A gang of people were walking around New Bedford at night vandalizing residents’ cars and houses. We initially received footage of a group on Sycamore Street kicking the passenger side mirror off of a vehicle. Once this video was posted on social media we received multiple videos of this same group of people walking around vandalizing property.

Residents began commenting under these videos their own stories as to how their property has recently been damaged in the same area. One individual posted the following photo captioned, “I’m tired of it, they need to be charged!”

Other residents were commenting that their house had been “Egged” that same night in that area. Below is an example of what these low life criminals are doing to New Bedford residents’ property.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently filed a bill that would allow municipalities the option to increase certain taxes on its residents. The “Municipal Empowerment Act” would allow cities and towns in Massachusetts to increase their hotel, motel, and other rental tax from 6% to 7%, and their meal tax from the set .75% to 1%. The bill would also let cities and towns increase their motor vehicle excise tax by 5%.

We asked legislators that Represent New Bedford and the south coast whether they would support this bill and its intentions to raise taxes on residents in their region. We reached out to:

– Senator Mark Montigney
– Rep. Antonio Cabral
– Rep. Christopher Hendricks
– Rep. Christopher Markey
– Rep. Paul Schmid
– Rep. William Straus

Representatives Paul Schmid and William Straus did not respond to our request for comment. Below is where the rest of the State Legislators stand on this bill.

Representative Antonio Cabral

I spoke on the phone with Rep. Antonio Cabral and he does not believe that this bill has much support. He told me, “It’s the governor’s proposal giving various ways that communities can get additional revenue. At this point it doesn’t seem like it has overwhelming support. I believe leadership has questions on it.”

Cabral went on stating, “I’m not sure if it will be productive to the city the way the governor is proposing it. Overall, I believe that any kind of tax proposal should be uniform across the state.”

To make sure I had his opinion on the bill clear, I asked him directly “Do you support this bill?”. Representative Cabral told me, “At this point I’m not in support of any piece individually, generally I would say that any excise tax should be uniform and applied across the state equally.”

The remaining legislators gave me written statements to the following questions. “What are your thoughts on this bill? Do you support raising these taxes?”

Representative Christopher Markey

“I do not support the bill as is. While I appreciate the effort of the Governor, I think for good or bad, the revenues generated in the state should be the responsibility of the state legislature. I don’t look forward to this budget season, but it is our responsibility to balance a fiscally responsible balanced budget.”

Senator Mark Montigny

“The Governor’s recently filed legislation offers many different ideas on how to bring more support to cities and towns, all of which my staff and I are carefully reviewing. We will continue to look at it and weigh the feedback from constituents that we receive, but the provisions that would make it more difficult to own a vehicle are a non-starter with me. I will fight to oppose any increase in the vehicle excise tax and vote against it if it’s before the Senate.”

Representative Christopher Hendricks

“If you’ll recall last year, the legislature crafted and passed a comprehensive tax-break bill. This was a very hard-fought issue that required a lot of compromise. In this bill, we increased the deductions for the child dependent tax credit from 180-310, cut all estate taxes under $2 million, increased the Earned Income tax credit from 30% to 40% of the federal credit, we doubled the senior circuit breaker from 1200 to 2400, increased the rental tax deduction from 3k to 4k, and lowered taxes on short term capitol gains.

Also, I advocated hard for the Fair Share Amendment, which passed via ballot measure in 2022.

The reason I bore you will all this is because I think we have done enough on tax policy within the last year. I do not support these new meals and excise fees in this bill. We cut taxes in 2023 to keep Massachusetts competitive in response to the Fair Share Amendment; so, adding these additional fees would be a reversal in statewide policy that was hotly debated and resolved last year. Also, these additional fees would only burden working people, especially in the gateway cities like New Bedford. Boston folks have the option of forgoing a car because of its subway and bus system. New Bedford residents do not have that luxury. Despite the recent progress we have made in public transportation, we still need cars in New Bedford and these fees would only burden the city’s hardest working people.

