City / Town Governance

New Bedford, Massachusetts- The City of New Bedford’s Department of Recreation and Mayor Scott W. Lang will host their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 10:30am at Buttonwood Park. Children ages 10 and under are welcome to participant. All participants are asked to gather in front of the warming house at least ten minutes before the start time. There will be lots of candy and prizes to find.

The rain date for this event is Sunday, March 28th.

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 – 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- 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.

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- 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- 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- 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 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.

NEW BEDFORD, MA – The City of New Bedford has entered into a contract with Comcast TV service for 10 more years. The Comcast agreement provides for a continuation of using its fiber-optic network to deliver local residents a robust lineup of viewing choices and control over their home entertainment experience.

New Bedford, Massachusetts - A citywide snow emergency parking ban that went into effect in New Bedford as of 5pm on Saturday, December 19, 2009 has been extended until 5pm tomorrow night, Tuesday, December 22, 2009.

The public is advised that while the snow emergency parking ban is in effect, 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.   

Please note that on the streets that are regularly posted for parking on one side of the street only, residents are to obey those signs as usual.

As conditions warrant, violations of this parking regulation will be subject to towing, at full cost to the owner of the vehicle towed.

The following areas have been designated as “parking areas” for those residents in need of off-street parking while the emergency snow parking ban is in effect:   

    * Victory Park-Brock Avenue
    * Hazelwood Park–Brock Avenue
    * Roosevelt Middle School–Brock Avenue and Dennis Street
    * Cove Street Parking Lot–Cove Street and Morton Court
    * Dunbar School – 338 Dartmouth Street
    * Congdon School–Thompson and Hemlock Street
    * Buttonwood Park Parking Area – Hawthorn Street Entrance and Lake Street Entrance
    * Coggeshall Street Parking Lot – Coggeshall Street and Acushnet Avenue
    * Sawyer Street Parking Lot – Between Sawyer Street and Beetle Street
    * Bullard Street at Acushnet Avenue
    * Ottiwell School – 26 Madeira Avenue
    * Brooklawn Park Parking Area – Brooklawn Street (South Side)
    * Normandin Middle School – Tarkiln Hill Road
    * Jireh Swift School – Tarklin Hill Road
    * Campbell School – Phillips Road

New Bedford, Massachusetts- A citywide snow emergency parking ban will be in effect in New Bedford as of 5 o’clock PM tomorrow night, Saturday, December 19, 2009. This parking ban will remain in effect for 48-hours thereafter, unless further extended by city officials.

New Bedford, Massachusetts – Yesterday, the New Bedford City Council adopted Chapter 183 of the Acts of 2009, state legislation allowing communities to issue Third Quarter Tax Bills to residents after December 31, 2009 and until January 30, 2010. The legislation provides a window for communities to set their tax rates and issue final valuation bills within the month of January. The first portion of the bill will be due thirty days from the date of issue (i.e., a bill issued on January 15, 2010 will be due on February 15, 2010). The second portion of the bill will resume its original due date of May 1, 2010. New Bedford taxpayers are urged to carefully note the due date printed on the back of their tax bills.

The state legislation, supported by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and the Massachusetts Assessors Association, was adopted to allow assessors’ offices across the Commonwealth sufficient time to complete a large number of Triennial Revaluations and to allow the Department of Revenue sufficient time for the evaluation and certification process.

Currently, the Department of Revenue is revising the required Revaluation schedule for all Massachusetts communities.

New Bedford, Massachusetts- In the spirit of giving, the City of New Bedford’s Disabilities Commission, Council on Aging and Great Idea Volunteer Network are working together to recruit neighborhood residents, organizations and businesses to assist our community’s disabled residents with snow removal.

New Bedford, Massachusetts - Mayor Scott W. Lang announced today that the City’s Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) will hold the first public meeting to discuss how the City can best use federal money to improve New Bedford. The meeting will take place on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 6:00pm at OHCD headquarters in the 2nd floor Conference Room at 608 Pleasant Street. This meeting is part of an overall citizen participation strategy designed to solicit input through public hearings, an on-line and written survey, stakeholder meetings and written comments to assist the City in developing a five-year Consolidated Plan for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.