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Joint Committee hears testimony to name Gorham Street Bridge for Ferrero brothers
Summary
Testimony before the Joint Committee on Transportation urged naming the new Gorham Street Bridge in Chelmsford for the Ferrero brothers, World War II veterans, and reported local support; no committee vote was recorded at the hearing.
House Chair Jim Marceiro opened a hybrid hearing of the Joint Committee on Transportation and called testimony on House Bill 4723, which would dedicate the new Gorham Street Bridge in Chelmsford to the Ferrero brothers.
Christopher Ferrero, who testified in person, told the committee about his family’s World War II service and local ties. He said one brother, John C. Ferrer, received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star and another, Manuel C. Ferrera, served as a sergeant. Ferrero recounted that his grandfather, Anthony C. Ferrer, founded a local auto repair shop that later relocated to River Neck Road after the family property was taken through eminent domain for the bridge project.
"Naming the Gorham Street Bridge in the Ferrero Brothers' honor would be a fitting and powerful tribute," Ferrero said, urging lawmakers to take legislative steps to formalize the dedication.
Representative Rodney Elliott, a cosponsor, voiced support for the bill, calling it "such an honorable piece of legislation" and noting Ferrero’s long record of community service. Ferrero also told the committee he had reached out to the Chelmsford Board of Selectmen and reported their support and plans to provide an official letter.
Committee members asked no substantive questions during the hearing. The committee accepted oral testimony and reminded the public that written testimony will be accepted following the hearing. The transcript does not record any committee vote or formal action on HB 4723 during the session.
Next steps: the committee will retain the bill on its docket and accept written testimony; no date for a vote was recorded in the provided transcript.
