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Council approves $500,000 CPC grant for preservation housing at 604 Rock Street
Summary
The City Council approved a $500,000 Community Preservation Act appropriation to the Preservation Society to acquire and restore 604 Rock St., a locally historic building that will be converted into eight rental units; BayCoast Bank committed $600,000 and four units will be deed-restricted affordable for 30 years.
The City Council voted on May 26 to approve a Community Preservation Act (CPA) appropriation of $500,000 to the Preservation Society of Fall River for the acquisition and rehabilitation of 604 Rock Street.
Preservation Society representatives told the council the 19th‑century building will be restored and converted into eight residential units; four of those units will be set aside as affordable housing for at least 30 years. The society said BayCoast Bank has committed $600,000 in conventional financing, and the CPA funding will be used specifically for acquisition costs while remaining predevelopment expenses and contingency are included in the project proforma.
The society emphasized the project’s dual goals: reviving a building in the local historic district and maintaining long‑term affordable housing supply. Councilors asked for clarity on the financing and tenancy approach; society leaders said long‑term leases and tenant-transition steps will avoid abrupt evictions and that exterior and facade work will be prioritized once acquisition closes.
Council action: The motion to adopt the CPC‑recommended appropriation passed on a roll‑call vote with one recorded abstention by the council president. Next steps include finalizing closing, completing inspections and executing tenant agreements and historic‑district facade plans.
