7.28.21 Redevelopment Authority

The Fall River Redevelopment Authority met on July 28, 2021, to conduct regular municipal business and receive updates on ongoing waterfront and urban renewal initiatives. The board approved the June 30, 2021 meeting minutes and the July warrants and disbursements. Executive Director Sarah Page updated members on upcoming financial activity, highlighting the $1,000,000 Seaport Economic Council grant and the authority's commitment of $1.6 million in self-allocated funds toward the City Pier project at 600 Davol Street, where contractor billings are anticipated to intensify in the fall. A proposed $239,000 contract amendment from BETA Group for construction management and site observation was scrutinized and ultimately tabled due to concerns about high rates, potential duplication of administrative tasks, and lack of a not-to-exceed fee structure.

In routine business items, the board voted to apply for a BayCoast Bank credit card with a $2,500 limit for operational expenses and authorized up to $5,000 for secondhand office furniture. Members also approved the transfer and sale of 3336 Innovation Way in Freetown from Devcon Innovation Way LLC to experienced gas station operator Messias Pedro or his nominee, modifying the planned development footprint to a gas station, convenience store, and restaurant. Additionally, the authority approved a $6,500 bid from general contractor MAS Building & Bridge for a geo-reinforced turf grass add-alternate at City Pier to accommodate food trucks, as well as an expenditure of up to $350 for commemorative mugs depicting the pier's design.

Project updates followed, covering pending appraisals for the Bank Street Armory and 45 Anawan Street, the Urban Renewal Plan RFP timeline, and TDI District streetscape planning. Consultant Ken Fiola voiced urgency regarding MassDOT's Route 79 improvements, stressing the importance of obtaining the 25 percent design milestone and locking in a 2022 construction contract to safeguard the state's $100 million commitment ahead of administration changes and the 2023 commuter rail arrival. The authority then voted to adjourn into executive session regarding real estate negotiations.

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