City of New Bedford Official Website - Harbor Development Commission

The HDC / About Us

New Bedford Harbor Development Commission Members

Mayor Scott W. Lang., Chairman
Edward J. Ilsley, Vice Chairman
Davis L. Sullivan, Treasurer
Philip H. Chase, Jr., Clerk
James Dwyer, Commissioner
Richard Canastra, Commissioner
Brian Rothschild, Commissioner

Executive Director: Kristin Decas

About the HDC

The Massachusetts General Court created the New Bedford Harbor Development Commission (HDC) in 1957. The chairman of the HDC is the Mayor of New Bedford, ex officio. The HDC has jurisdiction over all the waters in New Bedford, including the entire coastline of the peninsula, the harbor, and north along the Acushnet River to the city’s boundaries. The HDC manages city property on the waterfront, including Homer’s, Leonard’s, Steamship, Coal Pocket and Fisherman’s Wharves and a 198-slip recreational marina at Pope’s Island. The HDC also assigns moorings and enforces rules regarding use of piers, wharves, and adjacent parking areas under its jurisdiction. The Harbormaster acts as an agent of the HDC.

The HDC represents a wide array of harbor interests and one of its primary roles is to support economic development along the waterfront. The HDC has planning, developing, and financing authority for city properties within the Port. For over 40 years, the HDC has overseen private development on the waterfront and has actively developed locations for marine industrial use, including North Terminal, South Terminal, and the New Bedford Ferry Terminal at State Pier.

The HDC assesses user charges and fees for vessels that use its facilities. The HDC also leases properties, usually involving long-term arrangements. Revenues are used to operate and maintain the city’s waterfront property. With the City Council’s approval, the HDC may borrow and issue municipal bonds for capital improvements. Through its close relationship with the city’s Redevelopment Authority, the HDC also has access to other financial means for redeveloping harbor property.

To Contact the HDC

For general information, restrictions, or special activities, contact the HDC by telephone at (508) 961-3000 or by fax at (508) 979-1517. After office hours, contact the New Bedford Police routine business number at (508) 991-6300. In an emergency, dial 911. The Harbormaster’s office is located adjacent to the entrance to Fisherman’s Wharf. The HDC office is located at 106 Co-op Wharf (also located on Fisherman's Wharf). The HDC also has a post office box for correspondence and payment of fees: P.O. Box 50899, New Bedford, MA 02745.

Berthing Requests

For more information about permit requirements, see Services and Fees. Berthing requests for recreational vessels (including transient dockage) should be directed to Pope’s Island Marina at (508) 979-1456 or by email at: popesislandmar@aol.com. Berthing requests for commercial vessels should be directed to HDC at (508) 961-3000.

Commission Meetings

The HDC generally meets on the second Thursday of the month at 5 p.m. at 106 Co-Op Wharf. An agenda for the meeting is posted at City Hall 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

Rules and Regulations

The New Bedford Harbor Development Commission (HDC) manages city properties on the New Bedford waterfront, including piers, wharves, and bulkheads. These facilities include North Terminal, South Terminal, and the Ferry Terminal at State Pier. The HDC also operates Homer's, Leonard's, Steamship, Coal Pocket, and Fisherman's Wharves and a recreational marina on Pope's Island. The HDC assesses user charges for private contractors and dockage and unloading fees for vessels that use its facilities or city waters. The revenues are used to operate and maintain properties.

The HDC has regulations regarding use of piers, wharves, bulkheads, and parking areas under its jurisdiction. These rules apply to the harbor and waters within the City of New Bedford and maritime facilities operated on property under HDC administration. This section is a summary of permit requirements, fees, and conduct on city-owned piers and other facilities. The complete set of HDC rules is available on this web site under "The HDC" and at the HDC office at 106 Co-Op Wharf (at Fisherman's Wharf).

Application forms for permits or other authorizations may be obtained from the HDC. Applications may be submitted by mail (P.O. Box 50899, New Bedford, MA 02745) or in person at the HDC office, 106 Co-Op Wharf (at Fishermen's Wharf). A permit will be issued only after receipt of the fee and a completed application form, including name, address, and telephone number(s) of a contact person. The HDC does not provide electricity, water, security, or other services to permit holders, unless specifically approved by the HDC.