Zoning Board Faces Complex Development Debates in Fall River

Overview: The Fall River Zoning Board of Appeals convened to deliberate on a series of petitions concerning city development, zoning variances, and special permits. Among the topics addressed, attention centered on a divisive proposal by HQV Homes LLC, which sought a special permit to transform a mixed-use building into residential units. This matter stirred considerable debate due to the Preservation Society’s opposition, citing increased density and parking concerns. Additionally, A discussion emerged over the request for a height adjustment for a billboard. Other cases involved subdivision of properties, construction of new residential units, and requests for parking variances.

Fall River Traffic Board Approves New Parking Spaces Downtown

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Fall River Traffic Board approved a proposal for additional parking spaces to accommodate the increasing business and residential activities in the downtown area. This decision highlights the board’s efforts to enhance safety and manage traffic flow, despite some board members’ reservations about the potential impact on Fourth Street’s traffic.

Fall River Licensing Board Approves Belmont Club’s Event With Safety Measures

Overview: In a meeting of the Fall River Licensing Board, the Belmont Club received a green light for a one-day entertainment permit, with a condition that set the safety tone for the session. The permit’s approval, crucial for the club’s event planned for August 18th, 2024, came with the stipulation of hiring a firefighter to monitor the building’s capacity.

Fall River Park Board Deliberates Park Improvements and Events

Overview: The Fall River Park Board convened on July 16th, 2024, to discuss a variety of topics concerning the city’s parks, including requests for park use, improvements to facilities, and addressing damage to park property. The board’s deliberation on the organization and impact of a new pickleball league at Kennedy Park stood out as a noteworthy topic, requiring further information before a decision could be made. In addition, improvements to Griffin Park, the approval of Bristol Community College’s request to use Britland Park for soccer games, and concerns about the Vietnam Wall at Bicentennial Park were also points of discussion.

Fall River Council Tackles Waste Management and Recycling Woes

Overview: The Fall River City Council meeting zeroed in on the escalating challenges of waste management and recycling, with substantial discussions around strategies to reduce Solid Waste and Recycling costs, implementation of new software and scanning devices, and the potential for partnerships with companies like Amazon for cardboard collection. Updates on the city’s solid waste management included enforcement of trash collection ordinances, ceasing curbside collection to businesses and non-residential nonprofits, and challenges with mixed-use properties. Additionally, the Water Department’s need for new equipment and facility repairs, as well as updates on the water treatment plant, were also focal points of the council’s agenda.