Changing Clocks Means More Emphasis on Safety, Says AAA

Motorists should not fall back into bad driving habits with the end of daylight saving time on November 1, says AAA Northeast. While the time change brings an initial extra hour of sleep, drivers need to be focused on the road and prepared for earlier sunsets.

The dangers of drowsy driving and the challenges of driving in the dark are always present but never more so than when drivers suddenly find changing conditions.

A AAA Northeast analysis of crash data from 2015 to 2019 shows that Massachusetts drivers are more likely to crash immediately after clocks are moved back. In the two weeks following the time change, there was a 65 percent increase in crashes during the 5 p.m. hour. During the same period, there was an increase of more than 400 percent in pedestrian crashes during the 5 p.m. hour – a more-than five-fold increase.

“Drowsy driving is a significant traffic safety issue,” said Mary Maguire, Director of Public and Legislative Affairs for AAA Northeast. “ Americans ‘falling back’ by moving their clocks back by one hour may think they are gaining an extra hour of sleep, but they need to remember to monitor their sleep schedule to prevent drowsiness on the road.”  

The time change can lead to disrupted circadian rhythms and loss of sleep. According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research, losing one to two hours of sleep doubles your crash risk, and an individual operating a vehicle with five hours of sleep or less in a 24-hour period faces the same crash risk as someone driving drunk.

Although the end of daylight saving time highlights the dangers of drowsy driving, it’s a major problem no matter the time of year. According to the AAA Northeast analysis, more than 9,500 drowsy driving crashes were reported in Massachusetts between 2015 and 2019 where “fatigued/sleep” was listed as a contributing circumstance.

That’s equivalent to a crash involving drowsy driving every five hours. Of those crashes, more than 3,700 involved injuries – or 40 percent of drowsy driving crashes.

And human beings are slow to adapt to new sleep patterns. The analysis showed that four weeks following the time change between 2015 and 2019, the increase in crashes remained elevated with a 54 percent increase in crashes during the 5 p.m. hour and a 288 percent increase in pedestrian crashes.

According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety research:

• Ninety-six percent of motorists view drowsy driving as very or extremely dangerous, but 24% admitted to driving when they were so tired that they had a hard time keeping their eyes open at least once in the previous 30 days before the survey (2019 Traffic Safety Culture Index).

• Drivers who have slept for less than 5 hours have a crash risk comparable to someone driving drunk.
• Drivers who miss one to two hours of sleep can nearly double their risk for a crash.

AAA recommends that drivers:

• Should not rely on their bodies to provide warning signs for drowsiness and should instead prioritize getting at least seven hours of sleep before hitting the road.
• Travel at times of the day when they are normally awake.
• Avoid heavy foods.
• Avoid medications that cause drowsiness or other impairment.

Driving in the Dark & Headlights

“Dark conditions can make it harder to see when driving. Lack of visibility can make for unsafe driving conditions. As we adjust to the end of daylight savings time, it’s a good time to check the illumination of your headlights,” Maguire said.

• With 50% of crashes occurring at night, drivers should check their headlights for signs of deterioration and invest in new headlights or, at a minimum, a low-cost service visit to boost the safety of driving after dark.
  • Headlights can show signs of deterioration after 3 years but most commonly by year 5.
• AAA suggests drivers check their headlights for changes in appearance such as yellowing or clouding. If the bulb is difficult to see, it is time to have the lens replaced or restored as soon as possible.
  • Replacement and restoration services are available at most repair shops, including AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
  • Do-it-yourself restoration offers some savings for consumers, is relatively simple, and provides a sufficient improvement in light output.
  • Make sure headlights are correctly re-aimed to maximize forward lighting performance and minimize glare to oncoming and preceding drivers.
• Compensate for reduced visibility by decreasing your speed and increasing following distance to four or more seconds behind the car in front of you.
• Older drivers should recognize that at age 60 it takes three times more light to see the roadway than it did at age 20, and if possible plan driving times accordingly.
• Keep your eyes moving. Do not focus on the middle of the area illuminated by your headlights. Watch for sudden flashes of light at hilltops, around curves, or at intersections, because these may indicate the presence of oncoming vehicles.
• Look at the sides of objects. In the dim light, focus on the edges or outlines of objects. Your eyes can pick up images more sharply this way than by looking directly at the object.
• Avoid being blinded by oncoming high beams. If the driver of an oncoming vehicle fails to dim the lights, look down toward the right side of the road. You should be able to see the edge of the lane or the white-painted edge line and stay on course until the vehicle passes.

While Patriots Quarterback Cam Newton will assume control of the offense this week in Buffalo, New England is a four point underdog without Wide Receiver Julian Edelman, who had knee surgery Thursday Morning and is out indefinitely.

Newton told reporters during a 20 minute session Thursday that he had to take better care of the football after throwing three interceptions Sunday versus San Francisco. 