So, further taxing meals and transportation (excise) would negate all the aforementioned tax breaks we put in last year, thereby making them superfluous (which is inherently wrong). The MA House of Representatives also made it clear that we, as a body, are not interested in putting in new, burdensome fees for our residents

That said, I do hope that the Governor’s provision on creating new property tax exemptions for seniors with the Senior Means Tested Property Tax Exemption gets through this session, as well as the provision that increases existing senior property tax exemptions. In New Bedford, we have too many seniors on fixed incomes not being able to pay their property taxes (a huge contributor to gentrification which is what we are trying to avoid). Therefore, I would support the measure that helps seniors with this issue.

I would also support the civil service reforms in this bill. This provision would allow municipalities to hire police outside the civil service (up to 50%). The bill would also allow cities to have public safetly cadet programs without and special law or act. As you know, we desperately needed more police officers in NB and these two provisions could really help.”

The South Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SCHCC) is thrilled to announce the official launch of its organization, marking a significant milestone in fostering economic growth and unity within the Hispanic business community of the South Coast region.

Event Details:

Date: Saturday, February 10, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: New Bedford Harbor Hotel
Address: 222 Union Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
The SCHCC Launch Event promises to be an evening of celebration, networking, and the forging of partnerships that will propel Hispanic-owned businesses to new heights. This event provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders to come together and build a robust support system for the South Coast Hispanic business community.

Highlights of the Launch Event include:

– Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals, entrepreneurs, and professionals who share a passion for the growth and success of Hispanic businesses in the region.

– Food and Entertainment: Enjoy food and music that showcase the richness and diversity of the Hispanic heritage, creating an atmosphere of unity and celebration.

– Introduction to SCHCC: Learn more about the South Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, its mission, and the array of resources and support it offers to its members.

The SCHCC Launch Event will take place at the elegant New Bedford Harbor Hotel, providing a sophisticated and welcoming setting for this historic occasion. Attendees can expect an evening filled with camaraderie, business insights, and a shared commitment to the success of the South Coast Hispanic business community.

This event is free, but registration is highly encouraged. Register by visiting www.socohispanicchamber.org/launch-event. For media inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or further information, please contact:

Von Marie Moniz
President and Chief Executive Officer
South Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
vonmarie@socohispanicchamber.org
(774) 464 – 6078

“NEW BEDFORD – The New Bedford Election Commission has announced the early voting schedule for the 2024 Presidential Primary election.

The early voting schedule is:

• Downtown Library (613 Pleasant St.): 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from Feb. 24 to March 1.
• Taber Mill (217 Deane St.): Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (please use entrance on Coffin Avenue)
• Hazelwood Senior Center (553 Brock Ave.): Feb. 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Additionally, absentee and mail-in ballots continue to be available. Any registered voter can request to receive one by visiting the Election Commission office at City Hall, 133 William St., during business hours, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Request forms have been mailed to registered voters in New Bedford.

In the Presidential Primary, New Bedford voters may cast their vote for president, state committee man, state committee woman, and ward committee.

Any New Bedford resident who is uncertain about their voting status, designated polling location, has changed their address since the last election, or has other questions about the election can contact the Board of Election Commissioners at 508-979-1420.”

UPDATED Tuesday, February 7 @8:14pm: While construction at the stations will be substantially complete soon, passenger service continues to start on South Coast Rail in summer 2024.

“The MBTA is committed to delivering safe and reliable South Coast Rail service. Despite the pandemic and supply chain disruptions, we have made significant progress and construction will be substantially complete by the end of this year.

We are focused on ensuring that automatic speed controls and collision-avoidance technology are thoroughly tested and properly functioning for the safety of the public and our workforce. We understand this additional time required for testing critical safety components is frustrating to riders who have been eagerly awaiting this service, but we are committed to delivering it expeditiously and safely.” — MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng.

You can see the full breakdown of the entire project with diagrams and images in a PDF, here.

________________________________________________________________________

For years any mention of the MBTA having a station in New Bedford would garner doubt followed by scoffing and ridicule. “Never going to happen” was the mantra of the cynics.

They’ve been eating a lot of crow lately.

This summer several MBTA projects will be completed and open for service that will connect New Bedford, Fall River, and Taunton with Boston. The six new stations will transport passengers in East Taunton, Fall River Depot, Freetown, Middleborough, Church Street and New Bedford.

MBTA photo.

