Memorials & Dedications Special Committee Meeting - September 10, 2025

The Memorials & Dedications Special Committee of the New Bedford City Council met on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 7:03 PM in City Hall Council Chambers. The committee, chaired by Councillor Lodge, considered nine agenda items regarding memorial benches, plaques, street dedications, and a monument. Multiple applicants presented their requests, and the committee voted on several referrals and motions.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 1 – Antone T. Fortes Memorial: Jacqueline Fortes-Pina, applicant and sister, requested a memorial at Monte’s Park in honor of her brother, who taught gymnastics and tumbling for over 50 years. She proposed a banner on the northeast corner. After discussion with Mary Rapoza (Parks Director), the committee favored a plaque mounted on the wall for durability. Councillor also raised the possibility of a larger memorial at Washington Square Park due to Fortes' long history there. Ms. Fortes-Pina expressed openness to both options.
• Item 2 – Rochelli Lynn Paris Memorial: Shawnte Paris, applicant and sister, requested a memorial bench and plaque at the corner of Ash and Morgan Street. She described her sister’s death from breast cancer 10 years ago, the annual cup display ("Miss You Coco") and the positive community impact of the corner garden. The committee supported the request.
• Item 3 – Whaling City Youth Baseball League Founders: Steven Carreiro, representing the league, requested dedication of Diamond #3 at Brooklawn Park as "Founders Field" in honor of Milton Weaver, Lucian Beauregard, and Leo Paradis. He noted the league’s 75th anniversary and over 10,000 children served. Mary Rapoza confirmed other diamonds have been dedicated. The committee approved.
• Item 4 – Leontina DaCosta Memorial Plaque: Anna Nunes and her sister Louisa Moroni requested a plaque on an existing bench in front of Lincoln School in memory of their mother, who became blind from a COVID vaccine reaction and loved sitting on that bench. The bench is on school property. Commissioner Jamie Ponte (DPI) said his department has no objection but needs school department approval. The committee recommended conditional referral.
• Item 5 – Carl Pimentel Monument: Councillor Gomes spoke on behalf of the Pimentel family, seeking a monument on land (Map 10 Lot 108) to be donated to the city honoring businessman Carl Pimentel. Kurt Pimentel, son, described his father’s contributions. The city solicitor’s office has not yet processed the land donation deed. Janet Barbosa (Mayor’s office) offered to follow up. The committee tabled for 30 days pending status update.
• Items 6 & 7 – Armand Marchand Tributes (Zeiterion): These items (portrait tribute and street renaming to "Armand R. Marchand Way") were tabled without discussion as Rosemary Gill, President & CEO of Zeiterion, was not present.
• Item 8 – Joe Jesus Memorial: Councillor Gomes advocated for a downtown location honoring Joe Jesus, founder of the popular 50s Night. Janet Barbosa confirmed administration support. However, Councillor Morrad expressed concern over precedent of numerous dedications. The committee tabled for 30 days for further discussion.
• Item 9 – Philip C. and Celeste Paleologos Plaque: Councillor Oliver discussed with Commissioner Ponte possible locations at the corner of Shawmut Avenue and Hathaway Road, including a traffic signal sign or a small monument on city-owned land. Costs estimated a few hundred dollars. Councillor Morrad raised precedent concerns. The committee tabled for 30 days pending an estimate for a green and white street sign.

Discussion Items

• For Item 1, the committee discussed the durability of a banner versus a plaque, deciding on a plaque mounted to the wall.
• For Item 4, jurisdictional questions about school property led to a conditional referral requiring school department consent.
• For Item 5, the land donation holdup with the city solicitor was the main barrier; the committee tabled to allow follow-up.
• For Items 8 and 9, a broader debate occurred about the proliferation of dedications and the need for a consistent policy.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1: Motion to refer to full City Council and Parks Board for approval of a plaque at Monte’s Park, with further discussion on Washington Square Park memorial. (Motion by Councillor Morrad, seconded by Councillor Carney; all ayes.) Referral set for September 25, 2025.
• Item 2: Motion to refer to City Council and Parks Board for approval of a park bench and plaque. (Motion by , seconded by Morrad and Carney; all ayes.) Referral for September 25, 2025.
• Item 3: Motion to approve and send to full City Council and Parks Board regarding renaming Diamond #3 to "Founders Field". (Motion by Morrad, seconded by Carney; all ayes.) Referral for September 25, 2025.
• Item 4: Motion to refer to City Council with favorable recommendation, conditioned on school department approval (Commissioner Ponte and Superintendent O’Leary to confirm jurisdiction and provide letter of no objection). (Motion by Morrad, seconded by Carney; all ayes.) On September 25, 2025 agenda.
• Item 5: Motion to table for 30 days pending status update from city solicitor’s office. (Motion by Morrad, seconded by Carney; all ayes.) Janet Barbosa to follow up.
• Items 6 & 7: Tabled (motion by Morrad, seconded by Oliver; all ayes) without discussion.
• Item 8: Motion to table for 30 days (by Morrad, seconded by Carney; all ayes).
• Item 9: Motion to table for 30 days pending estimate of a green and white street sign to be placed on traffic signal. (Motion by Oliver, seconded by Carney; all ayes.)

The meeting adjourned after the votes.