Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee forwards Byron Ford Jr. nomination to Redevelopment Authority; councilors note need for market perspective
Summary
Byron Ford Jr., a longtime local realtor and former jewelry store owner, was forwarded to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation for appointment to the Redevelopment Authority; councilors said his market perspective could help in marketing city‑owned properties.
The Committee on Appointments and Briefings voted March 18 to forward Byron Ford Jr.’s nomination to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation for appointment to the New Bedford Redevelopment Authority.
Ford told the committee he has lived in New Bedford most of his life, operated a downtown jewelry store for 20 years and worked as a local realtor for the last 15 years. Councilors asked how his real‑estate background could help the authority market city‑owned properties that may require repair or limited investment to become attractive to buyers.
Ford said the authority should avoid over‑improving properties but make them cosmetically appealing — “lipstick on a pig,” he said — so prospective buyers will take them on. He noted the authority’s work to make structural repairs and facade improvements can remove investor hesitancy on older buildings.
A motion to refer the nomination to the full City Council with a favorable recommendation passed; the appointment will appear on the March 27 City Council agenda for final action. Committee discussion emphasized the redevelopment authority’s role in leveraging city funds for targeted repairs that enable private investment.
