Fall River City Council votes against sale of Bank Street Armory to developer

The Fall River City Council voted Tuesday against 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 in September, 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.

In late October, 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.

On Tuesday, Councilor Michelle Dionne removed the motion from the table to start the council meeting, however the vote was postponed to the end of the meeting.

Only councilors Brad Kilby, Paul Hart and Laura Jean Sampson voted in favor of the sale.

Councilor Sampson expressed concern after a letter by the Historical Commission stated that the armory deed did not allow residential apartments.

Councilor Ponte felt the city may not be getting the best deal but had concerns that the city doesn’t have the funds for the upkeep.

Councilor Kilby stated that a no vote would result in the property continuing to deteriorate as the administration isn’t interested in fixing the building.

Councilor Cadime mentioned that the cost for heat and electric wouldn’t cost nearly as much as other city buildings after the roof and windows would be repaired at a cost of $600,000.

Millions in repairs would need to be made to refurbish the entire property, however, grant money could offset that price tag drastically.

Main Street Property, LLC intended 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 had been 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.

Main Street Property planned to invest $13.6 million into developing the armory and had stated they would be open to designating 20% of the apartments as “affordable”. Full details including diagrams can be viewed on the July 18, 2023 Fall River City Council agenda.