The Fall River City Council on Oct. 28 adopted a resolution directing the administration to research reuse options for the Kenneth J. Boyer Veterans Building, 755 Pine Street, and report findings to the council before the structure is repurposed for other uses.

The resolution notes the building was renovated by the city and is in good working condition and says it could be used by local veterans organizations that currently lack meeting quarters. Vice President Pereira offered amendments to clarify that the building would not provide living arrangements but would serve as a meeting and organizational space for groups such as American Legion posts, Fleet Reserve, and the Vietnam Veterans Association.

Public comment framed the council discussion. Richard Branko, a longtime veterans advocate who described his involvement with the Vietnam Veterans Association of Bristol County, urged the council to "give the veterans back" the Pine Street building and said the organization had historically enabled veterans’ services in Fall River.

Councilors said they support keeping the building available for veterans and asked the administration, veterans-service officers and council liaisons to engage veterans groups directly to determine the most useful reuse. The resolution passed on a voice vote.

The resolution asks the administration to present research and recommendations to the council before the city repurposes the structure for non-veteran uses.