“Alinea Capital Partners announced that it will begin construction on 10@8th, a new residential community in New Bedford. The transit-oriented development will include 52 units of housing affordable to low- and moderate-income working families. When completed, the project will be the largest new construction project built downtown in 38 years.

“The City continues to support the construction of new units in an effort to create attainable housing opportunities for all residents,” Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “I’m grateful to Duane and the Alinea team for their investment in New Bedford, and to our partners on the state and federal levels for their support. We’”10@8th”? Is that supposed to be 1028th?re proud of the team effort underway to ensure housing opportunities for residents at every income level.”

“After years of collaboration with the City of New Bedford and community leaders, we are pleased to begin construction of this landmark development. New Bedford’s working families deserve housing that is convenient, attractive, and affordable,” said L. Duane Jackson, Managing Member of Alinea Capital Partners, LLC. “This project would not be possible without the support of the Office of the Mayor and the public and private partners who invested time and capital to create a viable structure to achieve long term long-term affordability for the residents of the city. As New Bedford becomes a hub of America’s emerging offshore wind industry, we are proud to be a critical part of building the Whaling City’s bright future.”

Funding and financing for the project is being provided through a combination of city, state, and federal resources, as well as the participation of private partners. Funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and other state and local resources are being used to finance the development. Mayor Mitchell awarded its funding through the city’s Housing Expansion Initiative. Additional state resources, including debt and equity, were provided by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Livable Communities, MassHousing, and the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation. Construction financing is provided by Chase Bank.

Located at the former Mass. Registry of Motor Vehicles building in the heart of downtown’s business, retail, and entertainment centers, the building will feature views of New Bedford Harbor and will be convenient to the new Southcoast Rail commuter rail station set to open in 2024.

“Increasing the supply of affordable housing in Massachusetts is critical to lowering living costs for our residents and bolstering the state’s economic competitiveness,” said Ed Augustus, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. “Transit oriented projects in Gateway Cities are key to building the bright future of the Commonwealth. Communities and residents alike benefit when there are more places like 10th@8th to call home.”

The project was designed by Boston-based DHK Architects and was previously approved by the New Bedford Zoning Board. The new five story building will be LEED-certifiable, using clean energy including solar panels. It will have an underground parking garage for 19 vehicles with designated electric vehicle (EV) ready spaces. WinnResidential will manage the project upon completion, which is currently expected in mid-2025.

“To be able to redevelop an underutilized parcel in the heart of New Bedford into a new housing community that will be affordable to 52 households is an exciting opportunity for the city and the residents who will call 10 @ 8th home,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “MassHousing is pleased to be part of this effort that is going to provide the project’s new residents with housing stability and economic opportunities in greater New Bedford.”-City of New Bedford.

City of New Bedford photo.

“A Millis, Mass. man was arrested by federal authorities today for allegedly threatening to kill members of the Jewish community and bomb places of worship.

John Reardon, 59, was charged by criminal complaint with one count of using a facility of interstate commerce to threaten a person or place with harm via an explosive. Reardon was arrested this morning and will appear in U.S. District Court in Boston at 2 p.m. today. Reardon was previously arrested by local law enforcement Jan. 25, 2024 and has remained in custody since.

“The allegations here about the series of threats Mr. Reardon made against the Jewish community are deeply disturbing and reflect the increasing torrent of antisemitism across our country and right here in Massachusetts. The numbers do not lie — incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia are spiking. We will continue to work every day with our federal, state and local partners to track down people who allegedly engage in such hateful conduct,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy.

“John Reardon is accused of using his words as a weapon, leaving a threatening message to frighten members of the Congregation Agudas Achim,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division. “No one should have to fear becoming the victim of physical violence at the hands of an angry stranger. While the FBI does not and will not police ideology, we take all threats to life seriously, and so should anyone thinking about making one.”

According to the charging documents, on the morning of Jan. 25, 2024, Reardon allegedly called Congregation Agudas Achim, a synagogue in Attleboro, Mass. and left a voicemail making the following statements:

• “You do realize that by supporting genocide that means it’s ok for people to commit genocide against you;”
• “With supporting the killing of innocent little children, that means it’s OK to kill your children;”
• “From the river to the sea;”
• “People are going to use your logic against you, you stupid f**ks;”
• “Guess what? We are going to use your logic —if you can kill the Palestinians, we can kill you;”
• “If you can bomb their f**king places of worship we can bomb yours, if you can kill their children we can kill yours;”
• “You people need to stop the f**king genocide;”
• “End the genocide, or it is time to end Israel and all the Jews;”
• “I supported Jewish people though. Not anymore. A matter of fact I think we should kill you(s) all;” and
• “Have a lousy day and oh don’t be surprised if there’s pig blood on your steps tomorrow.”

It is further alleged that, within 10 minutes of leaving the voicemail at the Congregation Agudas Achim, Reardon called another local Synagogue as well as a local Jewish affiliated organization. Reardon was arrested by local law enforcement after the calls were made.

