“In a shift in strategy, the City of New Bedford has begun outreach to the developer community to explore possible changes to the sale criteria required of prospective purchasers of the 100-acres of the municipally-owned Whaling City Golf Course on Hathaway Road. Shift In Strategy For Advanced Manufacturing Campus

In April of this year, the City issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposals from commercial real estate developers to create an Advanced Manufacturing Campus (AMC) on the property. Initial feedback was positive, with the City receiving more than sixty requests for the RFP, but ultimately no proposals were received by the closing of the submission period on September 30, 2022. As a result, the City has decided to solicit additional feedback from the development community and retain a commercial real estate advisor using state grant funds to evaluate possible changes to the terms of a second RFP to be issued in early 2023.

Mayor Jon Mitchell addressed the decision to consider changes to the April RFP, saying “The scale and location of the proposed site confer on it inherent competitive advantages and make it strongly suited to development. Located on greenfield land at the intersection of two major highways, with a regional airport less than a mile away, and direct access to a freight rail line, the property is a rarity in New England. This is why the site has been the focus of various redevelopment concepts over several decades.

But what we have also understood is that the site’s underlying potential only takes us so far. Unfortunately, interest rate hikes have raised the cost of capital over the past six months, and the level of business confidence nationally and globally has fallen. This undoubtedly has had an impact on the level of interest among commercial real estate developers and investors.

Unlike these macroeconomic conditions however, the City has greater control over the terms in the RFP, including the uses allowed, tax incentives offered, and, in this case, the process for relocating golf activity and amenities to areas outside the perimeter of the new business park.

The City’s priorities will remain the same in all essential aspects as we proceed. The City wants proposals that will 1) create well-paying jobs, 2) ease the burden on taxpayers by expanding the commercial tax base, and 3) retain the golf course as a recreational asset. That said, if there are ways to make modest adjustments to a future RFP that help reduce business risk and better ensure a reasonable return on investment for prospective developers, then we need to stay open to these types of accommodations. We want all the stakeholders—residents, the golf community, and potential bidders to understand, while wholesale changes to our strategy are off the table, we are open to the prospect of a fine-tuning that may better balance the interests of seller and buyer.”

Mitchell also used today’s announcement to reiterate his overall support, adding “Increasingly, manufacturers are looking to expand in places that offer easy transportation access for their products, suppliers, and employees, as well as housing affordability and a high quality of life. All these dynamics are as real today as when we first undertook this effort, and despite the unexpected wrinkle, I fully expect New Bedford’s advantages, at this site and elsewhere, will only strengthen over the long-term.”

City Council President Ian Abreu offered his assessment, noting “The Administration remains fully transparent with the Council about how they are adjusting their approach to the redevelopment, and I fully support their continued effort to navigate this project through the choppy economic waters that have developed over the past year. There is a general recognition among leaders that the Advanced Manufacturing Campus presents a unique, generational opportunity, and we just have to keep at it and tackle whatever challenges arise until we achieve our goals. We cannot afford to pass up this chance to create jobs for residents while also growing revenues—which helps bolster city government finances and ultimately eases the burden on local taxpayers by broadening our tax base.”

City Council Property Committee Chair Maria Giesta added, “We remain pleased with how the Administration and its economic development team have approached the AMC project. They have been candid about both our options and our challenges for addressing them, and I expect the entire Property Committee to continue to advocate for a way forward that delivers significant benefits local residents, businesses, and users of the golf course.”

Derek Santos, Executive Director of the New Bedford Economic Development Council, who marketed the site to the development community, echoed comments of the Mayor and Councillors: “From day one, the AMC has been about creating an opportunity for a mutually beneficial partnership between the public and private sectors. The RFP process is simply a tool to facilitate that partnership; so if the public sector chooses to further refine its approach, it is reasonable to expect private sector interests will, in turn, revisit their assessment of the business opportunity.”

Background on the Advanced Manufacturing Campus

With the City’s existing New Bedford Business Park at nearly full capacity, city officials, members of the local legislative delegation, and state economic development experts have been collaborating since 2017 to advance the AMC project to this stage. Past efforts have included a detailed market analysis, an extensive assessment of site conditions, the establishment of a site-specific zoning measure, and special legislation recently signed into law, which removes state recreational restrictions that had barred redevelopment at the location.

A feasibility analysis concluded that the AMC site can accommodate more than 1 million square feet of new development and host as many as 1,000 workers, while allowing for the continued operation of the adjacent golf course. Additional market research found that site has the acreage, transportation access, and visibility in demand among leading industries of Massachusetts and beyond.

