In a recent government meeting, the city of Fall River faced significant discussions regarding the future of the former Duval Street Elementary School, located at 112 Pleasant Street. The property, currently under the ownership of the Flint Neighborhood Association, was the subject of a quick claim deed communication from the mayor to the city. The motion to adopt the deed sparked a heated debate among council members, particularly concerning the implications for affordable housing and local nonprofit services.

Council members expressed concerns that the city intervened in a potential sale of the property to a buyer who intended to develop affordable housing units. One councilor highlighted that the city blocked the sale after the neighborhood association found a buyer, raising questions about the motivations behind the city's actions. The councilor emphasized the pressing need for affordable housing in the area, especially given the ongoing housing crisis affecting vulnerable populations, including veterans.

Another councilor clarified that there had been no official statement regarding the property being promised to another party for veteran housing, countering claims circulating on social media. This councilor also recounted their previous involvement with the Flint Neighborhood Association and the ongoing discussions about the property's future, asserting that the process to reclaim the school had been underway long before any developer expressed interest.

The meeting also addressed the impact of the potential sale on a local nonprofit that operates out of the school, providing essential services such as food and clothing to the impoverished Flint neighborhood. Concerns were raised about the nonprofit being displaced, which would further exacerbate the challenges faced by residents in the area.

As the council deliberated, the need for a collaborative approach to ensure that essential services remain available to the community was emphasized. The discussions underscored the complexities surrounding property ownership, community needs, and the balance between development and social services in Fall River. The council ultimately decided to refer the matter to the finance committee for further consideration, indicating that the future of the former school remains uncertain as stakeholders continue to navigate these critical issues.