New Bedford Committee on Appointments and Briefings Meeting - July 21, 2026

The New Bedford City Council's Committee on Appointments and Briefings met on July 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM in Room 214 of City Hall Chambers. The meeting addressed a public hearing on the demolition of the historically significant Coffin Howland House, the appointment of Justin Olson to the Water Board, and ongoing violations of waste collection ordinances by private haulers. The meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Gary Moraes of Valentine Street submitted written testimony read into the record. He expressed frustration over decades of neglect of the Coffin Howland House, accusing the city of systematic neglect and unrealistic binary choices. He urged the city to tear down the building but rebuild a simple restroom and visitor center in a cottage style, citing Bristol, Rhode Island as an example.
• John McCoy of Lucas Street, the only member of the public to speak in person, stated his 25-year involvement with the property. He argued that the Coffin Howland House was originally a barn and is not the most historic structure in Hazelwood Park; the Stonehouse is the historically significant building. He strongly opposed rebuilding on the site, noting that the gazebo east of the barn offers a fantastic view of Clark's Cove, and urged the city not to spoil that view. He supported demolition.

Discussion Items

Public Hearing on Demolition of 535 Brock Avenue (Coffin Howland House)

• Anne, the preservation planner representing the New Bedford Historical Commission, presented the staff report. The circa 1840-1854 carriage house, later converted to a residence, is a contributing resource to the Hazelwood Park National Register. The building suffered a significant fire decades ago, has a collapsed roof, and is boarded up due to vandalism and deferred maintenance. The Historical Commission determined it is historically significant but not preferably preserved, requiring a public hearing per city ordinance.
• Councilor Abreu, a lifelong South Ender, expressed deep attachment to the property and asked about restoration alternatives. Anne explained that even 20 years ago, the building was in very poor condition and would have required rebuilding. Limited grant resources were allocated to the Stonehouse, which was structurally sound. She confirmed that reconstruction plans are only schematic, with no identified funding, and would not require further council or commission review. Councilor Abreu requested that the neighborhood be consulted through the Peninsula Neighborhood Association, emphasizing that residents should be heard.
• Councilor Oliver asked about demolition costs, funding source, and timeline. Anne did not have the cost details, as the project is led by the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management (DFFM). She noted abatement is required. The timeline is expected to be soon. Councilor Oliver suggested a historical interpretive panel instead of rebuilding, which Anne agreed was a good idea.
• Councilor Pemberton questioned why the city waited so long to act. Anne responded that structural assessments were done, a section was torn down in 2015, and there was always hope to find funding for rehabilitation. Once the Stonehouse planning was completed, it became clear the cottage was beyond repair.
• Council President Pereira expressed personal difficulty voting for demolition, noting the building's importance to South End residents. He shared frustration echoed in public testimony. He asked how condition weighs in the recommendation. Anne stated that even if funding were found, the structure would have to be knocked down and rebuilt due to the collapsed roof and hazardous materials. Councilor Pereira requested that the costs be provided to the clerk's office.
• Councilor Lopes thanked Anne for her years of effort to save the building, noting that neglect from previous administrations allowed it to deteriorate. He recalled a party in the house 30 years ago and efforts to replicate boarding, lead paint abatement, and a denied park grant in 2015.
• The Historical Commission member (Mr. Louny) stated that the building is a safety hazard and must come down despite efforts to preserve it.
• Councilor Abreu asked about homeless encampments. The commissioner confirmed that after a past break-in, the building was boarded up, but there have been no recent complaints.

Appointment of Justin Olson to the Water Board

• Justin Olson of 27 Plant Street introduced himself, noting his nearly ten years with the Department of Public Infrastructure, working alongside the water department on park maintenance, forestry, cemetery, and watershed areas around Quitticus and Lakeville. He expressed his desire to serve on the board.
• Councilor Lopes praised Olson's dedication to the city and water quality. Councilor Abreu called him a class act and said the vote was an easy one. Councilor Choquette and others voiced support.

Waste Collection Ordinance Violations (Item #4)

• Councilor Lopes reported that after filing the motion, Republic Waste Services began cooperating after receiving citations for picking up dumpsters at 4:45-5:15 AM in residential neighborhoods, violating the city ordinance that prohibits pickup before 7 AM. The company claimed ignorance of the ordinance, but Councilor Lopes disputed that. The driver had complained about idle time, but Republic Waste has since adjusted routes and worked with the property owner to clear access. The first Monday without complaints was noted.
• Councilor Roy stated that Waste Management remains a problem, with continued early morning pickups disturbing neighborhoods. He requested that representatives from all three companies (Republic Waste, E.L. Harvey, and Waste Management) be invited to a future meeting to address the issue directly.

Key Outcomes

• Demolition approved (Item #2): The public hearing was closed on a motion by Councilor Abreu, seconded by Councilor Roy. A motion to approve the demolition of the Coffin Howland House at 535 Brock Avenue was made by Councilor Roy, seconded by Councilor Lloyd, and referred to the full City Council. The vote was unanimous (all in favor, no opposition). The motion included a request to provide demolition costs to the clerk's office.
• Water Board appointment (Item #3): The committee voted unanimously to give a positive recommendation to the full City Council for the appointment of Justin Olson to the Water Board (term expiring April 2027). The motion was made by Councilor Lopes, seconded by Councilor Abreu. Olson may be sworn in at the August 20, 2026 City Council meeting or by the clerk.
• Waste collection violations (Item #4): The item was tabled on a motion by Councilor Roy, seconded by Councilor Lopes, to allow continued monitoring of Republic Waste Services and to potentially invite representatives from all waste haulers to a future meeting. The vote was unanimous.