The Fall River Community Preservation Committee met on September 22, 2021, to conduct eligibility hearings for multiple funding applications under the Community Preservation Act (CPA). After approving the meeting minutes from July 20, 2021, and August 24, 2021, the committee reviewed proposals across municipal, non-profit, and private sectors covering historic preservation, open space, recreation, and community housing.
Among the municipal submissions, the committee voted eligible a $400,000 request for lights at Father Kelly Park’s softball field, a $120,000 extension of the Quequechan River Rail Trail to the Westport town line, a $140,000 park design study at South Watuppa Pond off Jefferson Street, a $3,850 survey for a Cook Pond trail near the Dwelly Street Armory, and a $58,859 project to restore and relocate historic bell towers to the Cosgrove Fountain site. The Fall River Water Department also secured eligibility approvals for several projects, including the Interlachen stabilization ($38,500), the Barnabas Blossom Workshop restoration ($275,000), the North Watuppa Pond seawall assessment ($82,500), and a 16-acre Copicut Reservoir watershed land acquisition ($230,000). A $644,474 request from the Fire Department for Bedford Street facade restoration at the Central Fire Station was also approved.
In addition, several non-profit and private property applications advanced to the full funding round, including the Copicut Woods nature trail improvements ($45,265), the Fall River Fire Museum repairs ($300,000), Watuppa Rowing Center docks and lane marking ($200,000), the Dr. Fisk House ($170,000), the Antioch School ($234,878), the Greater Fall River Art Association ($283,140), St. Anne’s Church roof and exterior restoration ($150,000), window replacements at 36-56 Water Street ($178,527), and the Massasoit No. 5 Fire and Police Station hayloft restoration ($197,300). Committee members emphasized requirements for permanent deed restrictions, public benefits, and matching funds during the upcoming funding round.
Topics discussed
- 1:07 · Meeting Minutes Approval — passed
The committee approved the minutes from the previous meetings on July 20, 2021, and August 24, 2021. - 2:18 · Father Kelly Park Softball Field Lighting — passed
Discussion and vote on eligibility of a $400,000 CPA request to install lights and poles at the Jack Hackett softball field. - 4:34 · Quequechan River Rail Trail Westport Extension — approved
Discussion of funding final construction documents and shovel-ready extension work for roughly 500 feet of trail to the Westport border. - 7:54 · South Watuppa Park Development Study — approved
Proposal to fund a design study for a waterfront park, kayak launch, and fishing platform on surplus MassDOT land acquired by the city. - 12:40 · Cook Pond Multi-Use Trail Survey — approved
Review of a $3,850 survey request along the National Guard Armory frontage on Cook Pond to prepare for a multi-use path easement. - 18:14 · Historic Bell Towers Relocation and Restoration — approved
Review of a project to restore historic bells and relocate the bell tower from private property to the Cosgrove Fountain site. - 25:19 · Interlachen Stabilization Project — approved
Proposal to hire an architect to inspect and stabilize historic Borden estate ruins and Arctic Ice company structures for public tours. - 29:35 · Barnabas Blossom Workshop Restoration — approved
Review of a proposal to restore an early 19th-century workshop on Blossom Road into an accessible classroom and meeting space. - 32:24 · North Watuppa Seawall Assessment — approved
Discussion of an engineering conditions survey and restoration plan for over 100-year-old historic granite seawalls around North Watuppa Pond. - 37:04 · Copicut Reservoir Watershed Land Acquisition — approved
Discussion on purchasing 16 acres of watershed and vernal pool habitat on Indian Town Road within 800 feet of Copicut Reservoir. - 41:53 · Copicut Woods Accessible Trail and Nature Play — approved
The Trustees of Reservations presented plans for a 1,900-foot ADA-accessible fitness/nature play trail at Copicut Woods. - 49:29 · Central Fire Station Facade Restoration — approved
Detailed discussion on restoring the 1931 Art Deco facade on Bedford Street, replacing bay doors, and installing mini-split cooling to protect the exterior. - 59:52 · Fall River Fire Museum Repairs — approved
Eligibility consideration for building repairs necessary to reopen the historic Fall River Fire Museum to the general public. - 1:00:43 · Watuppa Rowing Center Upgrades — approved
Review of a request for docks and lane markers on South Watuppa Pond, including discussion of community use and tourism impacts. - 1:04:33 · Dr. Fisk House Restoration — approved
Review of clapboard and roof preservation work at the Dr. Fisk House submitted by the Fall River Preservation Society. - 1:05:28 · Antioch School Exterior Cladding — approved
Discussion of Phase 1 exterior envelope work, wood shingles, and insulation for the historic school building at 618 Rock Street. - 1:11:08 · Eligibility determination for Greater Fall River Art Association east elevation restoration ($283,140) under Historic Preservation — approved
- 1:11:14 · Greater Fall River Art Association Porch and Envelope — approved
Presentation on preserving the 1904 building at 80 Belmont Street, restoring the front porch, and exhibiting Smithsonian WPA artwork. - 1:23:44 · St. Anne’s Church Roof Restoration and Deed Restrictions
Discussion on funding critical slate and valley roof repairs for St. Anne’s Church and the requirement for a 30-year deed restriction and public use demonstration. - 1:40:53 · 36-56 Water Street Window Reconstruction — approved
Review of an application to replace 18 historic windows and repair surrounding masonry at the former Metacomet Bank building. - 1:49:18 · Massasoit No. 5 Station Hayloft Restoration — approved
Discussion on masonry repointing, contractor shortages for historic masonry, and dual eligibility under historic preservation and community housing. - 2:02:00 · Deed Restriction Registry Account — approved
Member report confirming the City Council approved an account with the registry to record outstanding CPA deed restrictions. - 2:02:44 · Motion to adjourn the meeting — passed