Coverage on WSAR Sunday at 10am on The Patriots Radio Network with the kickoff at 1pm

State Representative Carole Fiola has nominated Livia Neubert of Fall River as a 2020 Massachusetts Latinx Trailblazer for the 6th Bristol District. 

Neubert is Bristol Community College's English as a Second Language (ESL) Coordinator. In collaboration with the ESL department chair and faculty, Livia ensures the success of all ESL students both inside the classroom and beyond. 

Specifically, she is involved with recruiting, testing, advising, tutoring, and supporting all of Bristol's ESL students.

Like many of her students at Bristol Community College, she is an immigrant in this country. She came to the United States 23 years ago from Brazil and had to overcome countless obstacles to achieve her goals.

She has used her personal struggles to help students in the South Coast area receive the resources and assistance that they need to succeed in school, work, and beyond. She works to make the community more inclusive and accessible to all residents, and strives to promote equality and equal access to education. 

Representative Fiola was proud to nominate Livia for the Latinx Trailblazer Award, and presented her with a citation on October 27th. The Massachusetts Legislature's Black and Latino Caucus presented this award to Livia through a virtual ceremony via zoom on October 29th. 

REPRESENTATIVE PAUL SCHMID – MASSACHUSETTS 8^TH DISTRICT
ADDRESSES RED HERRING “VETERAN STATUS” QUESTION.

During this very contentious election cycle, national politics isn’t the only place to find red herrings, and fake news.  After settling this matter ten years ago, Representative Schmid finds his integrity again called into question with inuendo, and a false allegation.

Representative Paul A. Schmid III, Democratic incumbent candidate for re-election to Massachusetts 8^th District House of Representatives spoke with WSAR at length, regarding the recurring allegation that he is not a Veteran of the United States Marine Corp.  He had with him his DD 214. 

“This matter was raised ten years ago, by my then opponent, and it was settled then.  Now here it is again.” Schmid said.

Schmid provided to WSAR, his original DD 214 Discharge Form, showing that he indeed is an honorably discharged United States Marine Corps Veteran.  When asked why the document shows his discharge from active duty at the rank of PFC- E2, yet his Facebook page lists his rank as Sargeant, Schmid explained, that in 1964, he was honorably discharged from active duty with the rank, PFC – E2.  He then remained a member of the United States Marine Corps Reserves until 1970, where he attained the rank of Sargeant – E5.  (Schmid also provided Reserve Retirement Credit Form 798a-DR confirming this.)

The allegation was raised in 2010, by his then opponent, David Dennis, which was answered by then Fall River Veterans’ Benefit Agent, Manuel DaPonte.  On September 13, 2010 DaPonte wrote: “I have reviewed the DD 214 Discharge Form of Paul Schmid III, and I confirm that he was honorably discharged from Active Duty in the United States Marine Corps on October 2, 1964.”  He goes on to say “I further confirm that after being discharged from full time active duty with the United States Marine Corps, Paul Schmid III became a member of the United States Marine Corps, Active Reserve, where he attained the rank of Sergeant.”

Schmid had this to say, “It’s unfortunate that yet again, I have to authenticate my service to this country in the United States Marine Corps, but I guess that’s where we’re at with political discourse which has reached a new low in divisive, vicious, and mean-spirited attacks on my reputation and my character.  This type of attack and slander maligns not just me, but all Veterans.  I am comforted by the fact that in my heart, my constituents know me, who I am, and where I stand.  I proudly served my country and will always render the utmost support to the brave men and women who serve and have served in the United States Armed Services.”

The New Bedford Health Department has issued fines to three New Bedford businesses for failure to comply with the City’s COVID-19 regulations and protections for residents.

El Caribe Restaurant at 884 Brock Avenue, Expo’s Convenience Store at 309 Dartmouth Street, and Crown Fried Chicken at 1570 Acushnet Avenue, were each fined for their failure to comply with the regulations. Each business was cited for failure of employees to wear masks.

-    El Caribe: Fined $100
-    Expo’s: Fined $200
-    Crown Fried Chicken: Fined $200

Violation orders were issued the week of October 19 after inspections by the New Bedford Health Department.

Businesses and employees are reminded to comply with mask-wearing to keep themselves and others safe.

Earlier this year, Mayor Jon Mitchell and the Board of Health announced emergency orders to keep employees safe at their place of work, and to outline reporting requirements of COVID-19 in the workplace. The orders include strong measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in workplaces.

Businesses will be subject to fines for failure to comply with the City’s orders, including failure to protect employees and failure to notify the Health Department of an outbreaks. The orders can be found on New Bedford’s COVID-19 webpage: <https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/health-department/coronavirus/>.

Governor Charlie Baker has nominated Associate Justice Kimberly Budd to serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. 

If confirmed, Justice Budd will be the second Black Chief; second female Chief and first Black female Chief. She will replace Chief Justice Ralph Gants who tragically passed away earlier this fall.

“Justice Kimberly Budd is a distinguished and well respected jurist who will bring years of calm, steady and collaborative leadership experience to the Commonwealth’s highest court serving as Chief Justice,” said Governor Baker. 

