The New Bedford Research & Robotics renovation project had a high risk of failure, an internal city report shows. But the city awarded it $2 million — and, in response to a public records request, it has declined to release memos detailing the high-risk grant.
Category: City Hall
Posted inEnvironment
$70 million in bonds in pipeline for New Bedford’s water systems
The bonds, which are set for a final council vote on June 12, would continue the cleanup of waterways, improve the sewer system, and get rid of more lead pipes.
Posted inCity Hall
Major rat infestation plagues Shawmut Avenue neighborhood
The infestation may have been caused by a fire and resulting cleanup at EL Harvey Waste & Recycling Services last week.
Posted inCity Hall
The monster lurking in New Bedford’s budget
Pensions are consistently the largest budget item at New Bedford City Hall. Only the city’s 26 public schools cost more. The city now faces a ticking clock to get this cost under control. How did it get this way?
Posted inCity Hall
Mayor Mitchell to seek full inflation-adjusted salary
After declining statutorily approved raises for more than a decade, Mayor Jon Mitchell seeks full salary going forward.
Posted inPolitics
New Bedford City Council changes its mind on expanding mail-in voting window
A majority of City Council members dismissed the advice of elections experts who maintain that the city needs more time to process a growing number of mail-in ballots.
Posted inCity Hall
City awards $110,000 grant despite risk assessment’s warning
The city gave pandemic-relief funds to the William H. Carney Lodge despite a reviewer’s warning that the lodge “cannot be entrusted to manage federal funds.” Mayor Jon Mitchell allowed the lodge to bypass a competitive application process.
Posted inCity Hall
City Council outlines vision of reduced government at ‘cut night’
While voting on this year’s proposed Capital Improvement Plan, councilors pushed for a leaner vision of government — from fewer libraries to privatizing the zoo.
Posted inCity Hall
Firefighter facing multiple criminal charges put on paid leave
A history of criminal arrests has trailed firefighter Manuel Mota Jr., who is on paid leave while facing multiple charges in New Bedford and Quincy district courts this month.
Posted inCity Hall
City locks in final ARPA spending plans
The city met its deadline to “obligate” all of the $82 million it received in federal pandemic relief funding. New commitments include $1.1 million more for the Zeiterion.