New Bedford Mayor's Office

More than twenty Massachusetts municipal leaders announced today the formation of a new coalition, Save Our Communities Coalition, which will work to advance healthcare plan design legislation. The group gathered at the invitation of Boston Mayor Thomas Menino last week to discuss how cities and towns can control rising employee health care costs without the authority to modify health plan design, as it stands under the current state law. With growing healthcare costs taking a large percentage of already tight budgets, municipal officials are working together to advocate for a more efficient use of taxpayer money.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- The City of New Bedford Office of Environmental Stewardship and the New Bedford Economic Development Council have formed a Brownfields Task Force of partners and stakeholders with the goal to identify Brownfield sites in the city that have the highest economic development and job creation potential for targeted EPA assessment funding.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- Mayor Scott W. Lang announced today the Northeast Fisheries Summit, a day-long discussion that will focus on the future and sustainability of the fishing industry in New England and near- and mid-Atlantic ports. The Summit is co-hosted by the Mayor’s Ocean and Fisheries Council, the School for Marine Science and Technology (SMAST) at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, and the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Institute. Expected to attend is Eric Scwhaab, the newly appointed Assistant Administrator for Fisheries with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Congressman Barney Frank; and industry leaders, scientists, elected officials, environmentalists, and government officials from across the Northeastern region.

“We all recognize the importance of achieving a sustainable fisheries management plan,” said Mayor Lang. “I look forward to an open discussion about how we can ensure a balance of sensible conservation practices with the economic vitality of the fishing industry. It is appropriate that this discussion take place in New Bedford, the nation’s top-ranked value port.”

The Summit will include panel discussions on catch shares and sectors, scallops and scallop by-catch, and amending the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

The Summit will begin at 9:00am on March 8th at the Whaling Museum, located at 18 Johnny Cake Hill in New Bedford. The public is welcome to attend.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- The City of New Bedford 2010 Summer Job Applications will be available as of March 1st for the Summer Jobs Random Lottery. Applications and Income Guidelines will be available at City Hall, 133 William Street in the Personnel Department, Room 212 or at www.newbedford-ma.gov. Interested applicants are asked to submit their applications to the Personnel Department to be considered for the Summer Program random lottery. All applicants are required to be New Bedford residents and must be at least 16 years of age by July 1, 2010. The deadline for applications is May 6, 2010.

Beginning March 1st the City will accept applications for the following programs:

* Kennedy Summer Day Program
* Summer Food Service/ Parks Playground Program
* Lifeguards

For more information please visit www.newbedford-ma.gov and click Jobs Available and then Summer Employment Application or call 508-979-1444.

New Bedford, Massachusetts - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation Highway Division will be performing repairs on the New Bedford/Fairhaven drawbridge beginning at 6:00am on Saturday, March 6, 2010 until 6:00pm on March 7, 2010. During this time bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic. A detour will be in place and there will be message boards a week in advance and during the closure to notify motorists of the bridge closure.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- At a press conference this morning, Mayor Scott W. Lang announced that New Bedford will host a major commercial marine industry trade event this June. Commercial Marine Expo (CME), a 42-year-old biennial event, is relocating from Providence to the State Pier in New Bedford. The two-day event will be held June 9-10. City officials began negotiating with the show organizer in 2007, led by New Bedford Harbor Commission Executive Director Kristin Decas and New Bedford Economic Development Commission’s Matthew Morrissey.

New Bedford, Massachusetts – New Bedford Health officials announce upcoming H1N1 (swine) Flu and Seasonal Flu vaccination clinic. The clinic will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2010 between the hours of 11:00am and 3:00pm at Our Lady of Assumption Parish Center located at 47 South Sixth Street with ample parking in the church lot. The clinic will offer H1N1 and Seasonal Flu vaccinations. The New Bedford Health Department has been working closely with the Immigrants’ Assistance Center, the Fall River Diocese, and the Interchurch Council to promote this clinic and provide outreach to the non-English speaking populations in our community.

New Bedford, Massachusetts – New Bedford Health officials announce upcoming H1N1 (swine) Flu and Seasonal Flu vaccination clinics. The first clinic will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2010 between the hours of 11:00am and 3:00pm at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Center located on the corner of Rivet Street and Crapo Street with parking in the rear of the building on Crapo Street. The second clinic will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2010 between the hours of 11:00am and 3:00pm at Our Lady of Assumption Parish Center located at 47 South Sixth Street with ample parking in the church lot. Both clinics will offer H1N1 and Seasonal Flu vaccinations. The New Bedford Health Department has been working closely with the Immigrants’ Assistance Center, the Fall River Diocese, and the Interchurch Council to promote these clinics and provide outreach to the non-English speaking populations in our community.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- A citywide snow emergency parking ban will be in effect in New Bedford as of 9:00am tomorrow morning, Wednesday, February 10, 2010. This parking ban will remain in effect for 48-hours thereafter, unless further extended by city officials [click on story title for entire story]

New Bedford, Massachusetts- The Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (CEDC) is joining with Mayor Scott W. Lang to encourage the residents of New Bedford to learn whether they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and if so, to claim this benefit when filing their tax return. The Internal Revenue Service defines the Earned Income Tax Credit as “a refundable federal income tax credit available to eligible low-income working individuals and families.” And, while the EITC is the federal government’s largest program benefiting working families, it is largely underutilized.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- In an effort to improve parking ban adherence, the City of New Bedford has increased emergency snow parking ban fines to $50.00 per ticket effective January 27, 2010.