“I have the utmost confidence that her unique perspective and understanding of the law will aid her as she transitions into the role of Chief and that under her leadership, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court will continue its tradition of excellence in promoting the rule of law and fostering public trust,” he continued. 

Associate Justice Budd was appointed to the Supreme Judicial Court by Governor Charlie Baker in 2016. Since her appointment, she has authored over 85 decisions. She also serves on the Hearing List Committee.

“Throughout her career, Justice Budd has served as a role model for women and people of color and she has given a voice and a seat at the table to those who have not always been heard,” said Lt. Governor Polito. 

“Her qualifications and character make her well suited to continue to serve the citizens of the Commonwealth with justice and integrity and I look forward to the consideration of the Governor’s Council in her appointment.”

Justice Budd is President and Dean of the Flaschner Judicial Institute, designing continuing education programs for judges. 

She also serves as the Court’s liaison to the Committee on Judicial Performance Evaluation, the Trial Court Leadership Group, the SJC Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services and the Judicial Youth Corps.

“This was a wonderful appointment by the Governor,” said former Chief Justice Roderick L. Ireland. “Justice Budd will do a fantastic job because she has all the tools necessary for the role.”

“She is brilliant, hardworking, analytical, collegial and astute,” he said. “She is a great writer and a tremendous human being. I have watched her career over the years and am certain that Justice Budd will do an outstanding job as Chief Justice.”

A 37-year-old Providence man was taken into custody early Wednesday morning by Seekonk Police, after a traffic infraction lead to the arrest of Roland Morgan III of Providence, who, according to Seekonk Police,, was in possession of an illegal loaded firearm. 

Seekonk Police also recovered what they describe as Ammo and Narcotics, including Meth and Ecstasy. 

Morgan was also found to have body armor, an air rifle, and a compound bow with metal tipped arrows. 

He also has two active warrants in the Commonwealth, while he currently faces traffic, narcotics and weapons counts in Seekonk.  

The search for a full time Fall River City Administrator will continue after a nomination sent from the Coogan Administration was withdrawn Tuesday Afternoon prior to the City Council Meeting, after David Marciello withdrew his candidacy. 

Sources had indicated to WSAR that a council vote was likely to result in a rejection of the request. 

In an email to Coogan, a copy of which was forwarded to WSAR News, David Marciello said that ''given the treatment to which I endured during the most recent Council questioning, it became evident that this position will not be a good fit for my professional aspirations''.

State public health officials offer tips for a safe and

healthy Thanksgiving

Residents urged to keep Thanksgiving celebrations small to limit the risk of COVID-19 exposure

BOSTON (October 27, 2020) – Traveling and gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving will look different this year to keep loved ones safe from COVID-19. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today provided guidance for holiday celebrations to help limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and reduce the spread of the virus.

As part of the guidance, DPH reminds residents and communities to be aware that gatherings and events are subject to the current state gathering size limits as well as applicable sector-specific workplace safety standards. Thanksgiving weekend is traditionally one of the busiest travel holidays of the year and anyone considering travel should be aware of and follow the Massachusetts COVID-19 Travel Order.

Tips for a Safe and Healthy Thanksgiving

Any time you’re near people you don’t live with:

• Wear a mask when not eating or drinking
• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Stay at least six feet apart from others
• Consider if those around you may be at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as older adults or those with certain medical conditions, and take extra precautions
• If gathering indoors, improve ventilation by opening windows and doors

Lower Risk Celebrations

• Limit in-person holiday gatherings to only people you live with or limit to a small group of individuals with whom you are regularly in contact 
• Gatherings with more people pose more risks. As a reminder, gatherings in Massachusetts are subject to gathering size limits.
• Keep visits short – gatherings that last longer pose more risk than short gatherings.
  • Host a virtual holiday dinner with extended family or  friends, especially if they are at higher risk for illness from COVID-19. Prepare traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19, and deliver them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others

Higher Risk Celebrations

Including people who are not in your household or limited social network increases the risk of contracting or spreading illness. If you plan on celebrating the holidays in person with people you don’t live with:

• Wear your mask and watch your distance at all times.
• Do not share food, drink, or any utensils.
• Encourage guests to bring food and drinks for themselves and for members of their own household only.
• Wear a mask while preparing or serving food to others who don’t live in your household.
• Consider having one person serve all the food so that multiple people are not handling the serving utensils.
• Use single-use options or identify one person to serve sharable items, like salad dressings, food containers, plates and utensils, and condiments.
• Avoid any self-serve food or drink options, such as buffets or buffet-style potlucks, salad bars, and condiment or drink stations.
• For 14 days before and after holiday gatherings, minimize contact with other people, and only leave home for essential services like going to work, buying groceries, and appointments with doctors;  OR,
• Obtain a negative result from a molecular (PCR) SARS-CoV2 test, on a sample obtained within 72 hours of the celebration. Information about where to obtain a test can be found at https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing.
• Seat people with plenty of space from one another while dining.
• Consider small seating table arrangements in multiple rooms with plenty of spacing, instead of a large family table.
• If gathering indoors, improve ventilation by opening windows and doors.

