Fall River City Council tables apartment plan for Bank Street Armory after Mayor Coogan resubmits

The Fall River City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to table a plan for apartments at the current Bank Street Armory.

Mayor Paul Coogan had approved the sale of the Bank Street Armory to developer Alan Macomber for $200,000 and had sent the proposal to the City Council for review. In a 4-3 vote late last month, the City Council voted in favor of the proposal with Councilor Linda Pereira being the most vocal against the project. In addition to Pereira, Dionne, and President Joe Camara also were in opposition to the project. Councilors Pam Laliberte and Leo Pelletier were not present. Pelletier submitted a letter stating that while he didn’t prefer the project personally, it is what is in the best interest of the city. The project did not pass despite the majority being in favor as it required a two-thirds vote in the affirmative.

On Tuesday, the City Council were set to vote on the proposal again after Mayor Coogan resubmitted it with all councilors present.

With the discovery of the possibility of federal, state, and local grant money to help refurbish the building, all councilors voted to table another vote.

Councilor Shawn Cadime expressed concern on whether Coogan would be on board with the city keeping the property but could not vote yes on the apartment plan without having more information concerning the city possibly applying for funding.

Several residents spoke in opposition of the project during citizen’s input pointing to monies that could be available to fix the building.

Main Street Property, LLC intends to convert the armory into 37 market-rate apartments and the post office garage building nearby would provide two floors of parking for the apartments. Apartments would also be added to the post office building.

The City of Fall River initially wanted the armory to be converted into an arts and entertainment venue, but Main Street Property has stated that concept is financially prohibitive and would negatively impact the Narrows Center nearby.

If passed, Main Street Property plans to invest $13.6 million into developing the armory and has stated they would be open to designating 20% of the apartments as “affordable” but it is unknown if the City of Fall River has or will require it. Full details including diagrams can be viewed on the July 18, 2023 Fall River City Council agenda.