City to Host First Public Open House for the Citywide Comprehensive Plan

Will Take Place at the Gomes School on February 11

New Bedford, Massachusetts– The City of New Bedford will host a Public Engagement Open House at Gomes School (286 S 2nd St, New Bedford, MA 02740) on Saturday, February 11 from 11 AM to 1 PM. All community members are invited to learn about the Citywide Comprehensive Plan process and contribute by sharing their vision for the future of New Bedford.

The Comprehensive Plan is a long-term guidance document for policy and decision-making in a variety of areas, including Land Use, Housing, Economic Development, Transportation & Mobility, Natural and Cultural Resources, Open Space & Recreation, Public Services & Facilities.

Community participation is an integral part of the Comprehensive Plan process and input from city residents will directly inform the goals and strategies that guide the next decade of New Bedford’s development.

“As a regional center known for creative approaches to city building, New Bedford is uniquely positioned to take advantage of what the next decade has to offer,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell. “We are expanding our industrial port and diversifying our economic base. We continue to elevate our quality of life through public investments in our neighborhoods and city facilities. The most important resource we have for the future is our people — their energy, creativity, their leadership, and their ideas. For that reason, I encourage everyone to participate in this planning process.”

Residents can stop in to the open-house-style event any time from 11 AM to 1 PM to participate in Comprehensive Plan activities and speak with representatives from City departments. Mayor Mitchell will give welcome remarks at the event.  Raffles, family activities, food, and drinks will also be provided at no cost. Translation services will be available.

The February 11 event is the first in a series of public workshops and listening sessions that will take place throughout 2023. Each event will provide residents with the opportunity to voice their visions and ideas for the future of our city.

Visit www.newbedfordplan.com to learn more about the Comprehensive Plan process, fill out a feedback form, sign up for updates, and see the event calendar.

Departments available include Parks Recreation & Beaches, Human Resources, Health, Environmental Stewardship, Housing & Community Development, Community Services, Fleet & Facilities Management, and City Planning.

Contact the Department of City Planning with any questions at (508) 979-1488 or Jennifer.Carloni@newbedford-ma.gov.