Avoid these activities

• Avoid sharing food and drinks. 
• Avoid shaking hands and hugging. Wave and verbally greet others instead. 
• Avoid singing, dancing, and shouting. These activities increase your chances of catching COVID-19 through the air. 
• Avoid in-person gatherings with people at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, such as older adults and people with certain medical conditions.

Other Important Considerations

• Community levels of COVID-19 – Higher levels of COVID-19 cases and community spread in the gathering location, as well as where attendees are coming from, increase the risk of infection and spread among attendees. Consider the number and rate of COVID-19 cases in your community and in the community where you plan to celebrate when deciding whether to host or attend a holiday celebration. Information on cases in Massachusetts cities and towns can be found here. Information on cases across the United States can be found here.
• People with or exposed to COVID-19 should avoid attending in-person celebrations.

Do not host or participate in any in-person festivities if you or anyone in your household:

• Has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and has not met the criteria for when it is safe to be around others
• Has symptoms of COVID-19
• Is awaiting  COVID-19 viral test results
• May have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• Is at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as older adults or those with certain medical conditions.

All residents are also encouraged to get the flu vaccine.  For additional information, please refer to the holiday guidance provided by the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#thanksgiving

U.S Attorney Andrew Lelling has selected Assistant U.S Attorney Eugenia Carris to lead the efforts of the office in connection with a nationwide Election Day Program on November 3rd. 

Carris will serve as District Election Officer in Massachusetts, and oversee complaints of election fraud as well as voting rights concerns in conjunction with the Justice Department.

Federal Law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes and marking ballots for voters against their wishes. 

Carris can be reached at 1-617-748-3363.

The F.B.I will have special agents available in each field office receiving allegations of election fraud or other abuses. Their office can be reached at 1-857-386-2000.

In a 15 page objection that was filed Friday in Boston, the Defense Attorneys for former Correia Chief of Staff and Campaign Manager Gen Andrade, and former Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia II asked that the trial involving their clients be postponed until the end of the current pandemic, citing health risks to the lead Attorneys and others who would be in the main courtroom. 

The document cites issues with the virus in Fall River, Boston and the Commonwealth, and asks how those involved will be handled if someone involved comes down with Covid 19. 

Attorney Charles Rankin told the court he would be unable to wear a mask for an extended period. 

THe photo in his story first appeard in the Fall RIver Herald News

CNBC.com is reporting that shares of Dunkin surged by 15% Monday after the Canton-Based firm confirmed sales talks with Inspire Brands, the privately held owner of Arby's and Jimmy John's. 

The New York Times is reporting that the deal is valued at $8.8 Billion or a little over $106 a share. 

The ongoing pandemic has sent Dunkin's same store sales down nearly 20 percent in the second quarter. 

         .     

Due to rising cases of COVID-19 connected to indoor ice hockey, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued a new public health order prohibiting indoor ice rinks and ice skating facilities from operating from October 23, 2020 to November 7, 2020.

The  order is in response to multiple COVID-19 clusters occurring at rinks throughout the state following games, practices and tournaments. Neighboring states including New Hampshire have enacted similar temporary restrictions regarding indoor ice hockey.

There have been at least 30 clusters of COVID-19 associated with organized ice hockey activities involving residents from more than 60 municipalities in Massachusetts. Each of these includes two or more confirmed or probable COVID-19 cases, totaling 108 confirmed cases.

The pause will allow for the development of stronger COVID-19 protocols to further protect players, families, coaches, arena staff and other participants, as well as communities surrounding hockey rinks.

Current protocols include limitations on the number of people allowed in an arena, social distancing and other precautions. This order includes all indoor ice rinks and ice skating facilities in Massachusetts. 

These rinks and facilities may not operate during this temporary two-week pause. It is effective between 5 p.m. on October 23, 2020, and 12:01 a.m. on November 7, 2020. College and professional programs are exempt from this order.

NATIONAL ACLU RELEASES REPORT CALLING FOR DECRIMINALIZATION OF SEX WORK; CITES RHODE ISLAND’S EXPERIENCE

            The National ACLU has issued a report calling for the decriminalization of sex work, relying in part on evidence gathered from a 30-year period of time in Rhode Island when indoor sex work was technically legal in the state. During these decades, Rhode Island law only prohibited the outdoor selling and buying of sex, creating a situation in which incidents of indoor sex work could not be prosecuted.

The report is a comprehensive review of more than 80 studies on the decriminalization and criminalization of sex work. In addition to finding that decriminalization will improve public health and safety while increasing economic stability for sex workers, the report concluded that the studies reviewed do not indicate a clear link between criminalizing sex work and stopping human trafficking.

