Council approves utility petitions, budget transfers and HERO Act measures; amends obstruction fee

At its March 13, 2025 meeting, the New Bedford City Council approved a series of administrative and public-works items, including utility petitions from Eversource Energy, several mayoral budget transfers, the local adoption of certain state HERO Act provisions for disabled veterans, and an amendment to a right-of-way permit fee schedule.

Why it matters: the utility petitions clear Eversource work tied to a Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) roadway project and to individual service connections; the council action on the fee schedule establishes new permitting and a revolving fund effective July 1, 2025; the HERO Act adoption implements state-level tax exemptions for disabled veterans within the city’s enabling ordinance.

Key outcomes and votes at a glance

- Eversource petitions (Items 2, 3 and 4): The council granted an order permitting approximately 34 feet of conduit and a new hand hole on South First Street (item 2), and adopted orders for conduit and manhole work on County Street and conduit on River Street (items 3 and 4). Council recorded motions to open and close…