When an emergency snow Parking Ban is in effect the public is advised that parking is allowed on the north side of all streets that run east and west and on the east side of all streets running north and south. Parking is permitted on the side of the street that is opposite the fire hydrant, no vehicles should be parked on the same side of the street as a fire hydrant. On the streets that are regularly posted for parking on one side of the street only, residents are to obey those signs as usual. In addition, a double side parking ban takes effect in both the Acushnet Avenue Business District and the Downtown Business District during Emergency Snow Parking Bans.

New Bedford, Massachusetts – Members of New Bedford’s Homeless Service Provider’s Network are hosting Hope for the Homeless, a free community dinner and resource fair, Wednesday, January 27th from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the Braz/Bean Center on 360 Coggeshall Street. The public is welcome to attend this free event. The purpose of the event is to provide information to people in need of services and mobilize the community to eradicate homelessness. Area agencies and organizations will be on site to answer questions, provide support, accept donations and recruit volunteers.

Boston, Massachusetts – New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang was elected First Vice President of the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association at the Massachusetts Municipal Association's 31st Annual Meeting and Trade Show held in Boston January 22-23, 2010.

The Massachusetts Mayors’ Association is a member group of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA), the statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization for cities and towns.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- As construction continues to expand the Fort Taber~Fort Rodman Military Museum, the Fort Taber~Fort Rodman Historical Association is proud to announce record attendance in 2009, with over 6,000 visitors logged. Since opening in 2004 with a few simple displays, the museum has flourished into a destination attraction where visitors can learn about the history of Fort Taber and Fort Rodman and honor the sacrifices and accomplishments of local veterans. In total, the museum has attracted over 25,000 visitors.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- The City of New Bedford will be the host to two Martin Luther King, Jr. events during the upcoming holiday weekend.

On Sunday, January 17th at 4pm the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Remembrance Celebration will take place at Keith Middle School, 225 Hathaway Boulevard in New Bedford.

“I am pleased that New Bedford will continue its annual tradition of honoring the legacy of one of our nation’s most inspirational leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I encourage everyone to attend this celebration and take advantage of the opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s message of peace and unity,” said New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- Mayor Scott W. Lang is pleased to join with the Greater New Bedford Area Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee in welcoming the public to attend the “Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Remembrance Celebration.” The celebration will be held on Sunday, January 17, 2010 at 4:00pm at Keith Middle School, 225 Hathaway Boulevard in New Bedford.

“I am pleased that New Bedford will continue its annual tradition of honoring the legacy of one of our nation’s most inspirational leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I encourage everyone to attend this celebration and take advantage of the opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s message of peace and unity,” said New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang.

New Bedford, MA-The Working Waterfront Festival is pleased to announce the publication of Voices from the Waterfront: Portrait of the New Bedford Fishing Industry. The 80-page book is based on interviews conducted over a five year period with 43 individuals from the New Bedford/Fairhaven fishing community. Their voices provide a rare first hand accounting of life and work in the port. Those interviewed include retired and active fishermen, lumpers, auctioneers, shoreside business owners, fisheries scientists, a tug boat captain, fishing family members and others. Oral history excerpts are accompanied by black and white portraits taken by photographer Markham Starr.

New Bedford, MA- Today, New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang, Governor Deval Patrick, Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, Secretary Greg Bialecki of the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and President and CEO of Mass Development Robert Culver along with President and CEO of Market Basket Arthur T. Demoulas celebrated the groundbreaking of “Riverside Landing,” the 17 acre retail and mixed-use development located off of Coggeshall Street in New Bedford.

What: 2010 City of New Bedford Inaugural Reception
When: Saturday, January 10th, 2010 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: The United Fisherman’s Club - 639 Orchard Street - New Bedford, Massachusetts 02744

Event to welcome newly elected and re-elected City officials including the Mayor, Assessors, City Council and School Committee. This event is open to the public, no tickets required.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- Mayor Scott W. Lang announced today that on Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at Gomes School and Thursday January 14, 2010 at Carney Academy the City will hold the last two of a series of three public meetings to discuss how the City can best use federal money to improve New Bedford. Both meetings will take place at 6pm. The meetings are part of an overall citizen participation strategy designed to solicit input as the City develops its five-year Consolidated Plan and one-year Action Plan for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. From 2010 to 2014, the City of New Bedford anticipates receiving substantial federal dollars to serve low-and-moderate-income residents and neighborhoods.