            Though the gap in Rhode Island’s law may not have been wholly intended, the report, citing a 2014 study examining Rhode Island’s experience, makes note of several residual benefits in Rhode Island emanating from the legality of the practice during that time:

• In that three-decade period, between 1980 and 2009, there was a 30 percent decrease in reported rape offenses against sex workers.
• Following this period of decriminalization, rates of gonorrhea decreased by over 40 percent amongst sex workers.
• Arrests of sex workers decreased significantly during this time period.

Overall, the report, citing dozens of other studies as well, found that “the criminalization of sex work, including criminalization of buying […] increases the risk of violence and threatens the safety of sex workers.” The report encourages municipal, state, and federal reform to promote decriminalization efforts.

ACLU of RI executive director Steven Brown said today: “Rhode Island’s decision to recriminalize indoor prostitution a decade ago was an unfortunate one. Rather than helping women, it has only channeled more of them into the criminal justice system. We hope this report will generate renewed discussion on this topic and reconsideration of the current state laws.”

Massachusetts Hits 99.9% Complete in 2020 Census! 

OCT. 23, 2020 — As of the end of data collection for the 2020 Census, 99.9% of housing units and addresses have been accounted for in Massachusetts. 

The U.S. Census Bureau conducted an operational press briefing with senior Census Bureau leaders this week to discuss details of the once-a-decade count. The audio, transcript, FAQs and background material are available in the press kit.  

Total response rates are also available for other states, along with self-response rates down to the census tract level. Note: Self-response rate information does not depict how many housing units have been counted in an area. 

Additionally, Nonresponse Followup completion rates show the completion of each area census office’s workload, which included following up with nonresponding households, verifying respondent-provided addresses, resolving the status of vacant housing units, and other quality checks on self-responses and census taker work. These rates do not equate to enumeration rates in the area. 

The U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. The 2020 Census counts everyone living in the United States as of April 1, 2020. In addition to determining the number of seats each state holds in the U.S. House of Representatives, census results inform how hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funds will be allocated for the next 10 years for critical public services and infrastructure like emergency response, fire departments, schools, hospitals, roads and bridges.  

Major step forward for city’s new business park

Refined plan reflects significant progress

for an Advanced Manufacturing Campus

New Bedford, Massachusetts– Mayor Jon Mitchell, Senator Mark Montigny, Representative Christopher Markey, other members of the New Bedford legislative delegation, and City Councillors joined together today to announce a plan for an Advanced Manufacturing Campus (AMC) on 100 acres of the 275-acre Whaling City Golf Course on Hathaway Road.  The AMC has been expressly developed with a view toward the needs of the state’s and region’s leading industries, and will incorporate the amenities, landscape and building design, and other features seen in high-quality business parks.

Building on a business park concept first introduced in 2017, the AMC refines the City’s development approach, incorporating fresh information from real estate and golf industry professionals, conservation organizations, and state economic development experts.  In addition, studies commissioned by the City and its state partners have now confirmed several earlier, preliminary assessments. 

Among the findings announced today, the Advanced Manufacturing Campus would:

• Capitalize on high demand among major commercial real estate interests as the pandemic accelerates a pre-existing trend which saw focus shifting to large, highway accessible, “greenfield” sites in eastern Massachusetts outside the I-95 and I-495 corridors.

• Create 1 million square feet of new industrial/office space assessed at $80 million

• Generate $2.7 million in annual property tax revenue

• Produce more than 1,000 new jobs

Mayor Jon Mitchell said, “Constructing a new business park from scratch is no small undertaking and a complex challenge for any city, but if we are serious in New Bedford about reducing the property tax burden, regenerating our local economy, and keeping local government financial stable, we have no choice but to find a way to succeed.  And with our existing business park at full capacity, it is critical to have a new driver of commercial growth.  The plan we are announcing today will create that driver.

“Several years of study, planning, and revision have brought us to this day.  The plan is significantly better for those efforts. It is more pragmatic, achieves more of our goals, and is more responsive to the community. Most important, the project is grounded in a robust body of research that gives us confidence in our approach.

Mitchell added, “Of course, none of this would have been possible without the continued support of our local legislative delegation, our City Council, the New Bedford Economic Development Council, Lauren Liss and her team at MassDevelopment, and Secretary Kennealy and the Baker-Polito Administration.  For all their efforts I am grateful.”

“Redeveloping the municipal golf course into a 21^st century business park will spur local job creation and provide strong environmental stewardship,” said Senator Mark Montigny, who has led legislative efforts to secure state funding on numerous economic development projects in the city including the Star Store CVPA campus, Route 18 redevelopment, and the ongoing State Pier revitalization.

Montigny added, “Additional tax revenues generated by this project will also provide some relief to hardworking taxpayers across the city.  Overall, the addition of advanced manufacturing operations alongside a new golf course will enhance the quality of life in New Bedford.  I look forward to continuing our efforts with MassDevelopment and Mayor Mitchell to make sure this property is transformed into an economic engine for our community.”

