The Fall River Historical Commission met on October 19, 2021, chaired by Kristen Cantara Oliveira. The meeting was dominated by significant community backlash regarding unauthorized clear-cutting and development plans at the historic 22-acre Fall River Waterworks site at 1620 Bedford Street. City Council President Cliff Ponte, Flint Neighborhood Association President Carlos Cesar, and abutting residents Stephen Karowski and Ruth Vincelette voiced deep frustration over the removal of mature buffer-zone trees, increased noise and diesel fumes, morning glare hazards, and the lack of communication from the Water Department and its administrator, Paul Ferland. Chair Cantara Oliveira confirmed the Commission had not been consulted on the planned modern metal maintenance building with a blue wave design and noted the property holds municipal, state, and national historic designations and previously received a Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund grant.
The Commission then reviewed several demolition notices and pending projects. For a proposed parking expansion impacting properties on Summerfield Street, the Commission reviewed landscaping plans submitted by Attorney Burke; members agreed to waive the six-month demolition delay while requesting enhanced evergreen screening, such as arborvitae, and shade trees. Demolition notices for non-historic properties at 455 William S. Canning Boulevard and 425 Snell Street were acknowledged with determinations that neither structure was listed on the city register. Additionally, the Commission agreed to reissue a letter of support for City Planner William Kenney’s Community Preservation Act application to restore and relocate the historic City Hall bells to municipal land.
In routine updates, Chair Cantara Oliveira reported ongoing delays with the Law Department regarding the proposed merger ordinance uniting the Historical Commission and the Historic District Commission, which has stalled for nearly three years. Consultant Dominique was reported to be preparing preliminary historic preservation guidelines once payment from the city is received. Following confirmation that the next meeting would take place on November 16, 2021, the Commission voted unanimously to adjourn.
Topics discussed
- 15:14 · Clear-cutting and Construction at 1620 Bedford Street Waterworks — passed
Residents and commissioners expressed outrage over the unannounced removal of buffer trees and plans for a modern maintenance facility on a National Register historic property. - 25:21 · Motion to move Item 6a (1620 Bedford Street) next on the agenda — passed
- 31:48 · CPC Grant Support Letter for Historic City Hall Bells
Discussion and agreement to provide a letter of support for restoring historic chimes to be placed on city property. - 45:38 · Agreement to issue a letter waiving the six-month demolition delay for the Summerfield Street project subject to planting robust vegetative screening and shade trees — approved
- 54:00 · Summerfield Street Parking Lot Expansion Landscaping Review — passed
Commissioners reviewed vegetative screening, drainage concerns, and green space additions adjacent to 31 Summerfield Street. - 1:05:48 · Demolition Determination for 455 William S. Canning Boulevard and 425 Snell Street — approved
The Chair reported sending letters confirming neither property is listed on the register of significant structures. - 1:09:12 · Historical Commission and Historic District Commission Merger — passed
The Chair discussed the multityear delay in receiving the finalized merger ordinance from Corporation Counsel. - 1:10:25 · Preservation Guidelines Development
Update on draft guidelines being prepared by consultant Dominique pending city invoice processing.