Council Approves $6.9 Million Garage Loan Order

Select Board · Meeting of August 11, 2026

Fall River City Council confirmed Ann O'Neill Sousa as permanent city administrator and approved a $6,883,400 loan order to finish repairs at the Third Street parking garage, expected done by November. The garage vote took two roll calls after Councilor Hart said he was missed the first time, finally passing 8-0 with Councilor Peckham absent. Councilor Kamara said he was "extremely disappointed" the city lacks a seat on MassDOT's developer-selection panel for the roughly 19-acre Route 79/Duval Street corridor, where proposals are due October 21 and a first building of at least 125 units is estimated to cost $50 million to $60 million.

Greenleaf Street resident Jennifer Dutra told the council her neighborhood's only access road has "over 100 potholes," and councilors referred the dispute to the Public Works and Transportation Committee. The council also referred an open meeting law complaint against Corporation Counsel Alan Rumsey, filed by School Committee member Colin Dias, back to his own office.

In the full story:

• Who Was There
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Source: the Select Board meeting of August 11, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.