Representative Christopher Markey, in whose district the AMC will be located, summarized his view of the project: “I am happy that the City of New Bedford will be able to expand its tax base.  This project has the potential to assist in long-term economic growth in our community.  It will help fund schools and the future of our city.  This project, along with South Coast Rail will have the greatest impact on economic growth for our region for the next several decades.  I’m glad the state and city are working so well together for this project to take place.”

City Council President Joseph Lopes said, “We must continue to do everything we can to create jobs and expand the tax base in New Bedford by encouraging new commercial development, and the business park campus and golf course is a major step toward that goal.”

Rick Kidder, the Co-CEO of One Southcoast Chamber highlighted the project’s positive impact on City’s tax base, saying, “One SouthCoast Chamber believes that we must continue to look for creative and bold ways to expand the commercial tax base in New Bedford and the region.  This proposed new development for a portion of the golf course by the City will go a long way growing the tax base and will help mitigate the burden on existing New Bedford businesses while creating significant new job opportunities just when we will be ready to fully emerge out of the COVID-19 crisis.”

Anthony Sapienza, the President of the New Bedford Economic Development Council, noted the project’s contribution across many areas, saying, “At the NBEDC our mission is to take all steps to cultivate and promote an environment for private sector investment that benefits the citizens of New Bedford.  The redevelopment of 100 acres at the golf course into an advanced manufacturing campus will do just that.”

Sapienza added, “The City’s thoughtful proposal provides the stage for new commercial investment, vast job growth, improved golfing amenities, and a safer Hathaway Road.  We look forward to working with all parties in bringing this proposal into reality as proof that New Bedford can do big thing to regenerate its economic future.”

Collaboration with Conservation Community Leads To “Article 97” Solution

Today’s announcement also included news that a solution had been developed to resolve an important legal hurdle related to the business park project.  When protected recreational land is repurposed for development, municipalities are required by the Commonwealth to enact special legislation which lifts the development prohibition and places into protection comparable land elsewhere.

A 2017 decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, Smith v. City of Westfield, expanded the definition of lands classified as protected by Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution. The City was consequently required to place into protection new land equal to the entire 100 acres proposed for the business park, a figure well beyond the City’s initial estimate of 25 acres.

After consultation with local conservation organizations and officials, including the Buzzards Bay Coalition, the Town of Dartmouth, and the Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT), the City determined that the only viable strategy for compliance with the state requirement was to partner with the DNRT to place a conservation restriction on 156 acres of a 224-acre property owned by the City on Woodcock Road in Dartmouth. 

In January, the City and DNRT entered into a memorandum of understanding for this purpose; the associated special legislation has been prepared for filing by Mayor Mitchell with the New Bedford City Council.  Council approval will allow the bill’s legislative supporters, led by Senator Montigny and Representative Christopher Markey, to then work to secure its anticipated passage in early 2021, clearing the way for continued advancement of the AMC.

“DNRT is very pleased to work with the City of New Bedford to protect this large block of intact woodland, including mature oak-pine uplands and lush forested wetland.  Moreover, it fills a one-mile gap to create a nearly unbroken 7-mile corridor of protected land stretching from Buzzards Bay to UMass-Dartmouth.  This project will benefit the entire region by helping to protect our air and water quality, preserve our native biodiversity, and mitigate the effects of climate change,” said Dexter Mead, DNRT Executive Director.

Golf Future Brightens

The 2017 business park concept reduced the number of operable golf course holes from 18 to 9 based on preliminary engineering reports.  Subsequent surveys led to an adjustment of the business park borders and reduction in size, which has allowed for reconsideration of several golf course options.

Under the proposal announced today, the City would leave open the option of an 18-hole course, an option for a 9-hole course, and an option for 9+ “flex solutions” that create opportunities for a course operator to change active holes for various purposes or events.  Under all options, a new clubhouse and parking area (comparable to existing facilities) will be constructed, and additional enhancements will be considered, including a driving range and practice areas.  The course option and amenities ultimately selected will be based on continued stakeholder input and a further assessment of market trends.

Peter Boswell, Chairman of the New Bedford Park Board, said, “Success for me is a plan that brings fresh interest to New Bedford’s golf scene and preserves the course as unique asset for generations to come, and I think we have that in the approach being presented today.”

Boswell added, “I also want to recognize the good working relationship that our current course operator has with the City and their commitment to collaborating with the City through any transition period and beyond, so that the course continues to be operated seamlessly in a high quality fashion."

###

MassDOT Advisory: Wareham-Seekonk

Federally required exit renumbering beginning on Interstate 195 the week of October 25^th

 
WAREHAM/SEEKONK - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that from the week of October 25 until November 20, crews will continue converting all exit numbers in Massachusetts on specific roadways to a milepost-based numbering system, per Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements.  Work will typically be completed during the overnight hours and the contractors are required to complete the full interchange before moving along to the next exit.

The following corridor will begin to have milepost signs installed:  

• Interstate 195 beginning in Wareham and ending in Seekonk
• Nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. starting October 25

Since the work began on October 18, the Route 140 corridor exit renumbering conversion has been completed. The contractor is moving on to the I-195 corridor. The complete schedule has not been confirmed beyond the Route 140 and I-195 corridors.