Watch a brief video describing the Advanced Manufacturing Campus here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BdwOS8lALw.”-City of New Bedford.

“On Friday, October 7, Trooper Nathan Monteiro, of the MSP Recruitment and Diversity Office; and Trooper Jesse Walker, Troop D Community Liaison, gave a presentation to Kindergartners at Alma Del Mar Elementary School in New Bedford.

Together, the Troopers talked about the job that Massachusetts State Troopers do. The Troopers showed off some of their gear and what and the resources that they have to help them in their daily duties.

The most important topics of the day were the effects of bullying, and tips for riding a bike safely. At the end of their day together, the students took stickers, hats, and new friendships from their time with the Troopers.”-Massachusetts State Police.

All photos by the Massachusetts State Police:

“In recognition of National Fallen Firefighters Weekend and the start of Fire Prevention Week, the lights at the Elm Street Garage will shine red from Sunday, October 9 through Saturday, October 15.

One hundred forty-eight names were read at the memorial service this year honoring those firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Fire Prevention Week highlights how important working smoke alarms, a clear exit path, and a well-planned escape route are in the event a fire occurs in your residence.

This week two fires occurred requiring residents to be rescued over ground ladders, aerial ladders, and interior stairwells. A third fire at a thirteen-unit dwelling rendered it uninhabitable.

In addition to some of the residents suffering injuries, approximately two dozen were displaced by these fires. These are a few recent examples that show fire safety should never be taken for granted.” -New Bedford Fire Department.

New Bedford Fire Department photo.

New Bedford Fire Department photo.

“The U.S. Coast Guard is asking for the public’s help in locating 22-year-old Matthew Dennis, who left #Salem, #MA, Sept. 22, toward FL, in a white 28ft fiberglass #sailboat.

He was last heard from Sept. 29, off the coast of Long Island, NY. 1/2.” -USCGNortheast.

In a video posted the day he set sail, the Colorado native said he recently “just dropped everything,” and sold all of his belongings to purchase a sailboat.

“This is my first time handling something this big,” Dennis said. “I’m definitely in way over my head.”

U.S. Coast Guard photo.

“Hi guys I’m just looking for a little bit of help. This is my son who will be 12-years-old has been fishing since he was 4 …something that is his life basically.

Unfortunately, he left behind his tackle box at Sandy Beach Atlantic Boulevard in Cohasset with many lures – well over $100 worth. Later that day he broke his pole, a pole that was very sentimental due to the fact my friend who passed away had given it to him.

The lures are Cast Masters and Spooks. He’s absolutely devastated! He knows it was his mistake. The tackle box was a Shimano Tackle Box. If anyone sees it in the area or if anyone is trying to sell it, it’s a 12-year-old kid’s!

Lindsay K Santos photo.

He’s almost to the point that he doesn’t want to fish anymore and I am telling him not to get discouraged but he feels he never wants to fish again because that’s how he feels at the moment. The fishing pole he has is not easy to fix. His dad’s trying to get it fixed.

He feels as though he has let a lot of people down. We just want to put a smile back on his face. It’s more of a teaching lesson than a person looking for a handout and I say that lately with all of these comments that I’m reading Billy Hanson you’re an amazing person thank you.

Lindsay K Santos photo.

I go fishing with him to the same place every night and that’s why I posted it – because the people that I fish with know what my gear looks like. So someone took it when you walked away.

Yes, it is his fault for walking away. There was a very nice gentleman who wanted to talk fishing with my son and tell him never to get discouraged because the same day his pole broke this man that spoke to my son lost his arm and told my son to never get discouraged so I’m thankful for that person and I’m thankful for anybody who offered their help.

When my boyfriend has a couple of extra hooks he lets the kids that are fishing nearby use them because they don’t have much. I like seeing the kids fishing, they’re not getting in trouble, it’s something fun and it’s only a few months out of the year up here in New England. I had a gentleman that wanted to donate and I told him that I could take care of what my son needed and I wished to help one of the kids that we helped this year and this 17-year-old blew us out of the water literally with the striper he caught we were so proud of him.

I am not thankful however for the people who made fun of me because I have a phone that is broken and doesn’t punctuate or spell correctly. Technology really sucks nowadays but not fishing that’s why we love; being on water in peace……….peace out.” –Lindsay K Santos.

Lindsay K Santos photo.

The following was posted on a popular local foodie group: Hockomock Swamp Supper Club and was shared with the original posters permission after we reached out.

