Environmental Affairs - Special Committee — June 9, 2026

New Bedford City Council Jun 9, 2026 Watch source Clip View meeting agenda

The New Bedford City Council's Special Committee on Environmental Affairs met on June 9, 2026, to discuss the status of an agreement concerning the A1 Asphalt property at 1861 Shawmut Avenue. The primary issue was a four-year agreement, which expired in January 2026, that allowed Pico Stone to remove aggregate material from the site. Residents Gregory Sirois and Tom Welch voiced complaints about the operation continuing past the deadline, citing ongoing issues with truck traffic, dust, and mud on the streets. Attorney Sean Hurley, representing the property owner, stated that approximately 93% of the material (40,000 yards) had been removed, with only 3,000 yards remaining. He requested a six-month extension to complete the work, attributing delays to economic factors. Paul Matos, representing the owner, expressed a desire to work with neighbors. City Solicitor Eric Jakes clarified that the expired agreement was a stipulation of dismissal, not a court order, and could be amended by the Zoning Board of Appeals, but no formal request for an extension had been received. Building Commissioner Danny Romanowicz noted that a tenant, Fernandez Masonry, was using the site as a contractor's yard without a proper permit. After hearing from all parties, the committee decided to gather more information. An agreement was made for the Building Commissioner, Ward 1 Councillor Leo Choquette, and property representative Paul Matos to conduct a site visit. The committee then voted to table the matter until a future meeting, likely after the city's budget process is complete, at which point they will review the findings from the site visit and further discuss a potential resolution.

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