Page 16 - Mayor Mitchell News Today

NEW BEDFORD — The states environmental office earlier this month issued a certificate stating the final environmental impact report submitted by Parallel Products for its proposed expansion into a solid waste processing facility did not adequately and properly comply with state policy. Kathleen Theoharides, secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), said the report did not comply with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and as a r...

The New Bedford Fire Department Is in Sad Shape [OPINION] The New Bedford Fire Departments new quint apparatus is in the shop for unspecified reasons and is not ready to be pressed into service any time soon, according to New Bedford Firefighters IAFF Local 841 President Billy Sylvia. The $250,000 truck is supposed to replace Engine 8 when it is eventually taken out of service. The Mitchell Administration has delayed the mothballing of Engine 8 several times and has even asked the Federal Emerg...

New Bedford Police Chief Joseph Cordeiros decision to retire means a search must begin for a new police chief. Cordeiro has been a member of the New Bedford Police Department for 35 years, the last five years as chief. That kind of knowledge and experience at the top is difficult to replace. That is why the next chief should come from the ranks. When a Chief of Police retires, there is often the urge to conduct a nationwide search to find the best possible replacement. In doing so, the best can...

Despite expressed support from Mayor Jon Mitchell to retain his position and earn a new contract with the City, New Bedford Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro has decided to retire after five years as the citys top cop. His tenure will be marked by positive changes such as a departmental policy shift towards community policing, technological upgrades in the department, and new use of force policies that were codified in a commission established by Mayor Mitchell last summer in response to civil rig...

New Bedford Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro Announces Retirement NEW BEDFORD — New Bedford Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro has announced that he is retiring from the department. Cordeiro, who has been serving on the force in New Bedford for 35 years, including the last five as Chief of Police, will wrap up his career on April 23. Deputy Chief Paul J. Oliveira will take over as Acting Chief of Police on April 24, the City of New Bedford announced in a press release. “I am grateful to have worked w...

NEW BEDFORD – After months of the decision sitting in committee, Joaquim "Jack" Livramento has been denied a seat on the Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech School Committee. Livramento was appointed to the Voc-Tech school committee by Mayor Jon Mitchell on Sept. 29. The Appointments and Briefings council voted 7-4 against the nomination and tied in a 5-5 vote on reporting the rejection to the full city council. For the time being, the decision remained in council. That is until the March 25 City ...

First Warren, Now Markey Finds New Bedford [OPINION] Fresh on the heels of Elizabeth Warrens flop of a visit to New Bedford last week comes word that Ed Markey is on his way. I guess these sighting of two rare birds is further proof that spring is here. Last week, Warren posed for pictures with New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell at a COVID-19 vaccination center that is not even expected to open until mid-April. Hey, shill when you get the chance, right? Warren actually said funding the vaccination...

New Bedford Port Authority Probed by Feds Over Grant Application A federal grant application submitted by the New Bedford Port Authority is the subject of an investigation by the U.S. Commerce Departments Office of the Inspector General, WBSM has learned. The probe was initiated in October of 2020, according to Port Authority General Counsel Blair S. Bailey in correspondence with WBSM. Bailey did not say if the investigation is continuing, or what findings, if any were rendered by the OIG. A...

New Bedford Mayor Dancing With the Devil Over Engine 8 [OPINION] Another large fire sent New Bedford firefighters scrambling on Thursday. All city fire apparatus, including Engine 8, were sent to battle the two-alarm blaze at the Harborview Towers at 60 South Second Street. The six-story building has 72 apartment units, many of which are occupied by elderly or challenged residents. Three surrounding towns responded to a request for assistance, placing additional stress on already strained relat...

The Standard-Times Mayor Jon Mitchell and the Board of Health have rescinded an earlier restriction on nursing home and senior living visits, due to the widespread vaccination of residents at those facilities, a press release sent by city Deputy Chief of Staff and Public Relations Officer Jonathan Carvalho announced. On Dec. 14, the mayor and Board of Health prohibited visitation at nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and senior living facilities, with limited exceptions, to protect resi...