New Bedford City Council to Hold Hearing on Tripp and Melville Towers

The New Bedford City Council Committee on Appointments & Briefings wants to hear from residents of the Tripp Towers and Melville Towers apartment complexes about their health and safety concerns.

Both facilities have had their share of complaints, mostly from elderly tenants who say elevators are often in disrepair and public restrooms are locked or out of order.

Callers to my radio program have suggested that outsiders gain access to the facilities and intimidate older residents. Others have complained about the frequent odor of marijuana in the buildings.

The New Bedford Housing Authority operates Tripp Towers at 12 Ruth Street. Mellville Towers at 850 Pleasant Street is privately owned and managed by Peabody Properties.

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Both facilities rent to seniors and persons with disabilities under 62 years of age. Many elderly residents are not happy with this arrangement. Some tell me they are reluctant to speak out about issues they face because they fear eviction.

Councilor Brian Gomes, who chairs the City Council Committee on Public Safety, requested the hearing, which Appointments & Briefings Chair Naomi Carney has scheduled for June 28 in City Council Chambers. The hearing begins at 7 p.m.

Carney said limited transportation is available for those wishing to attend the hearing and urges interested participants in need of a lift to call (508) 979-1482 to sign up. Shuttle transportation will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Carney said the committee also wants to hear from residents about any building or maintenance issues they might have.

The hearing is an opportunity for all Mellville Towers and Tripp Towers residents to be heard and one that should not be missed.