The Fall River Redevelopment Authority met on July 28, 2021, to conduct regular municipal business and receive updates on ongoing waterfront and urban renewal initiatives. The board approved the June 30, 2021 meeting minutes and the July warrants and disbursements. Executive Director Sarah Page updated members on upcoming financial activity, highlighting the $1,000,000 Seaport Economic Council grant and the authority’s commitment of $1.6 million in self-allocated funds toward the City Pier project at 600 Davol Street, where contractor billings are anticipated to intensify in the fall. A proposed $239,000 contract amendment from BETA Group for construction management and site observation was scrutinized and ultimately tabled due to concerns about high rates, potential duplication of administrative tasks, and lack of a not-to-exceed fee structure.
In routine business items, the board voted to apply for a BayCoast Bank credit card with a $2,500 limit for operational expenses and authorized up to $5,000 for secondhand office furniture. Members also approved the transfer and sale of 3336 Innovation Way in Freetown from Devcon Innovation Way LLC to experienced gas station operator Messias Pedro or his nominee, modifying the planned development footprint to a gas station, convenience store, and restaurant. Additionally, the authority approved a $6,500 bid from general contractor MAS Building & Bridge for a geo-reinforced turf grass add-alternate at City Pier to accommodate food trucks, as well as an expenditure of up to $350 for commemorative mugs depicting the pier’s design.
Project updates followed, covering pending appraisals for the Bank Street Armory and 45 Anawan Street, the Urban Renewal Plan RFP timeline, and TDI District streetscape planning. Consultant Ken Fiola voiced urgency regarding MassDOT’s Route 79 improvements, stressing the importance of obtaining the 25 percent design milestone and locking in a 2022 construction contract to safeguard the state’s $100 million commitment ahead of administration changes and the 2023 commuter rail arrival. The authority then voted to adjourn into executive session regarding real estate negotiations.
Topics discussed
- 2:18 · Financial Report and Seaport Grant — approved
Sarah Page reported on the upcoming annual audit, paperwork for a $1,000,000 Seaport Economic Council grant, and projected cash flow for the $1.6 million City Pier expenditure. - 9:20 · BETA Group Construction Administration Fees — approved
Members raised concerns about BETA Group’s proposed $239,000 amendment, questioning $81,000 in administration fees and duplicated specialized services. - 26:54 · BayCoast Bank Credit Card Application — tabled
The board authorized applying for a BayCoast Bank credit card with a $2,500 credit limit for operational expenses. - 29:16 · Office Furniture Procurement — approved
The board authorized spending up to $5,000 to purchase secondhand desks, credenzas, hutches, and a bookcase. - 31:55 · Transfer of 3336 Innovation Way — approved
The board approved a land disposition agreement transfer allowing Devcon Innovation Way LLC to sell the property to Messias Pedro for a gas station, convenience store, and restaurant. - 35:41 · City Pier Reinforced Turf Add Alternate — approved
The board approved adding a $6,500 geo-reinforced turf grass system by MAS Building & Bridge to support food trucks and vehicles at City Pier. - 39:04 · Groundbreaking Event Planning and Promotional Mugs — approved
Staff discussed potential groundbreaking dates in late August with the Lieutenant Governor and Mayor, and the board approved up to $350 to order 144 promotional mugs. - 46:01 · Bank Street Armory and 45 Anawan Street Appraisals — approved
Updates were provided on upcoming appraisal delivery for Bank Street Armory and the search for qualified appraisers for 45 Anawan Street. - 51:50 · Route 79 and MassDOT Coordination
Ken Fiola highlighted the need to press MassDOT for their 25% design completion and ensure a construction contract is locked in by 2022 to protect the $100M state commitment. - 56:52 · Enter into executive session to discuss real estate negotiations and approve June 30 executive session minutes without returning to open session — passed