Park board offers letter of support for monument beautification, defers final approval to historical commission

The Fall River City Park Board voted May 7 to send a letter supporting a proposed beautification project around the soldier and Civil War monuments, but commissioners said the Historical Commission has final authority over changes to homestead monuments.

The request came from Thomas Santos on behalf of the Portuguese American Veterans, who asked the city to remove the concrete walkway around the soldier and Civil War monuments and replace it with cobblestone on one side and fresh loam on the other three sides. Commissioner Victor Farias confirmed Santos had previously discussed the plan with city staff and the historical commission.

Commissioners agreed the Historical Commission should review and approve any physical changes before the Parks Department acts. “We can write a letter of support. We can’t approve it,” Commissioner BJ McDonald said. Commissioner Amber Burns made a motion to send a letter of support to the Historical Commission, and Commissioner Helen Rigo seconded. The motion carried by voice vote; the meeting record shows Commissioner Victor Farias abstained.

Board members asked the applicant to meet with the historical commission and contact Rick Mancini to arrange that review. Staff said that if the Historical Commission grants approval, the applicant would not need to return to the park board for a second approval.

The board’s action was limited to endorsing the concept with that condition; no construction, funding or permit was approved at the meeting.