In addition to these stations, there will be two layover stations, facilities to house MBTA crews and equipment as well as store trains when not in use. These will be at Weaver’s Cove in Fall River and Wamsutta in New Bedford.

But that’s not the only MBTA project in New Bedford. A new arch pedestrian bridge that will span Route 18 is approximately halfway to completion. Construction is on Purchase Street between Pearl and Willis, near the MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center. This bridge has its east and west abutments in place, is currently working on the elevator tower and stairway, and by March will begin installation of bridge support structures.

“Church Street and New Bedford stations are on schedule for substantial completion by the end of this month.” Lisa Battiston, deputy press secretary at the MBTA.

You may have already seen test runs and emergency drills at some stations. These tests and drills will continue all the way through spring. “We will be completing full-scale drills, and dress rehearsal train operations, starting now and throughout the year, with trains traveling up to full speed (79 mph),” the MBTA said.

Outside of the stations, depots, and bridge crews will spend the coming weeks and months clearing vegetation and brush-cutting for safety and improved visibility. Work will take place between Mondays and Fridays, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In addition, signal testing will take place all along South Coast rail lines so keep an eye out for flaggers who will be guiding traffic through a train crossing.

“BOSTON – A Massachusetts man has been extradited from Stockholm, Sweden to face charges in connection with his alleged obstruction of an investigation into fires set at Jewish institutions in Arlington, Needham and Chelsea, Mass. in May 2019.

Alexander Giannakakis, 37, formerly of Quincy, Mass., was indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston in 2019 for making false statements in a matter involving domestic terrorism; falsifying, concealing and covering up a material fact in a matter involving domestic terrorism; concealing records in a federal investigation; tampering with documents and objects; and tampering with an official proceeding.

After the indictment was returned, at the request of the United States, Giannakakis was arrested by Swedish authorities in a Stockholm suburb. The United States subsequently sought Giannakakis’ extradition from Sweden to the United States to face charges in Boston.

In connection with his arrest in Sweden, authorities learned that he unlawfully possessed a firearm and other weapons in Sweden. Giannakakis was charged and convicted of those crimes and served a sentence in Swedish prison. On Dec. 4, 2023, near the completion of that jail sentence, the Supreme Court of Sweden ruled favorably on the United States’ extradition request, and on Dec. 21, 2023, the Government of Sweden granted the request for Giannakakis’ extradition.

Giannakakis arrived at Boston’s Logan airport on Feb. 2, 2024 and will appear in federal court in Boston tomorrow afternoon.

According to the indictment, in and around February 2020, Giannakakis’ younger brother became the prime suspect in an investigation into four fires set at Jewish-related institutions in the Boston area: the first during the evening of May 11, 2019 at a Chabad Center in Arlington; the second at the same location during the evening of May 16, 2019; the third at a Chabad Center in Needham; and the fourth during the evening of May 26, 2019 at Jewish-affiliated business in Chelsea.

Giannakakis’ younger brother was hospitalized in a coma at the time he was identified as a suspect in February 2020. He remained in a coma until his death later that year.

According to the indictment, Giannakakis left the United States with his younger brother’s electronic devices and papers and brought them to Sweden, where he was living at the time. According to court documents, when Giannakakis returned to the U.S. in March 2020, he was questioned by investigators and made false and misleading statements. Giannakakis allegedly removed and concealed physical evidence being sought by investigators which implicated his brother. Shortly after concealing that evidence, Giannakakis departed the United States for Sweden. Giannakakis remained in Sweden until his arrest by Swedish authorities in February 2022.

The charges of making false statements in a matter involving domestic terrorism and falsifying, concealing, and covering up a material fact in a matter involving domestic terrorism by trick, scheme, and device each provide for a sentence of up to eight years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of concealing records in a federal investigation, tampering with documents and objects, and tampering with an official proceeding each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Chief Juliann Flaherty of the Arlington Police Department; Chief John Schlittler of the Needham Police Department; and Chief Keith E. Houghton of the Chelsea Police Department made the announcement today. Substantial assistance was provided by Swedish authorities including the Swedish Security Service; the National Security Unit of Sweden’s National Public Prosecution Department; and Sweden’s Ministry of Justice. The investigation is being led by the FBI Boston’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. Additional assistance was provided by the Quincy Massachusetts Police Department; the Massachusetts State Police; and the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and extradition from Sweden of Giannakakis. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason A. Casey and John McNeil of the Office’s National Security Unit.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.”-Massachusetts Department of Justice.

