The Fall River City Council meeting on July 15, 2025, focused on the future development of the waterfront area, highlighting a comprehensive master plan aimed at revitalizing the region. Sarah Page, executive director of the redevelopment authority, along with Gus Pickford from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, presented key details about the project.

The master plan outlines over 2 million square feet of development along the Duval Street corridor, which includes approximately 1,480 residential units, 61,000 square feet of commercial space, and 2,220 parking spaces. The zoning regulations allow for buildings up to six stories, with potential adjustments to accommodate new building codes.

Page emphasized the need for market-rate housing in Fall River, noting that the city currently has a high percentage of subsidized rental units—28% of the total rental market. This project aims to balance the housing landscape by introducing more market-rate options, responding to a growing demand for housing in the area, with 30,000 renters seeking accommodations within a 30-minute drive of Fall River.

The master plan is based on a market study conducted by Stantec, which indicates a significant increase in households in the region since 2018. Page highlighted that the waterfront development could attract nearly $1 billion in private investment and generate substantial revenue for the city over the next decade.

The council's discussions also touched on the logistics of land distribution and utility connections for the new developments, ensuring that infrastructure is in place to support the anticipated growth. The overall sentiment from the council members was supportive of the master plan, which has been positively received by the community following public hearings.

As the project progresses, it is expected to transform the waterfront into a vibrant community hub, enhancing both residential and commercial opportunities in Fall River.