The ordinance committee unanimously advanced a proposal to roll back zoning that currently outlaws new housing on most city lots.
Category: City Hall
Posted inCity Hall
Mayor: City roads mostly passable; next step is snow excavation
Jon Mitchell thanked everyone from public officials to social services agencies to Domino’s pizza for their efforts in responding to the Blizzard of ’26.
Posted inCity Hall
As city digs out, Healey says all resource requests were met
Schools remain closed, SRTA buses again cancel service, garbage collection is delayed until next week, and the city-wide parking ban continues.
Posted inCity Hall
City Council passes lower parking minimums for new housing, 8-3
Some councilors said the new ordinance would clog up curb space. But most councilors say the change is needed to build more housing and grow the city’s tax base.
Posted inCity Hall
Some councilors would support cannabis lounges if cigar bars return, too
The Light is cutting through the haze on the city’s social marijuana consumption policies.
Posted inEducation
Joint convention flips, elects Brad Markey for School Committee
Eleventh hour deal-making led to the surprise election of Mayor Jon Mitchell’s preferred candidate, former City Councilor Brad Markey.
Posted inEducation
Bousquet and Coward surface as lead nominees in School Committee contest
Though both candidates grew up in New Bedford, they have different priorities: one is focused on boosting voc-tech programs and the other is focused on “fundamentals.”
Posted inPolice and Courts
It’s official: City Council confirms police chief appointment
A months-long power tussle between the council and the mayor had delayed the confirmation and swearing-in of Jason Thody until Thursday night.
Posted inEducation
Joint convention deadlocks on selecting School Committee member
Nominees Henry Bousquet and Marcus Coward each secured eight votes. But since neither could prevail after seven rounds, voting has been rescheduled for Jan. 21.
Posted inCity Hall
Ryan Pereira takes the reins of the New Bedford City Council
Pereira says dignity, discourse, and results-oriented leadership will define his approach in 2026.