“It’s been a busy week for our firefighter/paramedics. Unfortunately, one of the many calls we handled, was a suspected fatal opioid overdose.

We wanted to remind our residents that through a grant funded program, we have doses of Narcan available, free of charge and while supplies last at either fire station. Just stop in and a staff member will assist you.

All interactions are confidential and no personal information is obtained or required.”-Westport Fire Department.

Westport Fire Department photo.

“On January 27, 2024 our department held its First Annual Award and Promotion Ceremony.

Chief Andrew Murray was the speaker during the event which took place in front of a large crowd of family, friends, firefighters from local departments, and town officials.

Massachusetts Firefighter Service Awards were given to members by the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission in recognition of their dedicated years of service to the community.

• Chief Andrew Murray – 20 years
• Captain David Scott – 35 years
• Captain Jordan Collyer – 25 years
• Captain Justin Dubois – 20 years,
• Dispatcher Michael Behan – 35 years
• Retired Fire Chief Ronald Scott – 40 years
• Retired Deputy Fire Chief Walter Morgado – 50 years
• Retired Lieutenant James Harlfinger – 25 years
• Retired Firefighter Steve Mills – 20 years
• Retired Firefighter Gary Bowman – 20 years

A special award was presented to Retired Deputy Fire Chief Walter Morgado for his dedicated 50+ years of service to the Mattapoisett Fire Department and the Town of Mattapoisett.

The 2024 Core Competencies Award was presented to Firefighter Drew Weaver.

The 2024 Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to Lieutenant Ross Macedo.

The Chiefs Award/Commendation was presented to the members who responded to the largest fire in Mattapoisett history, the Mattapoisett Boatyard Fire in August of 2022. Those members were:

Capt. David Scott, Capt. Jordan Collyer, Capt. Justin Dubois, Lt. Cory Silva, Lt. Ross Macedo, Lt. Tim Murray, Lt. Brett Gauvin, Lt. Brian Connelly, FF. Steve Mills, FF. Barry Lima, FF. Eric Pimentel, FF. Chapman Dickerson, FF. Marc Nadeau, FF. David Stewart, FF. Troy Durr, FF. Drew Weaver, FF. Mike Medeiros, FF. Evan Grodzki, FF. Nick Nelson, FF. Justin Blue, FF. Angelene Perry, Dispatcher Michael Behan, Dispatcher Patrick Dawson, Administrative Assistant/Dispatcher Renee Desroches.
Lastly, Lieutenant Ross Macedo was presented his Captain shield and badge, which was pinned on his uniform by his daughter Charlie and girlfriend Liz.

A special thank you to:

• Mattapoisett Select Board Member Jodi Bauer for being our guest speaker.
• Erin Scott for singing the National Anthem.
• Mattapoisett Firefighters Association for providing dinner following the ceremony.
• Ed Pepin from the Fairhaven Fire Department for being our photographer.
• Dan White and ORCTV for filming the ceremony and assisting with audio equipment.
• The Rochester Fire Department for providing station coverage during the event so our members could enjoy the evening.”-Mattapoisett Fire Rescue.

All photos by Mattapoisett Fire Rescue:

“The Westport Fire Department would like to congratulate Westport Police Officer Robert Rebello on his promotion to Deputy Police Chief.

Congratulations!”-Westport Fire Department, Massachusetts.

Westport Fire Department, Massachusetts photo.

“We regret to inform you of the untimely passing of Sgt. Albino “Al” Faria. Sgt. Faria was a founding father of the Portuguese American Police Association in New Bedford and spearheaded many efforts to assist and give back to the community via this organization.

During his tenure with PAPA, he also created an exchange program between officers in the United States and Portugal to highlight the differences in policing across the continents.

Sgt. Faria was employed by the New Bedford Police Department for many years until he ultimately retired and moved to Mexico with his wife.

Our sincerest condolences goes out to his family and all that knew him. We’ll miss you Al! ?”-Portuguese American Police Association NJ.

All photos by the Portuguese American Police Association NJ: