MassVoter.com← New Bedford City CouncilNew Bedford · Committee on City Property · 7:00 p.m.
March 19, 2025
19 recorded votes, 3 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · City meeting page
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Attendance
Present: Ian Abreu, Shane A. Burgo, Naomi R. A. Carney, Leo Choquette, Maria E. Giesta, Joseph P. Lopes, Linda M. Morad, Shawn Oliver
Absent: Derek Baptiste, Brian K. Gomes, Ryan J. Pereira
During the meeting:
- Burgo arrived late (7:09)
- Morad arrived late (7:10)
Every vote, in order
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting a Request for Proposals (Draft), for the redevelopment of a portion of the municipally owned Whaling City Golf Course as an Advanced Manufacturing Campus (Amc). (Matter Id #0090) (Referred – January 23, 2025.)
To authorize the Planning Department to conduct an appraisal of the property being contemplated for potential disposition.) (February 20, 2025 -
From the minutes
“The Committee VOTED: To authorize the Planning Department to conduct an appraisal of the property being contemplated for potential disposition.) (February 20, 2025 - (Matter #0090).”
To table the matter at this time.) (March 4, 2025 - communication sent to all department heads inquiring if there was a need for the property; no response received indicating a need.)
From the minutes
“The Committee VOTED: To table the matter at this time.) (March 4, 2025 - communication sent to all department heads inquiring if there was a need for the property; no response received indicating a need.) (Matter #0090).”
To remove from the table the Communication, Request for Proposal and the Communication submitted in conjunction with the Request for Proposal.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To remove from the table the COMMUNICATION, REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL and the COMMUNICATION submitted in conjunction with the REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL. (Matter #0090).” (Motion: Lopes, second: Abreu)
To Receive and Place on File a hard copy of a Power Point presentation previously reviewed with the Committee. City Property Committee March 19, 2025 The Chair recognized Mr. Neil Mello, Mayor’s Chief of Staff, who provided an overview of the proposal, similar to a previous meeting, during which a PowerPoint presentation detailed the project for the Committee.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To Receive and Place on File a hard copy of a Power Point presentation previously reviewed with the Committee. City Property Committee March 19, 2025 The Chair recognized Mr. Neil Mello, Mayor’s Chief of Staff, who provided an overview of the proposal, similar to a previous meeting, during which a PowerPoint presentation detailed the project for the Committee. (Matter #0090).” (Motion: Lopes, second: Abreu)
That the Committee on City Property determined that a portion of the municipally owned Whaling City Golf Course as an Advanced Manufacturing Campus (Amc) is not currently needed for municipal purposes.
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Lopes, Morad, OliverAbsent: Baptiste, Gomes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: That the Committee on City Property determined that a portion of the municipally owned Whaling City Golf Course as an Advanced Manufacturing Campus (AMC) is not currently needed for municipal purposes. (Matter #0090).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Oliver)
That the Committee on City Property authorize the City to offer a portion of the municipally owned Whaling City Golf Course as an Advanced Manufacturing Campus (Amc) for lease.
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Lopes, OliverNo: MoradAbsent: Baptiste, Gomes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: That the Committee on City Property authorize the City to offer a portion of the municipally owned Whaling City Golf Course as an Advanced Manufacturing Campus (AMC) for lease. (Matter #0090).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Burgo)
That the Committee on City Property authorize the City’s Purchasing Department, in close consultation with the Committee Chair, to proceed with issuing the Request for Proposal (RFP) in accordance with Chapter 30B, Section 16 of the General Laws and in accordance with Section 2-65 of the City Code; and that all bids received be submitted to the Committee on City Property with any written recommend
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Lopes, OliverNo: MoradAbsent: Baptiste, Gomes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: That the Committee on City Property authorize the City’s Purchasing Department, in close consultation with the Committee Chair, to proceed with issuing the Request for Proposal (RFP) in accordance with Chapter 30B, Section 16 of the General Laws and in accordance with Section 2-65 of the City Code; and that all bids received be submitted to the Committee on City Property with any written recommendations for selection that the Administration may choose to make to the Committee; and further that the RFP be substantially similar to the DRAFT RFP received by this Committee relative to the property described as a portion of the municipally owned Whaling City Golf Course as an Advanced Manufacturing Campus (AMC). (Matter #0090).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Oliver)
That the Committee on City Property, in addition to offering a portion of the municipally owned Whaling City Golf Course as an Advanced Manufacturing Campus (Amc)for lease, also offer the property for potential sale.
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Lopes, OliverNo: MoradAbsent: Baptiste, Gomes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: That the Committee on City Property, in addition to offering a portion of the municipally owned Whaling City Golf Course as an Advanced Manufacturing Campus (AMC)for lease, also offer the property for potential sale. (Matter #0090).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Burgo)
City Property Committee March 19, 2025 Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, submitting two Requests for Proposals (Drafts), for the disposition and development of the former Horatio A. Kempton School, located at 135 Shawmut Avenue, and the former William H. Taylor School, located at 620…
To remove from the table the Communication, and the two Requests for Proposals.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To remove from the table the COMMUNICATION, and the two REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS. (Matter #2077).” (Motion: Lopes, second: Oliver)
That the Committee on City Property determine that the former Horatio A. Kempton School, located at 135 Shawmut Avenue, and the former William H. Taylor School, located at 620 Brock Avenue are not needed for municipal purposes.
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Lopes, Morad, OliverAbsent: Baptiste, Gomes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: That the Committee on City Property determine that the former Horatio A. Kempton School, located at 135 Shawmut Avenue, and the former William H. Taylor School, located at 620 Brock Avenue are not needed for municipal purposes. (Matter #2077).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Burgo)
That the Committee on City Property authorize the City to offer the properties, the former Horatio A. Kempton School, located at 135 Shawmut Avenue, and the former William H. Taylor School, located at 620 Brock Avenue for lease or sale.
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Lopes, Morad, OliverAbsent: Baptiste, Gomes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: That the Committee on City Property authorize the City to offer the properties, the former Horatio A. Kempton School, located at 135 Shawmut Avenue, and the former William H. Taylor School, located at 620 Brock Avenue for lease or sale. (Matter #2077).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Burgo)
That the Committee on City Property authorize the City’s Purchasing Department, in close consultation with the Committee Chair, to proceed with issuing the Request for Proposal (RFP) in accordance with Chapter 30B, Section 16 of the General Laws and in accordance with Section 2-65 of the City Code; and that all bids received be submitted to the Committee on City Property with any written recommend
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Lopes, Morad, OliverAbsent: Baptiste, Gomes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: That the Committee on City Property authorize the City’s Purchasing Department, in close consultation with the Committee Chair, to proceed with issuing the Request for Proposal (RFP) in accordance with Chapter 30B, Section 16 of the General Laws and in accordance with Section 2-65 of the City Code; and that all bids received be submitted to the Committee on City Property with any written recommendations for selection that the Administration may choose to make to the Committee; and further that the RFP be substantially similar to the DRAFT RFP received by this Committee relative to these properties, the former Horatio A. Kempton School, located at 135 Shawmut Avenue, and the former William H. Taylor School, located at 620 Brock Avenue, (Matter #2077).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Burgo)
Communication, Mayor Mitchell, to City Council, requesting that 1215 Purchase Street, the former New Bedford Textile School complex, be transferred to the ownership of the New Bedford Redevelopment Authority in order to position it for housing development. (Matter Id #2080) (Referred – December 12,…
To remove from the table the Communication. Mr. Amaral stated that the objective is to transfer ownership of the building, ensure its stabilization, assess the required repairs, and carry out the essential repairs, including securing the building’s exterior and preparing it for sale.
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Oliver, the Committee VOTED: To remove from the table the COMMUNICATION. Mr. Amaral stated that the objective is to transfer ownership of the building, ensure its stabilization, assess the required repairs, and carry out the essential repairs, including securing the building’s exterior and preparing it for sale. (Matter #2080).” (Motion: Lopes, second: Oliver)
That the Committee on City Property approve offering the city owned property located at 1215 Purchase Street, commonly known as the New Bedford Textile School for sale or lease for the purposes of development for residential use.
