New Bedford Committee on Ordinances Meeting – June 24, 2026

The Committee on Ordinances of the New Bedford City Council met on June 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The meeting was live-streamed and recorded. Chairman Shane Burgo presided over members Councillors Scott Pemberton (Ward 2), Leo Choquette (Ward 1), Joseph Lopes (Ward 5), Ryan Pereira (Ward 6 and Council President), James Roy (Councilor at Large), and Naomi Carney (Councilor at Large, Second Vice President). Absent were Councillors Baptiste and Abel due to prior commitments. The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

Consent Calendar

• A letter from Councillor Baptiste explaining his absence was received and placed on file. Motion by Councillor Lopes, seconded by Councillor Pemberton, passed unanimously.
• A communication from City Clerk Dennis W. Farrier requesting fee increases for vital record amendments and business certificates (DBA licenses) was considered. The committee voted to refer to the full City Council with a recommendation to increase the vital records amendment fee from $40 to $50 and the DBA license fee from $40 to $50. A motion to table the portion regarding junk collector/dealer fees (pending changes due to new state regulations) was passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Armando Pereira (architect/developer, Comprehensive Design Build Services, 227 Union Street) spoke in favor of the form-based code. He stated the new code would make undevelopable lots buildable, reduce pocket parks that attract nuisance, increase the tax base, and provide a clear menu for developers. He expressed support for the pilot program and urged approval.
• Gary Gagney (Divine Contractors) spoke in favor, echoing Mr. Pereira. He highlighted the housing supply shortage, noting that vacant lots and burned-out properties are handcuffing developers. He stated that adding housing supply is the only way to lower rents and that the form-based code will revitalize the city.
• No members of the public spoke in opposition.

Discussion Items

• Form-Based Code Zoning Districts (Public Hearing continued): Planning Director Jennifer Carloni and Assistant Director Ann Laurel presented modifications to the proposed ordinance (Chapter 9, zoning). Based on feedback from the Planning Board and neighborhood concerns, the originally proposed 14-story height limit in downtown and along Kempton/County Street was reduced to 8 stories in the core, stepping down to 6 and 4 stories westward to create a gradual transition. Councillors discussed the reduced heights: Councillor Lopes questioned why 10 stories was not chosen, noting the New Bedford Hotel is 11 and Olympia Towers 10. Ms. Laurel explained that 8 stories was a compromise recommended by a planning board member and that future changes can be made via zoning. Councillor Baptiste inquired about the impact on residential neighborhoods and the Purchase Street corridor. Ms. Laurel confirmed that future expansion into neighborhoods would focus on retaining character with lower heights. The public hearing was closed.
• Early Retirement Incentive Program (Home Rule Petition): Councillors Lopes and Pereira introduced a motion requesting a home rule petition for an early retirement incentive for eligible municipal employees (age 50+ with 25+ years of service). Councilor Lopes revised the proposed age to 55, matching state practices. Council President Pereira noted the administration had not communicated its position. City Solicitor Jakes stated that after discussions, the Mitchell administration is focusing on health insurance and pension reform and does not wish to pursue an early retirement incentive at this time. The committee moved to take no further action.
• Assistant Superintendent of Green Space Position: A communication from the mayor proposing an ordinance to create this position (pay grade M11, funded by water enterprise) was referred out to the full City Council for no further action without discussion.

Key Outcomes

• Fee Increase for Vital Records and DBA Licenses: Motion passed to refer to full council with a recommendation to increase fees from $40 to $50 each. (Motion by Councilor Pereira, seconded by Councilor Lopes; voted aye, no opposition.)
• Junk Dealer Fees Tabled: The committee voted to table the junk collector/dealer fee increase until a broader ordinance update incorporating new state regulations can be developed. (Motion by Councilor Pereira, seconded by Councilor Pemberton; passed unanimously.)
• Form-Based Code Amendments: The public hearing was closed. The committee passed a motion to instruct the Planning Department to provide the modified height map (reducing 14 stories to 8 stories and creating a transition zone) to the committee chair at her earliest convenience. The entire ordinance (including all other form-based code provisions) was then referred to the full City Council for a substitution amendment at the July 2026 meeting. (Motion by Councilor Pereira, seconded by Councilor Gomes; passed unanimously.)
• Early Retirement Incentive Motion: After hearing the administration's position, the committee voted to take no further action on the home rule petition. (Motion by Councilor Pereira, seconded by Councilor Lopes; passed unanimously.)
• Green Space Position: Referred out to the full City Council for no further action. (Motion by Councilor Pereira, seconded by Councillor Baptiste; passed unanimously.)