Committee on Appointments and Briefings Meeting - March 17, 2026

The Committee on Appointments and Briefings of the New Bedford City Council met on March 17, 2026, at 7:01 PM in the City Council chambers. The meeting was chaired by Councillor Naomi Carney. Roll call was taken, and two letters of absence from Councillors Lopes and Choquette were read into the record and placed on file. The meeting was live-streamed and recorded.

Public Comments & Testimony

• James DuPont (118 Elm Street, East Rainham) addressed the committee regarding the underfunding of local aid by the Massachusetts State Legislature, particularly Chapter 70 funding. He argued that the state collects revenue from cities and towns but fails to return adequate funding, forcing local property tax increases. He urged the council to demand that state legislators fully fund all local aid categories and warned that the council would bear public ire for tax increases. He left a copy of his remarks with the clerk.

Discussion Items

• Veterans Advisory Board Appointment (Item 2): Christopher Jose Escobar was nominated to replace Christopher Holkamp, with a term expiring December 2026. The appointment had been tabled since February 17, 2026. Councillor Burgo moved to remove from the table and refer to the full council with a favorable recommendation, citing the board's struggle to achieve a quorum. Councillor Oliver opposed, arguing that the candidate had been notified of the meeting (invitation sent March 4, 2026) and did not appear, and that board members must demonstrate commitment. A motion to table was made by Councillor Oliver and seconded by Councillor Abrew. A roll call vote on the motion to table passed 8–1 (Councillor Burgo voted no). The appointment remains tabled.

• Swift Sales License Waiver Petition (Item 3): A petition from Casey Swift and Justin Swift (East Free Town, MA) for a waiver of residency to obtain a junk and secondhand dealer license at 127 West Rodney French Boulevard. The petitioners had not appeared at three consecutive meetings. The item was removed from the table (motion by Councillor Abrew, second by Pemberton, voice vote unanimous). Councillor Burgo moved to refer to the full city council for no further action, noting that the clerk's office had sent letters to both their East Free Town and New Bedford addresses and made attempts to contact them with no response. The motion passed by voice vote.

• Private Livery License Application (Item 4): Application from Celeston Wilkend (Chris Transportation, 1 Warwick Street) for a new license expiring June 30, 2026. The applicant was not present, and the item was left on the table without action.

• MBTA South Coast Rail Safety Discussion (Item 5): A motion by Councillors Gomes and Oliver to discuss safety of the Purchase Street train corridor, fencing, and support wall. No MBTA representatives were present, so the item remained on the table.

• Business Park Hazardous Waste Protection (Item 6): Councillor Gomes requested meeting with Derek Santos (Executive Director, New Bedford Economic Development Council) and board members of the Business Park to discuss implementing rules to prevent future trash or hazardous waste businesses. Santos explained that the Industrial Foundation placed deed restrictions on parcels it sold, but those restrictions expire after 30 years, and the Foundation has no more parcels to sell. He noted that zoning laws (recently updated by the council) are the primary tool for restricting uses citywide. After discussion, Councillor Gomes expressed frustration but acknowledged that zoning protections are now in place. A motion for no further action was made by Gomes, seconded by Burgo, and passed by voice vote.

• St. Killian's Church Redevelopment (Items 7 & 7A): Councillor Gomes requested a meeting with the Archdiocese of Boston's Planning Office for Urban Affairs (POUA) to discuss the project timeline and design. Shayna Corman Houston, Director of Real Estate at POUA, presented updated plans for the 300-306 Ashley Boulevard site. The revised proposal includes 15 for-sale townhomes (three-story, mostly 2-bedroom, priced for households at 80% AMI) and a 46-unit affordable rental building (four-story, mix of incomes at 30% and 60% AMI, with 49 parking spaces). Total project cost is $38 million. The project requires zoning approval and a financial commitment from the city by December 2026 to apply for state funding. Townhomes are expected to be under construction by end of 2027, rentals about a year later. Councillors expressed support (Gomes, Pemberton, Pereira, Burgo, Carney) but noted the need for public outreach and a list of similar completed projects. Councillor Burgo criticized the city administration for perceived delays in affordable housing. The item was moved to be tabled (motion by Roy, second by Pemberton) to keep it available for future assistance, and passed by voice vote.

Key Outcomes

• Veterans Advisory Board appointment (Escobar): Motion to table passed 8–1. Remains in committee.
• Swift Sales license waiver: Referred to full city council for no further action (voice vote).
• Business park hazardous waste discussion: Motion for no further action passed (voice vote).
• St. Killian's redevelopment: Motion to table passed (voice vote). Item remains available for future discussion.
• The meeting adjourned at 8:07 PM.