City Property Committee — August 11, 2026

The City of New Bedford's Committee on City Property met on August 11, 2026, to reconsider proposals for the sale and redevelopment of two former fire stations. The primary agenda items were the competing proposals for Fire Station 3 at 834 Kempton Street and Fire Station 11 at 754 Brock Avenue. Two development groups presented for both properties: South Coast Investments and Gavush Development LLC (represented by a father and son, respectively) competed against Divine Contractors Incorporated/Freedom Realty Group.

For Fire Station 11, Christian Gavush Silvera of Gavush Development presented a plan for six apartments with financing and permitting contingencies. Gary Gagne of Freedom Realty Group presented a competing proposal for eight apartments, offering a higher purchase price of $75,000 (compared to Gavush's $50,000) with no contingencies. For Fire Station 3, a representative from South Coast Investments defended their proposal for eight apartments, which had been previously recommended by the committee. Freedom Realty Group again offered a higher price of $75,000 with no contingencies. Proponents for Freedom Realty argued their offers presented more money and less risk to the city, while South Coast and Gavush emphasized their long-term commitment, detailed planning, and prior approvals.

After hearing from all parties and discussing procedural matters with the assistant city solicitor, the committee held a series of votes. Motions to select the proposals from Divine Contractors/Freedom Realty Group for both properties failed on 6-2 votes. Subsequently, the committee voted 6-2 to approve the proposal from South Coast Investments for the Kempton Street property and 6-2 to approve the proposal from Gavush Development for the Brock Avenue property, referring both recommendations to the full City Council.

AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Watch the video to verify.