The Registry of Motor Vehicles may not have a branch in Downtown New Bedford for much longer.

The Registry is looking to move out of its current location at 278 Union St. and into a larger space with more parking options.

Former City Assesor Peter Barney told WBSM's Brian Thomas that he can understand why they would be looking for another location saying their current facility just isn't large enough and doesn't have enough parking

"If you park in front of the building you're on Union St., if you park in the back of the building it's that small parking lot," said Barney "so they really need a nice big parking lot with adequate handicapped spaces that are easy to get into."

Given those needs, Barney doesn't believe they will be able to find an adeqate location in the downtown area.

"If you could find the space you can't find the parking, because you have to be near the building, the handicapped parking has to be near it, and if you're on the street you really don't have it, so you need a parking lot next to the building," said Barney "I have a really hard time thinking of one."

Barney said an ideal location would be a former supermarket as it would provide the necessary parking and the internal space needed.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation sent an e-mail to WBSM news saying multiple proposals for new branch space in New Bedford came back and those proposals are being reviewed at this time.

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