Mayor Coogan discusses past/future in State of the City address, planning tribute to pandemic victims, police body cams

Mayor Paul Coogan discussed Fall River’s recent accomplishments and the city’s future in Tuesday’s State of the City address.

Coogan began his address by reminding residents of what he stated in last year’s address.

“I spent a lot of my address in November discussing Covid-19- what we did to curb the virus and support our hospitals, nursing homes and businesses in the early days. I would like to repeat what I said then- I am incredibly proud of the way that Fall River has come together in the face of the pandemic. Our rich history as a mill city proved to be an asset to us. Our local manufacturers showed impressive adaptability as they became some of the largest domestic producers of PPE, and they made sure to give back to our City.”

Coogan bragged about the actions of City residents in the face of the pandemic and thanked his administration, city employees, and the political delegation.

“I want to acknowledge the people of Fall River. They have risen to the challenge, they stun me every day. They carry the future of our City on their backs, and they are doing a great job. Residents- you are Fall River’s true warriors, surviving a pandemic and many crises. You have my utmost respect.”

Coogan then began to talk about public safety which included the discussion of a police department audit and the institution of body cameras.

“We hired former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis to do a performance audit of the FRPD and we expect the report later this month” Coogan stated. “We are piloting body cameras after successful negotiations with the Police Union. We are getting ready to roll out the cameras for our walking beat first.”

Coogan also addressed the building of the new Durfee High School.

“We have strengthened City oversight at the new Durfee construction site and are still planning for our fall opening. I truly believe this school will be an asset for generations of students to come.”

Coogan also touched on recent infrastructure improvements.

“We completed major sidewalk replacement projects all over the City. Two of the biggest projects were at Kennedy and North Parks. Our roads, too, have been improved across the City. To continue this work, we eliminated the Streetscapes program and transferred the funding to street and sidewalk repairs- creating a fund of close to $5 million.”

The Mayor then discussed the state of the City’s finances.

“We presently have 2.2 million dollars in our free cash account. On January 1st of 2020, our Stabilization fund was around 7 and a half million dollars – it is currently well over 9 million dollars.”

“The City is still on track financially to meet the Fiscal Year 2021 budget projection”, according to Coogan.

Coogan went on to reiterate the housing boom taking place in Fall River.

“I want you all to know- the City of Fall River is seeing a boom in our local real estate market. Many residential properties are selling as soon as they hit the market, for over asking price. Many overlooked properties in all corners of the City are being repurposed as market rate housing developments.”

Coogan also issued an update on the City Pier.

“We’ve obtained a $1 Million grant from Seaport Council for Phase 2 of City Pier, which will make the pier safe for public use. The RDA is in the process of achieving this next phase of rehabilitation.”

The Mayor stated his priorities for his second year.

“I want to make visible progress in revitalizing our downtown and Pleasant street commercial districts by adding market rate housing and supporting mixed use development while improving and filling vacant storefronts. I would like to return to the days of a bustling downtown with plenty of foot traffic. As we look to another round of federal stimulus funding, I want to use these funds for streets, sidewalks and infrastructure projects. I want to improve the liveability of the City by supporting our arts and cultural economy through the revitalization of the Bank Street Armory, the improvements to the Durfee auditorium and the growth of our waterfront cultural district. I also look forward to planning and supporting community events as soon as we can do so.”

Coogan went on to talk about what he feels is “patterns of distrust, disrespect and division” among residents.

“I believe, when people escape the confines of the internet and interact as we were meant to (with humanity, respect and understanding), they remember the hope that this City felt in January of last year. They remember why I was elected, they remember that my love for this City and my urge to do what is right for Fall River guides everything that I do.”

Coogan concluded his address by asking residents to have a brighter outlook for Fall River.

“So as I close my statement tonight and as we come together to look for a more normal future, I want to make this message very, very clear. I urge you all to trust in a brighter tomorrow for Fall River and to treat others with dignity and respect.”