1.8.2026 Community Preservation Committee

The Community Preservation Committee of Fall River, Massachusetts, convened on January 8th at One Government Center. The meeting began with a roll call and the unanimous approval of minutes from November 17th. The bulk of the meeting was dedicated to a funding round, where several projects were presented for consideration. These included a $500,000 request for Father Kelly Park and Parking Facility, a $400,000 request for the Columbia Canal Street Parklet, a $240,000 request for the Fall River Waterworks Complex Repair Shed #12, and an $816,750 request for a Public Repair Station and Wash House at the Copicut Farm Bio Reserve. Other requests covered a $33,000 Historic Property Survey for the Bio Reserve, $25,000 for land protection on Proprietor's Way, and $720,000 for the Samson Parcel Land Protection, which is seeking a 60% state match. A $200,000 request was made for the Abbott Court Sensory Playground, with a total project cost of $650,000, and $250,000 was requested for resurfacing courts in multiple city parks, though bids came in lower at $172,000-$180,000. Finally, the Christ Rock Church sought $350,000 for the third phase of its tower restoration.

A significant decision was made regarding the Coughlin School project, which had previously been awarded $225,000 for a sprinkler system. The committee voted 5-3 to rescind the funding due to the St. John's Club's failure to meet a 180-day deadline for historic preservation compliance and lack of communication. Project updates were also provided for the Children's Museum roof and a windows project. New business included addressing public records requests and preliminary discussions about participating in the city's 250th anniversary and establishing a proactive maintenance program for historic properties.

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