“I went out to breakfast this morning at a local restaurant and as I was sitting there contemplating the world, enjoying my coffee, I became aware of the conversations around me. The table behind me was watching a Tom and Jerry cartoon on their phone…the one featuring the crows and is you is or is you ain’t my baby sung by Louis Armstrong…I smiled remembering the cartoon from childhood.”

“Then I slowly became aware of the table in front of me. The woman came back from the bathroom and immediately started complaining about cold coffee, having to wait for cream, and because the waitress didn’t bring it to her immediately she got up to get it herself, the waitress is lazy, the service sucks, the food is not good, etc., etc. The man with her told her she was a brat and not that special…they were very loud and the woman very cruel. The woman insisted the waitress send over the manager and when she went to their table, the woman said, oh never mind, I was just told I was being unreasonable…then proceeded through her litany of complaints. The manager was gracious and offered to take her meal off the bill and the woman declined the offer. Just continued to complain.”

“They came in after me and were served their meals before me. We had the same waitress. I didn’t feel the wait was anything that warranted her reaction, especially such a public display, but i understand everyone has different expectations and I appreciate that. My meal was good, not as great as always, but good. Must have a different cook because crispy hash browns came out REALLY crispy and I got the wrong toast, but nothing that was life ending. They were doing their best with the staff they had on hand.”

“The point of my post is not to bash the restaurant or to say the woman was right or wrong in her opinion, because everyone feels the way they feel and has different experiences and perceptions and that’s perfectly okay!! I would never say anyone was wrong or invalidate their experience.”

“I just wanted to remind everyone that no matter what, it costs nothing to be kind. To belittle other people and call them stupid and lazy so the whole restaurant can hear is a little uncouth. You can handle things like this in a much more kind way. There’s no excuse for nastiness. We’re all human. We all have off days. No one is immune to that. In a world where criticism quite often reigns supreme, choose kindness!!”
Have a great Saturday!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Donna H.

“The Baker-Polito Administration is recognizing Massachusetts Disability Employment Awareness Month in October as part of the Administration’s ongoing commitment to improving and expanding inclusive access to economic opportunity across the Commonwealth. This year’s theme, “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation,” highlights the important role that individuals who experience life with a disability play in a diverse and inclusive workforce. Initiatives during the month include a “Count Me In” campaign encouraging state employees to self-identify, and the launch of NextGen Careers – a new program to help young adults ages 18-30 with disabilities to explore the world of work.

“Having a job provides individuals the opportunity to grow, succeed and gain autonomy, which are experiences that every individual in Massachusetts should have, regardless of ability,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “The Baker-Polito Administration supports a workforce in the Commonwealth that reflects a diversity of experiences, where everyone can achieve their true potential and contribute fully to their communities.”

The NextGen program will teach jobseekers to advocate for themselves, gain self-confidence, and become self-sufficient on their career path. Individuals enrolled in the program will be paired with a team of mentors, counselors, benefit advisors, and employment specialists to help navigate their career path. This innovative program was made possible by a $17 million Innovation Grant the Commonwealth received from the federal Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA).

“NextGen Careers will focus on the whole person, providing wraparound services for job-seekers with disabilities who are eager to find a meaningful career,” said MRC Commissioner Toni Wolf. “We’re thrilled to launch this program and modernize this approach to empowering youth on their job journey.”

This new program builds on the Administration’s work to support an inclusive economy, including:

• Establishing Empowering to Employ, a program that connects individuals with disabilities who receive DTA benefits with vocational supports and employment services provided by MRC’s vocational rehabilitation specialists, in order to obtain competitive employment in a field that best matches their skills and interests. 651 Commonwealth residents have participated in the program to-date.
• Launching the Massachusetts Disability Employment Tax Credit (DETC), a tax incentive program for employers aimed at increasing employment opportunities for individuals with a disability in the Commonwealth.
• Hosting the MCB-led virtual Reverse Job Fairs for individuals with visual impairment, bringing together more than 30 Massachusetts employers with job-ready candidates.

“At DTA, we are committed to full inclusion of clients of all abilities. DTA continues to prioritize expanding access to education, employment and training opportunities and we will work with residents to pick the best program to meet their goals,” said Department of Transitional Assistance Acting Commissioner Mary Sheehan. “This Massachusetts Disability Employment Awareness Month we celebrate the importance of a truly inclusive workforce. The agency is committed to continuing to work with state and local partners to improve the opportunities available for our clients and staff with disabilities so they can meet their own goals on their own pathway to economic mobility.”

