City Property Committee selects LaFrance affiliate for lease of 26 Union Street; committee authorizes execution

The New Bedford City Property Committee voted to select National Downtown Club LLC, an affiliate of LaFrance Hospitality, as the successful proposer for a lease of the city-owned property at 26 Union Street (the former National Club) and recommended that the city authorize the mayor and city solicitor to execute the lease.

The committee accepted the proposal and separately recommended approval of a lease structured as a five-year initial term with three five-year renewal options. Committee discussion and the proponent’s counsel made clear that the options would be exercised at signing if needed for financing, producing an effective 20-year term. Councilors approved selection of the proposal by roll call (11–0) and later recommended approval of the lease and authorization to execute it (10–1).

Why it matters: The duration of the lease is central to the project’s financing. Proponents said lenders require a 20‑year term to underwrite the work planned for the building; some committee members expressed concern about the city being committed effectively for two decades without a mechanism to reclaim the property other than typical default remedies.

What the committee heard and…