New Bedford, Massachusetts – New Bedford Health officials have announced plans for a large-scale H1N1 (swine) flu vaccination clinic for all New Bedford residents. The clinic will take place on Saturday, January 9, 2010 between the hours of 10:00am and 2:00pm at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School located at 1121 Ashley Boulevard, New Bedford, Massachusetts 02745.  

New Bedford, Massachusetts- The City of New Bedford Department of Public Facilities today announced that Christmas trees will be collected from New Bedford residents curbside during the week of Monday, January 11, 2010, through Friday, January 15, 2010.  During this week, all trees should be placed curbside on the same day as the designated residential solid waste collection day.

The City will not collect Christmas Trees curbside at any other time.   

In addition, for those New Bedford residents wishing to dispose of their Christmas trees at alternate dates/times, the city has designated drop-off areas at the following locations:

* Shawmut Avenue Transfer Station Monday-Friday 7:30 am to 3:30 pm (1103 Shawmut Ave.)

* Victory Park (Southeast corner of Brock Avenue and Ricketson Street)

* Brooklawn Park (Near Pony League Field, enter at Irvington Street)

* Pine Hill Park (Phillips Road)

All trees, whether disposed of curbside or at a drop-off location, must be free of stands, ornaments, lights and shall not be in bags.

Residents with questions on this matter are encouraged to contact the City Yard at 508-991-6133.    

New Bedford, Massachusetts- Mayor Scott W. Lang announced today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the City of New Bedford $1,691,171 in homeless assistance funding as part of a competitive grant competition under the HUD Continuum of Care SuperNOFA Process.  The New Bedford Continuum of Care is administered locally by the City's Office of Housing and Community Development and the New Bedford Homeless Services Provider Network (HSPN). The competitive grant is part of an annual process and is the direct result of the City and the HSPN successful partnership to address the issue of homelessness in New Bedford.

New Bedford, Massachusetts - New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang today declared January to be Mentoring Month in the city, issuing a proclamation and urging area residents to consider becoming a mentor to a local youth.  Mayor Lang, along with members of the New Bedford City Council and School Committee, joined representatives from SMILES Mentoring, Child and Family Services’ Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater New Bedford, Coastline Elderly Services’ Foster Grandparents and PAACA’s Citizen Schools in the Charles S. Ashley Room at City Hall to recognize the positive impact that volunteer mentors have on the community.

NEW BEDFORD, MA – December 31, 2009 – The City of New Bedford announces the opening of a water transportation link between the City and Woods Hole that will be a vital link for commuters between Woods Hole and New Bedford. The New Bedford/Woods Hole Link will provide affordable, convenient transportation for people doing business, research, studying or traveling on a regular weekday basis between the two ports of call.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- At a press event today, New Bedford Mayor Scott W. Lang together with owners Philip and Ryan Dwane, celebrated the opening of the Celtic Coffee House with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and cooking demonstration.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- Ring in 2010 with fireworks in Custom House Square—and be home in time to watch the ball drop in NYC Times Square.

AHA! and the City of New Bedford present City Celebrates! New Year's Eve 2010 in the heart of the downtown historic district.

New Bedford, Massachusetts - The Inter-Church Council of Greater New Bedford and Mayor Scott W. Lang invite the community to attend the 10th Annual Community Interfaith Worship Service. It will be held on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2009 at 5 PM at the Seamen’s Bethel, located on 15 Johnny Cake Hill in downtown New Bedford.

What: A press conference and ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the recently opened Celtic Coffee House.
When: Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at 11:30am
Where: Celtic Coffee House ~ 42 North Water Street ~ New Bedford, MA 02740
Background: Owner Philip Dwane has completely restored this historic building and has turned it into a Celtic coffee house serving their special roasted smooth organic coffee, imported Irish Tea, espressos, lattes and cappuccinos along with gourmet baked goods, sandwiches, salads, homemade soups and Irish specialty items like Irish stew and their Irish breakfast.

New Bedford, Massachusetts – The Special State Election for the U.S. Senate will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2010 from 7:00am to 8:00pm. Voters who are unable to go the polls on Tuesday will have to opportunity to cast their ballots on Saturday, January 16, 2010 between the hours of 8:00am and 12 noon at City Hall on 133 William Street in Room 114.

Voters can request an absentee ballot application until 5:00pm on Friday, January 15, 2010. Absentee ballots can be mailed or can be returned in person to the Election Office in City Hall, Room 114. Mailed absentee ballots must arrive at the Election Office by Tuesday, January 19, 2010. Hand delivered absentee ballots must arrive at the Election Office no later than 7:00pm on Tuesday, January 19, 2010.

Voters can view the official specimen ballot for this election by going to the City’s web site at http://www.ci.new-bedford.ma.us/

If you have any questions on absentee ballots, voting status or voting precinct, please call the Election office at 979-1420 or 979-1421.