The New Bedford City Council moved a step closer to strengthening the city’s Problem Property ordinance – lowering the number of valid police complaints necessary for a property to be designated a problem property from eight to four within a 12 month period.

On Tuesday, March 27, the Committee on Ordinances unanimously approved changes by an 11-0 vote. The major ordinance change lowers the number of valid police complaints necessary for a property to be designated a problem property from eight to four.

Once a property is designated a problem property, the City of New Bedford has the authority to assess the cost of police officers responding to the property. The City Council is expected to approve the ordinance since only 5 ‘yes’ votes are required.

The New Bedford City Council will now vote on Thursday, April 12, 2018, on making the ordinance official.

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Mayor Mitchell will hold neighborhood office hours for the month of March this Tuesday, March 27 from 5:30 p.m. -7:00 p .m. at G & S Pizza, at 2840 Acushnet Avenue.

Mayor Mitchell announced he would set aside time each month to hold office hours in city neighborhoods so that residents could meet with him outside of normal business hours and in their own neighborhood.

In his State of the City this year, the Mayor announced that a new format of office hours would be established, inviting residents to join him for dinner at local restaurants in different neighborhoods of the city. G & S Pizza will be the first dinner event – and the Mayor is buying.

City residents are invited to attend the neighborhood office hours to meet with Mayor Mitchell directly and share their concerns and ideas, as well as a few pizzas. The sessions are open to all New Bedford residents, no advance appointments are required and meetings with the Mayor will be done on a first come, first served basis.

Live from Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia’s State of the City address on March 20, 2018.

The following text/video is from New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell’s State of the City address on Thursday, 7 March 2018.

State of the City 2018 FINAL

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell provides his view on arming teachers in New Bedford public schools.

Live with New Bedford’s mayor Jon Mitchell to discuss the failure of judges to keep the worst offenders off the streets of New Bedford, his thoughts on arming teachers and other topics.

Join our New Bedford Judicial Watch Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/judicialwatch/

Join Mayor Mitchell every Wednesday at 2:30pm on New Bedford Guide’s Facebook page.

W/S Gold Management likely to manage New Bedford Whaling Municipal Golf Course

Mayor Mitchell submitted an order to City Council authorizing the award of a contract between the City and W/S Gold Management, for the operation and management of the New Bedford Whaling Municipal Golf Course, the term of the contract is ten years with two additional five-year terms at the City’s sole option.

Here’s a look at the proposed contract:

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After successful movie showings during presentations in the summer and winter, the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center will continue the Mayor’s Classic Movie Series, with FREE showings in March and April.

Two classic favorites will be shown on Saturday afternoons.

* The Wizard of Oz: Saturday, March 10, at 2:00 p.m.
* Casablanca: Saturday, April 28, at 2:00 p.m.

The series continues to add another attraction to downtown New Bedford and offers the opportunity for moviegoers to see these fan favorites in a movie theater.

“The classic movie series has been a popular addition to the entertainment scene in the downtown, and we hope fans of these classics will enjoy the opportunity to see them on the big screen,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.

Rosemary Gill, Executive Director of Programming and Development at the Zeiterion said, “The Zeiterion is proud to continue to partner with the City to present the Wizard of Oz and Casablanca in the Mayor’s Classic Movie Series, free of charge to our audience.”

The public is invited to enjoy the following films, free of charge, at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, 684 Purchase Street in New Bedford.

After successful movie showings during presentations in the summer and winter, the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center will continue the Mayor’s Classic Movie Series, with FREE showings in March and April.

Two classic favorites will be shown on Saturday afternoons.

* The Wizard of Oz: Saturday, March 10, at 2:00 p.m.
* Casablanca: Saturday, April 28, at 2:00 p.m.

The series continues to add another attraction to downtown New Bedford and offers the opportunity for moviegoers to see these fan favorites in a movie theater.

“The classic movie series has been a popular addition to the entertainment scene in the downtown, and we hope fans of these classics will enjoy the opportunity to see them on the big screen,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.

Rosemary Gill, Executive Director of Programming and Development at the Zeiterion said, “The Zeiterion is proud to continue to partner with the City to present the Wizard of Oz and Casablanca in the Mayor’s Classic Movie Series, free of charge to our audience.”

The public is invited to enjoy the following films, free of charge, at the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, 684 Purchase Street in New Bedford.

New Bedford Mayor Mitchell submitted the following ordinance amendment to City Council, amending Chapter 9, of the City Code by adding Section 5720 TEMPORARY MORATORIUM ON RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENTS.

Mayor Mitchell’s amendment calls for a “temporary moratorium on the use of land or structures for a marijuana establishment and other uses related to non-medical marijuana.”

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