MassDOT will install “old exit #” signs at key locations for a minimum of two years. 

For up to date information on the project please visit the project's website at www.NewMassExits.com .

For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:

• Dial 511 before heading out onto the roadways and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
• Visit www.mass511.com, a website that provides real-time traffic and incident advisory information, access to traffic cameras, and allows users to subscribe to text and email alerts for traffic conditions.
• Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.
• Download MassDOT’s GoTime mobile app and view real-time traffic conditions before setting out on the road.

The Unattended Death of a 14 year old Autistic Boy in Fall River has triggered an ongoing investigation by the FRPD and Mass State Police Detectives. 

33-year-old Micheal Almond and 26 year old Jaclyn Coleman have been arraigned in Fall River District Court, as each faces cunts of care taker neglect of a disabled person and possession of a Class A Narcotic. 

Coleman faces a count of assaulting a police officer after she tried to damage a cell phone that might have evidence related to the case. 

14-year old David Almond was pronounced dead Wednesday Morning after first responders found Coleman attempting CPR on the victim in the one hundred block of Green Street. 

Almond suffered from what is being described by Bristol County Prosecutors as having an intellectual disability. 

A twin brother and a younger child are now in the custody of D-C-F. 

An initial investigation found that there was daily narcotics use by the adults in the department. and that a brother of the deceased was a victim of neglect. 
                   
                     
 
                      

Congressman Joe Kennedy III led the rejection of the Trump Administration’s proposed rule to eliminate nondiscrimination provisions for organizations that receive grant funding from the Department of Health and Human Services. 

Joined by co-chairs of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, Kennedy demanded that the proposed rule be immediately withdrawn.

“Over and over again, this Administration has attempted to steal the humanity and degrade the dignity of LGBTQ+ Americans,” Kennedy claimed. 

“We cannot allow them to give license to taxpayer funded discrimination,” he continued. “If this rule is enacted, it will threaten the health and housing of millions of our neighbors. It must be withdrawn and rejected immediately.”

Kennedy’s letter was signed by Representatives David Cicilline, Sean Patrick Maloney, Mark Pocan, Mark Takano, Angie Craig, Sharice Davids and Chris Pappas.

The Fall River Board of Health and Department of Health and Human Services would

like to share information on how  residents can safely take part in Halloween. 

The following suggestions aim to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Many

common traditions, such as trick-or-treating are considered high-risk for spreading

COVID-19. 

“We strongly encourage residents to focus on limiting activities to those you

live with, participating in virtual events and contests, and focusing on decorating your

home, apartment, or living space. These types of activities will help to keep our

community, including our children safe this season.”

Any Halloween activity must comply with state standards, including gathering size

limits, mask requirements, and any applicable sector-specific workplace safety standards.

We recommend the following low-risk Halloween activities:

• Online parties/contests (e.g. costume or pumpkin carving)

• Dressing up homes, apartments or windows with Halloween themed decorations.

• Having a scavenger hunt “trick-or-treat” with your household members in or around your home as an alternative for house-to-house style trick or treating

• Visiting an outdoor pumpkin patch, while wearing a mask and maintaining distance

• Car parades or contests where individuals dress up or decorate their vehicles and drive by “judges” that are appropriately physically distanced

We recommend avoiding participation in the following high-risk activities:

• Door to door trick or treating

• “Trunk or treating” where children go from car to car instead of door to door for treats

• Indoor Parties

• Haunted Houses

• Using alcohol or drugs that may impair judgement and increase risky behaviors

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate Halloween, it is important to keep the

following in mind:

• Maintain appropriate social distance (6ft or more) from anyone not included in your household. 

• Wear a cloth face covering to prevent disease spread when outside your home and around others that are not part of your household

• A Halloween mask does not replace a face covering, if a Halloween mask is worn, a cloth face covering must also be worn.

• Avoid confined spaces - Actively stay away from indoor spaces that don’t allow for easy distancing of at least 6ft between you and others

• Wash or sanitize your hands often

• Clean frequently touched items regularly

• If you are sick, or you have been in contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19 stay home, away from others, and do not participate in any Halloween celebrations.

• If you have recently returned to Massachusetts from a state included in the Governor’s Travel Orders and are in quarantine and/or awaiting test results you must follow orders and exclude yourself from participation in any Halloween events.

Consider alternative methods to interacting and/or distributing treats:

• “No contact” trick-or-treating, where treats are placed outside and trick-or-treaters can “grab and go”

• Use a platter or cookie sheet instead of a bowl and space candy out

SOMERSET SELECT BOARD CHAIRMAN MCNAMARA MOVES FOR CEASE AND DESIST FOR BRAYTON POINT LLC.  LAWLESS AND MONIZ FAIL TO SECOND

At yesterday’s Somerset Board Of Selectmen’s meeting, once again the topic of Brayton Point LLC raised animated discussion among Selectmen McNamara, Moniz, and Lawless.

