Fall River Board of Health votes 3-0 to deny tenant's roach-report appeal
Fall River Board of Health denies tenant's bid to strike a "no violation" roach inspection report.
Board of Health · Meeting of August 31, 2026
Fall River Board of Health denies tenant's bid to strike a "no violation" roach inspection report. Isaac Silva of 1197 Robeson Street told the board Inspector Jay Fernandes' July 24 report was procedurally late and factually wrong despite photos and video he said showed more than 350 roaches since June. A Fall River Housing Authority representative identified as Souza said the tenant twice refused maintenance workers entry and blocked a July 30 follow-up treatment.
Board member Dr. Stephen Gagliardi said dead cockroaches are "a fairly reliable indication that the extermination is working," not proof of a violation, while Michael Coughlin said he saw "no action the Board of Health should take today." The board voted 3-0 to deny Silva's appeal, also approving three tattoo licenses and a Title 5 septic upgrade for 115 Newhall Street, and flagged the state's new Schedule I classification of kratom, effective August 28, for local retailer enforcement.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,446 words
Source: the Board of Health meeting of August 31, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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