Fall River Now — Weekly Recap, Week Ending October 16, 2026

October 16, 2026

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We use AI to help create this content. Fall River Now monitors public meetings, community events, official minutes, and reports submitted through our 311 platform to provide timely analysis of what’s happening across Fall River.

Transcript

Welcome to Fall River Now. This is our weekly recap for the week ending October 16, 2026, where we cover the most significant local government news.

Topping the news this week, the Fall River City Council took action on housing and community health. During Tuesday’s meeting, the council approved housing tax exemptions following a public hearing and a Committee on Finance session. Councilors also examined the distribution of harm reduction kits, addressing concerns raised during citizen input by local business owner Todd Salpetro and attorney Seth Aiken.

Municipal building projects also faced scrutiny at City Hall this week. The City Council Committee on Real Estate, Facilities and Housing convened Tuesday to review long delays surrounding city infrastructure repairs. During public comment, School Committee Member Kevin Aguiar criticized officials over the pace and management of ongoing work across municipal facilities.

In development and land use, the Fall River Zoning Board of Appeals met on October 15th under Chair Joseph Pereira, Vice Chair John Frank III, and Clerk James C. Calkins. The board approved several property variances but voted to deny a special permit application for a garage accessory dwelling unit.

The Fall River Planning Board met on Wednesday to handle subdivision plans and roadway improvements. Members endorsed four plans where approval was not required, while voting unanimously to table a roadway reconstruction plan carried over from old business.

Also on Wednesday, the city marked Imagine a Day Without Water at Norton Middle School. Administrator of Community Utilities Paul Furlan joined a public forum and screening of the documentary Unless Something Goes Terribly Wrong to discuss municipal wastewater operations.

At the Fall River Public Library, the Board of Library Trustees held its regular meeting Wednesday. Trustees voted to lower fees for VHS tapes following an administrative update from Library Director Fellisha Desmarais, who reported on library operations across August and September.

Looking ahead to city meetings next week, the Board of Health meets remotely on Monday at 3:30 in the afternoon, followed by the Community Preservation Committee at 6:00 p.m. at Government Center. On Wednesday, the Fall River Contributory Retirement Board convenes at 8:30 in the morning at 21 Father DeValles Boulevard, and the Fall River Traffic Board meets at 4:00 p.m. at Government Center.

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In this episode

Fall River Contributory Retirement Board to Meet Oct. 21

Blinking Light Pole Reported Near Fifth Street