9.8.2026 City Council - Public Works & Transportation

The Fall River City Council Committee on Public Works and Transportation met to address curb removal requests and ongoing access and maintenance disputes regarding Arruda's Lane. The committee first approved the meeting minutes from July 2, 2026, and noted that no residents signed up for citizen input.

The committee took Item 4 out of order regarding an after-the-fact curb removal application submitted by Timothy R. Long for 677 Meridian Street. The applicant sought approval for the removal of 9 feet 1 inch of curbing to create a total opening of 24 feet 1 inch. Because the work had already been executed prior to receiving city approval, the committee voted to recommend that the City Council approve the request subject to a standard penalty of a double permit fee.

The remainder of the meeting centered on Item 3, a resolution discussing access and roadway conditions affecting residents on Greenleaf Street and Judd Street. Residents presented a PowerPoint outlining historical road acceptance dating back to 1977 and requested immediate roadway repairs and brush clearing on Arruda's Lane, a private way situated across the state line in Tiverton, Rhode Island. Corporation Counsel Alan Rumsey and Director of Engineering and Planning Daniel Aguiar emphasized legal and jurisdictional boundaries, explaining that Fall River is not legally obligated to maintain a private out-of-state way and cautioning against municipal liability and improper expenditure of public funds. The committee ultimately voted to table the matter for 30 to 45 days to allow city officials to research viable legal options.

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