Stakeholders Voice Concerns About Downtown Park Plans

The draft plans for a new park in downtown New Bedford met with mixed reviews at a public forum Monday. Two concepts for an urban park at Custom House Square were presented, geared towards every day residential use, and events that currently use that space. Some of the concerns raised included a loss of parking and smaller festival space, while other praised the adding of "green-space" to the area. Downtown resident Larry Correia isnt worried about reduced parking, but does have concerns about its affect on seasonal events.

City Planner Jill Maclean and the Stoss Urban Landscaping team are hoping to incorpoate Monday's feedback into a new design plan, and present that at an October public meeting. The city is also hoping to have the park ready for use by Spring 2013. Funding for the $300,000 project is coming from a state Urban Parks grant.