Grace Ferguson
Reporter
Grace Ferguson reports on housing for the New Bedford Light. She graduated from Boston University in May 2022, and recently completed a fellowship reporting on police accountability for WBUR. Ferguson previously investigated housing issues in western Massachusetts for GBH News.
Stories
Ward 1 residents oppose parking cuts ahead of final vote
Deviating from procedure, councilors held an additional hearing on a proposal that would reduce the number of parking spots required for new developments.
Here’s how the city plans to build and grow in 2026 and beyond
New housing. Construction near commuter rail and on the waterfront. The city’s planners have plenty of new ideas to promote development.
State Rep. Markey says he’s throwing his hat in the ring for Bristol County DA
Christopher M. Markey shared his plans in an interview with The Light, two days after incumbent District Attorney Thomas Quinn III said he would not seek reelection.
Bristol County DA Quinn will not seek reelection
Thomas Quinn III’s decision leaves only one candidate in the 2026 race, Republican Seth Aitken.
ICYMI: The buzz at the Z’s ‘Reopening Day’
Here’s a compilation of posts from The Light’s live “red carpet” coverage of the newly restored Zeiterion’s matinee and evening performances.
The curtain rises on the Z’s next act
The city’s beloved theater reopens after a painstaking 18-month restoration project that included a new floor, ceiling, walls, seats, lobby and expanded public spaces.
2025 in review: South Coast Rail in the spotlight, and other top transportation stories
In 2025, the South Coast entered a transportation renaissance.
2025 in review: Josh Amaral reflects on another year of fighting high housing costs
The city’s housing director said the city made progress on its housing goals in 2025. There’s still more work to do.
Signs suggest South Coast Rail is boosting tourism, development
The extension has brought more visitors, and it seems to be attracting more developers to build here. But it’s too early to say if it’s helping business or job-seekers.
Less parking, lower taxes: Council committee advances zoning proposal
At the urging of more than a dozen members of the public, the City Council’s ordinance committee advanced a proposal to slash parking minimums for new development.
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