The charge of using a facility of interstate commerce to threaten a person or place with harm via an explosive provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Levy and FBI SAC Cohen made the announcement today. The Attleboro and Wrentham Police Departments; Massachusetts State Police; Bristol County District Attorney’s Office; and Bristol County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Riley-Cunniffe and Torey B. Cummings of the Civil Rights & Human Trafficking Unit are prosecuting the case.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.

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“Good Evening, This message is from Brockton Police.

Please be on the lookout for a missing 14-year-old girl by the name of Leanni Dossantos. Leanni is four feet ten inches tall and one hundred sixty-eight pounds. She is a light-skinned black female and has brown hair and brown eyes.

She was wearing a Black tee shirt and leggings with brown boots and a gray sweater. She was last seen at The Plus School at 250 Crescent Street.

She has family in New Bedford. If you see Leanni please call Brockton Police at 508-941-0200. Thank you.”-Brockton Emergency Management Agency.

Brockton Emergency Management Agency photo.

“On Friday, January 19, 2024, Governor Maura Healey first unveiled the Municipal Empowerment Act. A Bill which will fall on your desk in the coming days if not already.

As a member of our state delegation, you’ll then begin the crucial task of dissecting this bill and discussing the impact to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, to the municipalities within, our residents and businesses. I’m writing this letter to express my opposition to the reform which allows increases to the Vehicle Excise Tax, Hotel/Lodging Tax as well as the Prepared Meal Tax at the local level. Although I see this as way to empower it also has the ability to divide amongst our communities and I strongly urge you to suggest or support efforts to strike it entirely.

Although it’s imperative for the State Legislature to support cities and towns throughout the commonwealth and present local officials with “new tools” to better serve their communities, we must remain mindful of the major stresses our taxpayers are facing. Residents and businesses throughout the Commonwealth continue to struggle day to day as we’re still under the choke hold of inflation, a troubling housing crisis, and an uncertain job market. These factors solidify the argument that this is not the time to increase these already heavy burdens.

Instead, we must continue to look for ways to cut taxes, save money, do more with less throughout all levels of government, and not just continue to come to the taxpayer with our hands out. Although locally it’s been said that there are “No Plans” to use these new proposed tools our taxpayers just can’t take that chance. As Elected Officials it is our job to make life easier, not harder. I hope you’ll strongly consider opposing these measures which will have an adverse effect and instead empower our residential and commercial taxpayers, our tourists, and our restaurant goers to just go elsewhere.

In closing, I compel you to sit down, take a deep breath, look in the mirror and see your constituency in the reflection, then ask whether this bill fully supports vibrant communities where people will want to live, work, play and stay.”-New Bedford City Councilor Shawn Oliver.

Dartmouth Police Department photo.

“Shortly after midnight on January 28th, south-end patrol officers responded to a Cove St. address regarding a disturbance.

Upon arrival, the complainant stated that a loud party had been taking place next door. When asked to turn the music down, a male suspect became argumentative and produced a firearm which he then pointed at the complainant’s face.

As the victim called the police, the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle. A description and last known direction of travel were broadcast to the patrol division with instructions to be on the lookout. At this time, Ofc. Jenna Touchette was monitoring Route 18 traffic to locate the suspect when she suddenly observed a vehicle of matching description. She made her way onto Route 18 and stopped the suspect a short distance north of the Elm St. intersection. She was immediately assisted by additional patrol officers as well as Massachusetts State Police troopers.

The operator was safely removed from the vehicle and Ofc. Touchette located a firearm in a satchel bag he was wearing around his shoulder. The firearm was found to be a 45 caliber Taurus semi-automatic loaded with 8 rounds of ammunition. The operator was identified as Mr. MIGUEL ROSARIO, 54, of 720 Crossroads, North Dartmouth. ROSARIO did not have a license to carry the pistol which was later determined to have been stolen out of Georgia.

ROSARIO was taken into custody and charged with a variety of serious offenses including assault with a firearm, possession of a firearm and ammunition without a license, and possession of stolen property.

The arresting officer was Ofc. Juniel Jordan.

If you have any information you would like to share with the police, you can do so anonymously by visiting our website, newbedfordpd.com, or by calling 508-99-CRIME.”-New Bedford Police Department.

“Last Thursday, a Trooper out of the 88th RTT assigned to SP Concord initiated a traffic stop for a marked lanes violation as well as a plate cover violation.

During the course of their investigation, a large trash bag of vacuum-sealed marijuana was discovered. As the investigation continued three more full trash bags were found.

In total, forty vacuum-sealed bags were found as well as dispensary-type packages used for distribution. The Association commends the hard work of our recently graduated member as well as all Troopers assigned to A3.”-State Police Association of Massachusetts.

State Police Association of Massachusetts photo.

“Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III’s Cold Case Unit has identified the killer of a 20-year-old Newport, RI man, who was gunned down at the Brickenwood Housing Project in New Bedford on October 25, 1991.

The killer has now been positively identified as Claudio Jorge. The chief suspect in the 1991 slaying of Brent Davis has also been confirmed as being deceased. Jorge was killed in the Dominican Republic in 2006 while being robbed. He was 40-years-old at the time of his killing.