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Lopes, Morad, OliverAbsent: Baptiste, Gomes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: That the Committee on City Property approve offering the city owned property located at 1215 Purchase Street, commonly known as the New Bedford Textile School for sale or lease for the purposes of development for residential use. (Matter #2080).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Burgo)
To recommend to the City Council Adoption of an Order, transferring the city owned property located at 1215 Purchase Street, commonly known as the New Bedford Textile School, to the New Bedford Redevelopment Authority for the purposes of development of said property for residential use.
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Lopes, Morad, OliverAbsent: Baptiste, Gomes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Abreu and seconded by Councillor Burgo, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council ADOPTION of an ORDER, transferring the city owned property located at 1215 Purchase Street, commonly known as the New Bedford Textile School, to the New Bedford Redevelopment Authority for the purposes of development of said property for residential use. (Matter #2080).” (Motion: Abreu, second: Burgo)
To Amend the Order, by inserting, after the words “residential use”, the words “or mixed use on the first floor”.
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Lopes, Morad, OliverAbsent: Baptiste, Gomes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Lopes and seconded by Councillor Abreu, the Committee VOTED: To AMEND the ORDER, by inserting, after the words “residential use”, the words “or mixed use on the first floor”. (Matter #2080).” (Motion: Lopes, second: Abreu)
To Amend the Order, by inserting at the end, the following: “The care and custody of the property shall revert to the City Council if the Redevelopment Authority does not have the property under agreement with a developer within eighteen (18) months.
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Lopes, Morad, OliverAbsent: Baptiste, Gomes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Lopes, the Committee VOTED: To AMEND the ORDER, by inserting at the end, the following: “The care and custody of the property shall revert to the City Council if the Redevelopment Authority does not have the property under agreement with a developer within eighteen (18) months. (Matter #2080).” (Motion: Morad, second: Lopes)
To Amend the Order, by further inserting at the end, the following: “and further upon sale of the property, the Redevelopment Authority shall retain the initial investment to cover their costs plus an additional 10%, and with the remaining 90% of proceeds to revert to the City’s General Fund”.
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Lopes, Morad, OliverAbsent: Baptiste, Gomes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Lopes, the Committee VOTED: To AMEND the ORDER, by further inserting at the end, the following: “and further upon sale of the property, the Redevelopment Authority shall retain the initial investment to cover their costs plus an additional 10%, and with the remaining 90% of proceeds to revert to the City’s General Fund”. (Matter #2080).” (Motion: Morad, second: Lopes)
To recommend to the City Council, Adoption of the Order, as Amended, transferring the City owned property located at 1215 Purchase Street, the former New Bedford Textile School complex, to the New Bedford Redevelopment Authority for the purpose of development for residential use or mixed use on the first floor.
Yes: Abreu, Burgo, Carney, Choquette, Giesta, Lopes, Morad, OliverAbsent: Baptiste, Gomes, Pereira
From the minutes
“On motion by Councillor Morad and seconded by Councillor Lopes, the Committee VOTED: To recommend to the City Council, ADOPTION of the ORDER, as AMENDED, transferring the City owned property located at 1215 Purchase Street, the former New Bedford Textile School complex, to the New Bedford Redevelopment Authority for the purpose of development for residential use or mixed use on the first floor. (Matter #2080).” (Motion: Morad, second: Lopes)
From the official minutes kept by the New Bedford City Clerk (agendas and minutes). The minutes are text documents; we read every action, check every roll-call count against the councilors named, and quote the exact wording. Most items pass by voice vote, and the minutes record only the result for those; how each councilor voted is shown only for roll calls. MassVoter never grades officials; votes and attendance are shown exactly as the minutes record them. Councilor photos: cropped from the City of New Bedford's official 2026 City Council photo (newbedford-ma.gov). The 2024–2025 group photo, and the photos of Maria E. Giesta and Linda M. Morad cropped from it: City of New Bedford, provided by the City Clerk.
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