Input Sought on Community Preservation Projects in New Bedford

Sponsors of 21 projects are seeking Community Preservation Act funds in New Bedford, and public hearings are set for three Thursday nights in January.

The hearings are set for the Main Public Library at 608 Main St. on January 9, 16, and 23, and the meetings start at 6 p.m. on the third floor. Projects range from the restoration of the Hillman Street Firehouse (pictured) by non-profit developers WHALE to improvements to the West Beach Bathhouse.

Those who wish to view full project information may view or download the various applications online. For fiscal 2020, approximately $1.1 million in CPA funds will be awarded.

The money comes in part from a local surcharge on real estate transactions, and in part from the state. In Massachusetts, CPA funds may be used for historic preservation, housing, open space and recreation. New Bedford voters adopted the CPA through a ballot question in 2014.

The following projects will be presented in their respective bids for public funding:

January 9: Rotch Jones Duff House Paint Analysis • Digitization of Maritime Records: Whaling Logbooks • Digitization of Milton Silvia Negative Collection • Stormwater & Community Gardens at Riverside Park • Buttonwood Pond Stormwater Management • West Beach Bathhouse Phase I • Hazelwood Park Bowling Green Fence & Gate

January 16: City Clerk Record Preservation Phase I • James Arnold Mansion Restoration • Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens Bird Coop Restoration • Car Barn Masonry & Façade Restoration • 117 Union Street • Moby Dick Building Restoration • Temple Landing I

January 23: Verdean Veterans Memorial Hall Restoration • Strand Theater • First Bapist Sprinkler System & Sanctuary Restoration • Hillman Firehouse Restoration • Capitol Theater Restoration • NB Whaling Museum Bourne & Wood Buildings Masonry Restoration • Gilbert Russell House Restoration & Preservation