10.19.2021 Historical Commission

The Fall River Historical Commission met on October 19, 2021, chaired by Kristen Cantara Oliveira. The meeting was dominated by significant community backlash regarding unauthorized clear-cutting and development plans at the historic 22-acre Fall River Waterworks site at 1620 Bedford Street. City Council President Cliff Ponte, Flint Neighborhood Association President Carlos Cesar, and abutting residents Stephen Karowski and Ruth Vincelette voiced deep frustration over the removal of mature buffer-zone trees, increased noise and diesel fumes, morning glare hazards, and the lack of communication from the Water Department and its administrator, Paul Ferland. Chair Cantara Oliveira confirmed the Commission had not been consulted on the planned modern metal maintenance building with a blue wave design and noted the property holds municipal, state, and national historic designations and previously received a Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund grant.

The Commission then reviewed several demolition notices and pending projects. For a proposed parking expansion impacting properties on Summerfield Street, the Commission reviewed landscaping plans submitted by Attorney Burke; members agreed to waive the six-month demolition delay while requesting enhanced evergreen screening, such as arborvitae, and shade trees. Demolition notices for non-historic properties at 455 William S. Canning Boulevard and 425 Snell Street were acknowledged with determinations that neither structure was listed on the city register. Additionally, the Commission agreed to reissue a letter of support for City Planner William Kenney's Community Preservation Act application to restore and relocate the historic City Hall bells to municipal land.

In routine updates, Chair Cantara Oliveira reported ongoing delays with the Law Department regarding the proposed merger ordinance uniting the Historical Commission and the Historic District Commission, which has stalled for nearly three years. Consultant Dominique was reported to be preparing preliminary historic preservation guidelines once payment from the city is received. Following confirmation that the next meeting would take place on November 16, 2021, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn.

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