“At the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind, we constantly strive for successful employment outcomes for the people we serve who are blind and visually impaired,” said MCB Commissioner David D’Arcangelo. “Employment offers many individuals financial independence and the opportunity to contribute to society in meaningful ways.”

“Massachusetts Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is fully committed to working with stakeholders to create a fully accessible Commonwealth that harnesses our diversity, fosters inclusion, and engenders equitable communication access at workplaces,” said MCDHH Commissioner Opeoluwa Sotonwa. “The benefits of hiring deaf and hard-of-hearing employees have been well-documented; they are focused, productive, adaptable, patient, flexible, and creative.”

“

“This red-tailed hawk has a brand new perspective today….mostly because he is no longer hanging upside down by his foot!

The poor fellow was left dangling after he stuck his leg into the knot hole of a tree and somehow managed to get it wedged in there. Perhaps he reached in to try and catch a meal and got more than he bargained for.

A good Samaritan called to report the distressed bird and Officers Catone and Condon from the Yarmouth Division of Natural Resources responded. Working together (in the pouring rain) they were able to safely free the bird’s leg, which was reportedly VERY stuck. Once the bird was free, Officer Condon brought him to our Cape hospital for assessment and care.

A preliminary exam revealed that the leg is badly bruised, but thankfully there are no broken or dislocated bones. The trauma of being compressed in the tree along with supporting the hawk’s full body weight has caused a fair amount of soft tissue trauma and swelling that will require several weeks of treatment.

For now, the hawk is resting comfortably and has been given supportive medications to help with the pain and swelling. When he regains full use of the foot he will be released back to the wild, where we hope he will stay upright and refrain from sticking his feet into precarious places.” -New England Wildlife Center.

New England Wildlife Center photo.

New England Wildlife Center photo.

New England Wildlife Center photo.

“In honor of #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, today’s topic is Therapy.

Our mental health team at the NBPD was able to get a little taste of self-care by heading up to Stepping Stone Ranch for their Equine-Based Mindfulness Stress Relief Program. The program is based on, “practicing stress management and horse-guided mindfulness training by utilizing effective techniques for their own well-being under the guidance of a professional health and equine instructor.”Our Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program (L.E.A.D), in collaboration with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, Seven Hills Behavioral Health, Gifford Street Wellness Center, and Peer 2 Peer Recovery Support Center is designed to help those who struggle with substance use disorder, mental health, poverty, and/or homelessness.

Those who are diverted into the L.E.A.D program are assigned a recovery coach to help them get back on track through a wellness plan and to help aim those struggling to achieve their goals.

If you know anyone who may be struggling with mental health, you can contact the free, nationwide peer-support service NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, text “HelpLine” to 62640, or email them at helpline.nami.org Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m.

You can also call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for 24/7 availability 365 days a year.”-City of New Bedford Police Department.

All photos by the New Bedford Police Department:

The City of New Bedford has roadwork sites for the upcoming week of October 10, 2022 – October 14, 2022, and they are as follows:

City offices closed Monday, October 10 for Columbus Day.

Eversource will be working on the street milling from gas main relays on:

• Main Relay on Phillips Rd. from Holly Tree Lane to Route 140

Other:
• Contractor (INDUS) will be working on Braley Road from Phillip Rd to Freetown town line. This work will include adjusting all structures within the roadway in preparation of final top course paving to take place the week of October 17th. Single lane traffic for paving operations.
• Contractor (KR Rezendes, Inc.) will continue roadway and sidewalk work at MassDOT’s Hathaway Triangle project located at the newly signalized intersection of Hathaway Rd x Nauset St.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will continue curb installation and sidewalk reconstruction along a portion of Phillips Rd from Holly Tree Ln to approximately 550’ north of Birchwood Dr.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will continue sidewalk work on Pricilla Street and West Street in the vicinity of St. Luke’s Hospital.
• Contractor will be working at the MassDOT project, Kings Highway.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on various streets, citywide, completing minor repairs and installations.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be working on sidewalk reconstruction on Union St from Sixth St to County St.
• Contractor (PA Landers) will be raising structures within the roadway on Cedar St (from Maxfield to Mill St) in preparation of final top course paving.
• Contractor (PA Landers) tentatively scheduled to line paint the newly resurfaced roadways of Mt. Pleasant St, Rockdale Ave, Acushnet Ave, Nash Rd and E. Rodney French Blvd.
• Contractor (SCR Constructors) will continue site work at the future South Coast Rail station platform locations in the city. (Church St at Carlisle St and Wamsutta St at Acushnet Ave.) If you have questions, please email the project team at SouthCoastRail@dot.state.ma.us