After a lengthy explanation of her position, and fueled by yesterday’s revelation that the children of Brayton Point were suffering unexplained health complaints such as coughing up blood, McNamara stated, “I’ve come to this conclusion recently; maybe within the last two weeks. And now, we simply can’t wait any longer.  I’m proposing that we learn from last summer.”  She then made the following motion: “I make a motion to issue a Cease and Desist on Brayton Point LLC until the Zoning Board Of Appeals hearings are complete.”  Rather than a second from her colleagues, the motion was met with silence until Moniz asked if the matter could be discussed.

The first to speak was Lawless, stating;  “The reason we didn’t get one (a Cease and Desist) is because we didn’t have the results.  You’ve got to have results because the Cease and Desist will not hold up. So until we receive the results from Sage, and until we get this noise thing taken care of, I’m not going to pull a Cease and Desist. And that’s what we’re going to talk about tomorrow night.” He went on to say, “We’re almost there.  We’re getting there.”  McNamara responded, “This is how I’ve felt this whole past year” and went on to raise the questions, “What could possibly change in the next twenty-four hours?  What if the Sage results are inconclusive?”

Both Lawless and Moniz maintained their position to hold the motion until Thursday night’s Board Of Health meeting, alluding to the fact that there is more evidence to be brought forth, and citing the potential for a lawsuit.

After further discussion, McNamara stated, “I’m willing to take the risk.  I’m not willing to wait any longer.”

At approximately one hour into the discussion, Town Administrator Richard Brown raised the point that a vote on such a motion is not on the agenda, and therefore should not be taken at that juncture. 

The Somerset Board Of Health will meet tonight, Thursday, October 15^th, at 6:00pm, at the Somerset Public Library.  The following items are on that agenda:  Concerns for students of Brayton Point, noise and dust complaints at Brayton Point, and a discussion of the Fuss & O’Neill letter regarding noise evaluation failure.

The New Bedford Health Department has issued fines to six New Bedford-based restaurants and bars for failure to comply with the City’s COVID-19 regulations and protections for residents.

Fines were issued in the following amounts:

• Hong Kong Restaurant: Fined $300
• Mike B’s Restaurant: Fined $100
• Taqueria La Raza: Fined $100
• Whiskey Lounge: Fined $300
• The Bar: Fined $300
• Casa Benfica: Fined $100

Hong Kong Restaurant, Whiskey Lounge and The Bar were cited for serving alcoholic beverages without food, and for failure for employees to wear masks. 

Mikey B’s and Taqueria La Raza were cited for failure of employees to wear masks. 

Casa Benfica was cited for serving alcoholic beverages without food.

Violation orders were issued on October 14 after inspections by the New Bedford Police Department and the New Bedford Health Department. 

Earlier this year, Mayor Jon Mitchell and the Board of Health announced emergency orders to keep employees safe at their place of work, and to outline reporting requirements of COVID-19 in the workplace. The orders include strong measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in workplaces.

Businesses will be subject to fines for failure to comply with the City’s orders, including failure to protect employees and failure to notify the Health Department of an outbreaks. The orders can be found on New Bedford’s COVID-19 webpage: https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/health-department/coronavirus/.

The New Bedford Election Commission announced that Early Voting for the 2020 general election will be held for two weeks at the New Bedford Main Library, from Saturday, October 17 through Friday, October 30. 

Any voter who wishes to cast their ballot in person prior to Election Day, November 3, may do so at the Main Library during the following hours:

• Saturday, October 17:            8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 18:               8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Monday, October 19:              8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, October 20:             8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, October 21:        8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Thursday, October 22:            8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Friday, October 23:                 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 24:            8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Sunday, October 25:               8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Monday, October 26:              8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Tuesday, October 27:             8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, October 28:        8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Thursday, October 29:            8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Friday, October 30:                 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

As usual, on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, polls will be open in the City of New Bedford from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Additional safety requirements including the use of masks/face coverings and the observance of social distancing will be in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Any New Bedford resident who is uncertain about their voting status, designated polling location, or who has changed their address since the last election, or any other question should contact the Election Commission office at 508-979-1420.

The Coogan Administration announced earlier this morning the creation of the Launch Pad Veterans Job Training Program in Fall River. 

The city has dedicated $100,000 through CARES Acts funding and the Veteran Department to create a new service for the Veterans Association of Bristol County.

The program will support 50 low-income veterans from Fall River impacted by the COVID-19 virus. They will be provided with job training, including, but not limited to, skills assessments, resume building interview instruction and one-on-one coaching/career counseling. 

Participants will also be connected with a Masshire Vterean Representative and local job opportunities. 

“Our veterans have been hit hard during the pandemic, like so many others,” said Mayor Paul Coogan. “I am humbled by the opportunity to provide this new service through the Veterans Association of Bristol County.”

“I have no doubt that the VABC is more than qualified to provide these life changing services to our valued servicemen and women, and I am eager to see the program’s outcomes,” he continued.