Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

NEW BEDFORD — A state agency is again reviewing proposals to revitalize the State Pier, an 8-acre site that some would like to see developed into a more pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use plot with restaurant and retail space, a seafood auction house, and infrastructure to support offshore wind.

MassDevelopment, the quasi-state agency that manages the pier, on Wednesday released a summary of proposals from bidders that include Servedwell Hospitality (run by restaurateur Steve Silverstein), Coast Line Transfers, BASE Seafood, the New Bedford Foss Marine Terminal and American Cruise Lines. 

The agency initially published a request for proposals in 2022 and later that year selected a conglomerate of local businesses that planned to build a restaurant, a new seafood auction house, and operations hub for offshore wind.

However, after criticism from elected officials that the process lacked transparency, and a determination by the state agency that the bid as proposed did not meet state regulations and required too much public investment, MassDevelopment rejected the proposal and re-issued a request for proposals a few months ago. 

Several entities, including those involved in last year’s accepted-then-rejected proposal, resubmitted bids that outline the same vision, such as a “6,500 square foot full-service restaurant,” facilities to support offshore wind operations and vessels, and a seafood market. 

Cuttyhunk Ferry and Seastreak Ferries submitted proposals to maintain their current use of the pier, though Seastreak is proposing to develop a cafe and retail space within its existing building. 

American Cruise Lines submitted a proposal for a “cruise gateway” that would connect downtown New Bedford with the waterfront and serve as a tourism site. 

“MassDevelopment will convene with a review committee, and it will give respondents the ability to publicly explain their projects to an open audience at the appropriate time,” said Douglas Robinson, director of government relations at MassDevelopment, in an email to officials Wednesday.

Rep. William Straus, a vocal critic of MassDevelopment’s review process, wasn’t satisfied with that part: “I would describe it as a connected series of murky promises that leaves you wanting more specific information.” 

He said the agency’s statement doesn’t provide any information on when in its review process this public forum would occur. 

Related ⇢

In a letter this month, State Reps. Straus, Antonio Cabral, Christopher Hendricks, Christopher Markey and Paul Schmid in a letter to MassDevelopment CEO Dan Rivera requested the agency “undertake a determined and serious public engagement” process that would allow public comment and feedback on the ideas presented by the bidders. 

They also requested that the agency lift what the officials called a “gag order” on bidders’ ability to talk about their proposals for the pier publicly. 

Per the agency’s guidelines, bidders may not issue news releases or announcements on their “position” in the process before MassDevelopment issues the information. Additionally, any release or announcements require written approval from MassDevelopment. 

“Respectfully, you should not be the gate-keeper of what information is shared by respondents,” the representatives wrote. 

“This State Pier belongs to the people… it’s so important to the future of the working waterfront in New Bedford and Fairhaven,” Straus said. “I think public input can only result in a better outcome.”

State Sen. Mark Montigny took the agency’s announcement as acknowledgment that a more public process is necessary: “I’m glad that MassDevelopment agreed with my calls for a robust public forum for these proposals and has announced that the submissions will be presented publicly for open comment and debate.”

“It’s critical that the community have an avenue to express their views as the State Pier represents a generational opportunity for economic development and vibrancy of the future of New Bedford,” he continued. 

MassDevelopment CEO Rivera did not immediately respond to a request for comment and information about when this public process would take place and what it would look like. 

Per Robinson’s email, a selection committee will review the proposals, determine which, if any, “warrant further investment,” and assist the agency in its evaluation of whether it will lease the property — a decision that would be made with a vote by the agency’s board of directors. 

According to Montigny’s office, a decision from MassDevelopment on the proposals is expected this spring. 

Email Anastasia E. Lennon at alennon@newbedfordlight.org.