Fall River Residents Rally Against Proposed Medical Office Building in Residential Area

Overview: The Fall River Zoning Board of Appeals meeting on August 21, 2025, was marked by community opposition to a proposed medical office building on Highland Avenue. The application, presented by Attorney Peter Celino on behalf of ACN Tra LLC, sought a variance to construct a chiropractic and wellness center within a single-family zoning district. The plan revived a previously approved but unexecuted 2015 proposal and sparked a debate among residents and board members.

Fall River Tackles Inactive Voter Challenge as Municipal Elections Approach

Overview: The recent Fall River Board of Election Commissioners meeting focused on the challenge of inactive voters, with 26,000 out of 59,642 registered voters in the city currently listed as inactive due to non-response to the annual municipal census. This issue not only plagues Fall River but also neighboring communities like New Bedford. To address this, the city has initiated confirmation mailings, yet only about 5,000 responses have been received. The inactive voters are required to present valid identification and complete an affirmation of residency to vote in the upcoming elections.

Fall River Traffic Board Approves Flashing Stop Sign to Address Traffic Concerns at Coral Street Intersection

Overview: The Fall River Traffic Board meeting concluded with several significant approvals aimed at improving traffic safety and flow in the city. Key decisions included the installation of a flashing stop sign at the problematic intersection of Coral Street and Cambridge Street, a proposal for a one-way traffic designation on June Street near Westall School, and discussions on addressing hazardous conditions at President Avenue and Highland Avenue.

Fall River Licensing Board Tables Several Key Applications Amid Concerns and Limited Attendance

Overview: The Fall River Licensing Board met to deliberate on various license applications, with attention given to a range of business proposals. Discussions included the approval and tabling of several liquor and entertainment licenses, largely influenced by the meeting’s limited attendance requiring unanimous decisions. Notably, the Portuguese Little Restaurant’s application was tabled due to concerns about its potential transformation into a nightclub, and the Taste of Paradise LLC’s alcohol license was postponed until a full board could be present.

Fall River Historical Commission Supports Key Historic Preservation Projects Amid Storm Challenges

Overview: The Fall River Historical Commission, during its hybrid meeting on August 19, 2025, reviewed significant preservation projects, including the BMC Dery Trust building and Sanford Spinning Mills, while navigating challenges posed by recent storm damage.