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North Main (NOMA) neighborhood group seeks new funding after TDI loss; lighting, markets and events planned
Summary
After failing to secure an extension of a TDI fellow, neighborhood partners will form a committee to continue North Main (NOMA) activation work; initiatives include building lighting, Thursday night markets and a July 17 block party.
Neighborhood partners and the Fall River Redevelopment Authority discussed June 25 plans to sustain North Main (NOMA) activity after a Technical Assistance/Training (TDI) extension was not awarded.
Authority staff said the TDI program declined to extend the fellow who had supported North Main work, and that the authority and partners are forming a committee including the chamber, Bank5, the Police Athletic League and other local groups to identify how to continue activities. Staff said ideas include securing part‑time staffing (for example, 10 hours per week) or relying on a volunteer committee to coordinate events.
Board and staff described a separate private effort to illuminate historic buildings visible from the Braga Bridge. Staff said community members have raised roughly $5,000 to pilot a “lighting the way” program, with the first building proposed for uplighting being the Peoples Inc. bank building; other early targets include a tile mural on a former Herald News building and the Congregational Church steeple.
Events and activation: Viva Fall River is leading a Thursday-night market from 4 to 8 p.m. through September on the Purchase Street patio, featuring vendors, music and food trucks. Staff also said a larger block party, “Party on Purchase,” is scheduled for July 17 with street closures and family activities.
Staff said small microgrants (about $1,500) from MassDevelopment-related funds will support planters and beautification work, and staff expect to contribute to planting in public planters near City Hall.
Next steps: the new committee and partners will propose a governance/financing approach to the authority to sustain neighborhood activation and events if TDI funding is not renewed.