As part of District Attorney Quinn’s Cold Case Unit, Katherine Sullivan, a Massachusetts State Police Trooper assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s office, began investigating the 1991 homicide of Brent David in the fall of 2020. At the time of the 19991 homicide, witnesses to the shooting identified the suspect as an individual named “Bobby.”

Claudio Jorge. Bristol County District Attorney’s Office photo.

Investigators at the time created a sketch composite of the suspect and were able to identify two relatives of the suspect who were living in New Bedford. Those relatives claimed “Bobby” was also known as “Reynaldo Suriel” and that he was from New York City.

Attempts to locate this individual were unsuccessful. The case then went cold and no arrest was made.

As part of her recent follow up investigation, Trooper Sullivan determined that “Reynaldo Suriel” was likely an alias and that the identity of “Bobby” was still unknown.

After reviewing the 1991 reports, Trooper Sullivan located several individuals who either witnessed the shooting or were associated with the suspect “Bobby.” Some of those individuals were subsequently interviewed.

As a result of those interviews, investigators learned that Mr. Davis had only been staying in New Bedford for a few days prior to his murder in 1991. Investigators further learned that the homicide was the result of a drug distribution dispute, that “Bobby” was originally from the Dominican Republic and that he fled the city immediately after the killing of Mr. Davis.

Bristol County District Attorney’s Office photo.

Another key witness admitted to investigators that he sold cocaine with “Bobby” at the time and that “Bobby” came to his girlfriend’s apartment immediately after the homicide. Once inside the apartment, “Bobby” stated that Davis was dead and that he needed to get out of town. A second key witness corroborate the previous witness’ statements and said “Bobby” committed the homicide.

As the investigation heated up, Trooper Sullivan, joined by another Trooper from the State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section and a New York Police Detective, made contact with the close relative of the suspect who had also previously resided in New Bedford. That close relative said “Bobby,” also known as “Reynaldo Suriel,” was actually Claudio Jorge and that he had been killed in the Domician Republic in 2006. The close relative provided photographs of Mr. Jorge to investigators, which were a match to the composite sketch produced in 1991. The close relative also provided further information to investigators, which showed that “Bobby” was in fact Claudio Jorge and that Claudio Jorge has shot and killed Mr. Davis in 1991.

Our office acquired criminal records for Claudio Jorge and records from the US Marshals and the New York Police Department. Jorge had a lengthy criminal record with narcotics and weapons offenses. Jorge was incarcerated in New York in 1983 for an armed robbery and a shooting, and again in incarcerated in 1988 for narcotics and weapons offenses. The records further showed that Jorge was not incarcerated on October 25, 1991 but was arrested in 1992 in New York and was subsequently deported to the Dominican Republic in 1998.

Subsequently, an NYPD Dominican Republic Liaison detective visited the Jorge family residence in La Vega, Dominican Republic and spoke with Jorge’s aunt, who stated Jorge was deceased and provided an obituary card from 2006.

Following the confirmed identification of Claudio Jorge as “Bobby,” Trooper Sullivan presented two witnesses in the Davis homicide case with photographs of Jorge. Both witnesses stated with certainty that Jorge was the person known as “Bobby” and that he shot Mr. Davis.

Trooper Sullivan located Brent Davis’ mother in Newport, Rhode Island and informed her that investigators had positively identified the individual responsible for her son’s murder and that he was deceased.

At this point, all investigatory avenues have been exhausted to confirm that Claudio Jorge committed the homicide by firearm of Brent Davis on October 25, 1991 and Jorge is deceased. The cold case has now officially been closed.”-Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

Bristol County District Attorney’s Office photo.

“The crashes occurred when steady rain transitioned to snow, creating a slushy covering on local roads.

The first crash occurred at 11:47 am this morning when a pickup truck went off the road in the area of 72 Precinct Street. While on the scene, calls for multiple crashes on both the north and southbound sides of Rt 140 started to come in.

Despite having 4 firefighters on duty, a recall was required to cover the additional emergencies.

Car 2, Ambulance 3, Ambulance 2, Engine 1, and Engine 2 leapfrogged from scene to scene. A total of 7 patients were evaluated and treated, one requiring transport to the hospital.

Lakeville Fire Department reminds our community to be extra careful during the current tricky driving conditions.”-Lakeville, MA Fire Department.

Lakeville, MA Fire Department photo.

Lakeville, MA Fire Department photo.

“Last week our members assigned to SP Millbury responded to a call for assistance after the operator of a motor vehicle had a medical incident resulting in transport to the hospital.

Our Trooper was able to successfully lure the operator’s dog out of the vehicle with Slim Jim’s and the two became friends quickly.

The pup named Rocky took a trip back to the barracks and was given a tour of C2. Rocky then hung out and worked the desk until animal control showed up to reunite him with his owner.”-State Police association of Massachusetts.

State Police association of Massachusetts photo.

State Police association of Massachusetts photo.

State Police association of Massachusetts photo.