
37:22
Aye.
In
Out
37:22
Opposed?
In
Out
37:23
The ayes have it.
In
Out
37:25
Mr.
In
Out
37:25
Chair, without objections, can we take items 11 through 18A together?
In
Out
37:32
They're all renewals.
In
Out
37:35
Yeah, okay.
In
Out
37:36
Without objection, we'll take items 11 through 18, uh, together.
In
Out
37:40
We'll ask the clerk to read the first one in its entirety and just the names and addresses on the rest.
In
Out
37:44
Mr. President, item 11 is communication from the clerk to the council submitting an application for the renewal of a private livery license on behalf of Terry Andre Luis of 38 Trinity Street, New Bedford, doing business as Mel Transportation at 109 Robeson Street, New Bedford.
In
Out
38:01
Item 12 is on behalf of Suzette Rosa de Pina, doing business as Tia Suzette Transportation at 38 Trinity Street.
In
Out
38:09
Uh, number 13 is Sean Simonello of 29 Shannon Way in Dartmouth doing business as Yes We Van LLC at 651 Orchard.
In
Out
38:19
Item 14 is David Bizarro doing business as Bizarro Transportation at 85 Osborne Street in New Bedford.
In
Out
38:26
Item 15 is Anthony DeRosa of 56 Westwood Drive in North Dartmouth doing business as Bluebird Transportation LLC at 458 Dartmouth Street Bedford.
In
Out
38:37
Item 16 is Floyd Piñera, doing business as Ford Transportation, at 7 Upton Street, New Bedford.
In
Out
38:45
Item 17 is Juan Felipe, uh, de Saramos, doing business as JSR Transportation LLC at 312 Davis Street, Apartment 1 in New Bedford.
In
Out
38:57
And number 18, Mr. President, is Albert Williams, doing business as Elite Transportation, 1 Deerfield Lane for Haven, Mass.
In
Out
39:06
Colleagues, grant the licenses, or motion to renew the licenses?
In
Out
39:11
Motion to grant the renewals made by Councilor Burgo, seconded by Councilor Carney.
In
Out
39:15
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
39:17
All those in favor of renewing the licenses say aye.
In
Out
39:19
Opposed, the ayes have it.
In
Out
39:21
Motion to take up and adopt consent.
In
Out
39:24
Motion to take up and adopt consent made by Councilor Burgo.
In
Out
39:30
Second by Councilor Roy.
In
Out
39:31
Anyone on the question?
In
Out
39:33
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
39:34
Aye.
In
Out
39:34
Opposed?
In
Out
39:35
The ayes have it.
In
Out
39:36
Motion to adjourn.
In
Out
39:37
Motion to adjourn made by Councilor Burgo.
In
Out
39:40
Second by Councilor Pemberton.
In
Out
39:42
All those in favor say aye.
In
Out
39:43
Opposed?
In
Out
39:44
The ayes have it.
In
Out
39:46
Thank you everyone.
In
Out
39:47
We are adjourned at 7:39 PM.
In
Out