City of Fall River taking bids to demolish former Fall River police station

The saga involving the old Fall River police station may be coming to an end.

At an August 2020 Fall River City Council meeting, Marc Lederman of Chelsea based Wethersfield LLC and attorney Matthew Thomas went in front of the Council prior to their vote to approve the purchase and sales agreement of the property at 158 Bedford Street.

Lederman stated at that meeting that he was purchasing the property from the City for $10,000 (was finalized on 1/25/2021). The plan was to put in 5-6 million dollars into the location to create 30 market rate housing apartments.

The Council unanimously approved the sale, however, the plan never came to fruition.

On July 21,2022, the Zoning Board of Appeals approved the project, but in the summer of 2023, work was stopped over concerns from the City involving the soundness of the building.

According to the Register of Deeds, a filing from October 30, 2024, states that the City of Fall River was taking the property back due to $3,500+ in unpaid taxes, interest, and incidental expenses.

The property was deeded back to the City on New Years Eve 2024.

On Monday, the City of Fall River published that they are taking bids for the demolition of the building.

The announcement is as follows:

“Bids are being solicited for the demolition of the building at 158 Bedford St for the City of Fall River, in accordance with the listed specifications.

“Beginning Wednesday January 28th , 2026, the solicitation packages may be obtained electronically through the Purchasing Department via e-mail only at: purchasing@fallriverma.org

“Sealed bids must be received no later than 2:00pm on Thursday, February 26th, 2026, at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, One Government Center, Room 324 Fall River, MA 02722, Hours are: Monday through Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm, Friday 8:00am-3:00pm. The bids will be opened, witnessed, and results made public.

“All bid prices submitted in response to bid RFP#26-08 must remain firm following the bid opening. Questions concerning this bid solicitation must be submitted in writing via email by noon Tuesday, February 24th, to purchasing@fallriverma.qov. Written responses will be emailed to all bidders on record as having received the request for RFP# 26-08. MBE/WBE businesses are encouraged to participate.

“The City of Fall River reserves the right to reject any/all bids or quotes when deemed in the best interest of the City of Fall River. The City of Fall River shall be the sole judge of equivalency and acceptability.

“There will be a voluntary Pre-Bid Conference and Site Visit on February 11, 2026 at10:00 am at the site. In order to attend the Pre-Bid Conference and Site Visit please contact the Office of the Purchasing Agent at (508) 324-2250 or by e-mail at purchasinq@fallriverma.gov.

“A Performance Bond in an amount equal to one hundred (100%) percent of the total amount of the contract price with a surety company qualified to do business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be required for the faithful performance of the contract, as well as a Labor and Materials Payment Bond in an amount equal to one hundred (100%) percent of the total contract price.

“Any deviation from the specifications must be clearly outlined and explained in detail, Otherwise, it will be considered that services offered are in strict compliance with the specifications and the successful vendor shall be held responsible accordingly. Time of delivery is part of the bid and is very important. The required delivery date indicated is at the point of destination and is stated in business days. If the indicated date cannot be met or a date is not indicated in the specifications, the bidder shall state its best delivery time.

“The awarding authority, on behalf of the City of Fall River, intends to award a contract within thirty (30) working days of the bid opening.”

An attempt to demolish the building would have to go in front of the Historical Commission.

What would you like to see at 158 Bedford Street?