Mayor Mitchell continues to prepare for legal challenge to Parallel Products

**Link to Mayor Jon Mitchell’s video statement on Parallel Products, originally posted on his official  Facebook page on August 14, 2019: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy8KAlhtXeI**

 

New Bedford, Massachusetts– Mayor Jon Mitchell is seeking to put in place the funding necessary to challenge the Parallel Products proposal in the New Bedford Business Park.

 

In a budget request slated to be considered at the City Council meeting tomorrow (Thursday, August 15), Mayor Mitchell proposed allocating a budget of $250,000 for legal representation for the City of New Bedford in opposing the company’s proposal to establish a new solid waste and biosolids processing facility on Duchaine Boulevard, near its existing glass recycling facility.

 

In June, the City of New Bedford moved to retain the Boston-based municipal law firm of KP Law, P.C. (formerly known as Kopelman & Paige) to oppose the Parallel Products proposal. KP Law has significant experience in working with the relevant state regulatory agencies, and the firm has established a strong record as serving as outside counsel to the City in other matters. Over the coming months, the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Office (MEPA) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will review the Parallel Products proposal.

 

“The proposed project would simply be too close to nearby neighborhoods and could harm the quality of life of their residents,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “We anticipate that state regulatory agencies will review the proposal in the coming months, and by having expert counsel ready at hand, we will be prepared to fight effectively on behalf of nearby residents.”