8.19.2025 Historical Commission

Fall River Government TV Aug 19, 2025 YouTube Report Issue

The Fall River Historical Commission convened on Tuesday, August 19th, 2025, for a hybrid meeting. The commission unanimously approved the minutes from May 20th, 2025, with a 5-0 roll call vote, following a motion by Rick Manceni and a second by Ashley Dunia. However, the minutes from July 22nd, 2025, were unanimously tabled with a 5-0 roll call vote, based on a motion by Jonathan Lima and a second by Rick Manceni. No citizen input was received, and no notices of intent to demolish were submitted. A significant portion of the meeting focused on requests for continued letters of support for historic tax credit applications. Nate from Heritage Consulting Group provided an update on the BMC Dery Trust building at 80-84 North Main Street, noting emergency repairs to brickwork on the south/Bank Street facade due to a July 3rd, 2025 storm, and ongoing interior demolition. The commission unanimously approved the continued letter of support with a 5-0 roll call vote. Emily Dominani from Ryan LLC presented updates on three properties: Notre Dame Rectory (529 Eastern Ave), Sanford Spinning Mills (206 Globe Mills Ave), and Union Built (66 Troy Street). Delays were noted for the Rectory and Spinning Mills due to electrical engineering, loan restructuring, and funding challenges, while the Union Built project is nearing completion by January 2026. The commission unanimously approved continued letters of support for all three projects with a 5-0 roll call vote. Other discussions included an update on the Steep Bio Reserve Form B, which is on schedule for September, and the Highlands Local Historic District expansion. It was noted that Alex Silva of the Preservation Society needed to follow up on a previously approved motion for a larger expansion and additional funding. The commission also discussed an upcoming Fall River Heritage Park event on August 20th, 2025, organized by the Waterfront Cultural District, aimed at informing the public about various historical organizations. This discussion highlighted the potential for Columbia Street to become a National Register District and the pro bono work by Roger Williams University students on Form B surveys and cultural district development. The meeting adjourned at 6:34 p.m. with a unanimous 5-0 vote.

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