New Bedford Council Pushes for Public Hearing on Parallel Products Waste Facility Proposal

In a recent New Bedford City Council meeting, tensions ran high as councilors addressed the controversial proposal for a waste transfer facility by Parallel Products, operating under the name South Coast Renewables. Councilor Gomes initiated a motion requesting the New Bedford Board of Public Health to hold a public hearing, allowing residents, particularly those from the Far North End, to voice their concerns before any decisions are made.

The councilors expressed dissatisfaction with the previous public hearings, criticizing the format and the limited opportunity for community input. Councilor Gomes highlighted that many residents were unaware of the initial meetings, which were poorly advertised, primarily through notices on poles. He emphasized the need for a more effective communication strategy, such as direct mailings, to ensure that all affected residents could participate in discussions about the facility that could significantly impact their quality of life.

Councilor Carney echoed Gomes' sentiments, noting that the previous hearings felt one-sided, dominated by external experts rather than local voices. She called for the presence of local officials, such as the fire chief, to address specific community concerns directly. The councilors collectively argued that the facility's proposed location, near residential neighborhoods and schools, raised serious health and safety issues.

In a show of solidarity, several councilors urged Mayor Mitchell to take a clear stance against the project, demanding transparency and accountability from city leadership. Councilor Lopes proposed a friendly amendment to change the location of the upcoming public hearing to accommodate more attendees, although the council ultimately decided to keep it at Pulaski School.

The meeting also addressed other city matters, including a motion by Councilor Gomes to enforce existing ordinances against illegal signage on city property, aiming to maintain the aesthetic integrity of New Bedford. The council unanimously supported this initiative, reflecting a broader commitment to preserving the city's character.

As the council concluded, the urgency surrounding the waste facility proposal remained palpable. The councilors resolved to advocate for the community's voice, ensuring that the residents of New Bedford are heard in decisions that could shape their environment and health for years to come. The next steps will involve organizing the public hearing and continuing to rally community support against the proposed facility, with the councilors determined to protect the interests of their constituents.