Mitchell: Lighthouse Not New Bedford’s Property
The fate of the Butler Flats lighthouse stands on shaky ground.
Mayor Jon Mitchell says though the Coast Guard granted New Bedford a license to work on the lighthouse in 1978, ownership of the structure never changed hands.
The 115-year-old lighthouse goes up for auction next month, with a starting bid of $25,000.
Speaking on his weekly radio program, Mitchell says he hopes the lighthouse sticks around for years to come.
Councilor at Large Denis Lawrence, however, says the 1978 transaction was actually a 100-year revokeable lease.
Lawrence tells WBSM News the Council will still pursue a cease and desist of the government auction, until such time the true owner of the lighthouse can be clearly determined.