Submitted by Rick Trapilo, Representative, Fairhaven-New Bedford Harbor Plan Committee Dear Residents and Stakeholders,
As a representative of the Town of Fairhaven on the Fairhaven-New Bedford Harbor Plan Committee, I am pleased to provide a synopsis of our inaugural meeting with the selected planning consultants, Fort Point Associates, held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. This meeting included key officials such as Mr. Tim Cox (Fairhaven Harbor Master), Mr. H. Bruce Webb (Fairhaven Land Use Director), and Mr. Gordon Carr (Executive Director of the Port of New Bedford), alongside several representatives from the City of New Bedford.
During this initial session, the consultants outlined their approach to engaging the community to ensure the plan reflects the perspectives of residents and business owners in both Fairhaven and New Bedford. They emphasized that the plan must be created “for the community and by the community.”
In response, I underscored that while Fairhaven may be smaller in population and commercial density, we demand equal participation in shaping the design and recommendations for the harbor and waters we share.
I shared the following key points with the consultants and our colleagues from New Bedford:
1. Environmental Responsibility: A meaningful Harbor Plan cannot move forward unless the City of New Bedford addresses its combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges, which release hundreds of millions of gallons of raw waste into the inner and outer harbor. Cities like Providence, Pawtucket, and Fall River have resolved similar issues by implementing holding tanks. Fairhaven deserves the same commitment to environmental integrity.
2. Smart Development: Fairhaven recently approved a 40R district in our waterfront area — a step forward for smart, mixed-use development. Mr. Webb will provide further details to the consultants. Issues like coastal resiliency, flooding, and dredging are crucial for protecting both current commercial activity and future development opportunities.
3. Bridge Renewal: Our communities are physically connected by a bridge that, after more than a century, is finally slated for redesign. The new bridge must not only accommodate vessel traffic but also serve as a pedestrian-friendly gateway into the heart of New Bedford. Its design should honor our shared coastal heritage and support our collective future.
4. Preserving Fairhaven’s Coastal Character: Fairhaven is a coastal gem where families and tourists enjoy beaches, Fort Phoenix, fishing, shell fishing, and local dining. The Harbor Plan must prioritize protecting our environment to ensure future generations can enjoy these treasured assets.
I, along with other members of the Fairhaven delegation, will actively seek input, provide updates at public meetings, and ensure that Fairhaven’s voice is heard. Though we are a smaller community, we will insist on equal representation in the planning of the harbor we share.
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Click here to download the 12/19/24 issue: 12-19-24 OldTyme
Click here to download the OML complaint: TACommOML_Complaint
Click here to download the OML complaint response: TACommOML_Response
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