Latest news with #JonMitchell
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Chill out: Heat wave bringing temps near 100 to New Bedford. Here's where to keep cool
Be warned: The next few days will be scorchers, with temperatures running dangerously hot, and the City of New Bedford is opening cooling centers. The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat warning for almost all of eastern Massachusetts and Southern New England, with dangerous heat expected through Tuesday night. Mayor Jon Mitchell urged residents to take sensible steps to help keep their family and friends safe. 'I encourage everyone over the next few days to check on elderly neighbors, children, pets, and those with health conditions that could put them at risk,' he said. 'A phone call or a visit could really make the difference for someone you care about. Please use common sense and take heat-related risks seriously.' According to the NWS, Monday's high is predicted to reach 90 degrees with light winds. Tuesday will be the peak of the heat wave, with a high of 95, but with a heat index as high as 106. The heat will continue into Wednesday with temperatures approaching 90, and winds of 6 to 10 mph. The temps will cool down later in the week, with highs in the mid-70s. New Bedford Eats: Loaded hot dogs, three beers and a burger, half-off appetizers The city's public libraries will open with air conditioning and staff on hand to help residents. Main branch: 613 Pleasant St., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Casa da Saudade: 58 Crapo St., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday Howland-Green: 3 Rodney French Blvd., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday Lawler: 745 Rockdale Ave., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday Wilks: 1119 Acushnet Ave., 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Beaches: Lifeguards will be on duty longer at East and West beaches, until 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. Splash pads: City parks with splash pads to offer a break from the heat are Ashley Park, Beauregard-Pina Playground, Ben Rose Field, Brooklawn Park, Clasky Common, Harrington Park, Magnet Park and Montes Park. Beat the heat: Cool off at New Bedford splash pads — here's where to go People facing extreme heat should do the following, according to NWS: Drink plenty of fluids Stay in an air-conditioned room Stay out of the sun Check up on relatives and neighbors Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing outdoors Limit strenuous activities to early morning or evening This article originally appeared on The Herald News: New Bedford cooling centers open; area under extreme heat warning
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New Bedford mayor seeks to dedicate new pedestrian bridge to Korean War veteran
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell has proposed naming the city's new pedestrian bridge in honor of U.S. Army Cpl. Andre A. Lopes. Cpl. Lopes enlisted in the U.S. Army at 18 years old in 1944. Three years later, he returned to New Bedford and worked in construction. When the Korean War began, he reenlisted and was deployed to the Korean peninsula with the 7th Infantry Division. There, he oversaw and maintained field wire communications until 1953, when he was wounded in a missile attack that resulted in the loss of his leg. Following treatment at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in 1954, Cpl. Lopes returned to New Bedford. That same year, he received the Purple Heart. On May 22, 1957, Cpl. Lopes died at St. Luke's Hospital at the age of 31 after battling an illness. The city originally dedicated the existing pedestrian bridge to him in 1977, but it is set to be demolished once the new bridge is completed. Last year, the New Bedford legislative delegation proposed naming the new bridge after Cpl. Lopes, but since the city owns the bridge, it has the final authority. Mitchell is requesting an official transfer of the name to the new structure and an plaque to mark its Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell's proposal to name pedestrian bridge after war veteranDownload 'After his Army service in WWII, Cpl. Lopes reenlisted to fight in Korea, serving againwith distinction,' Mitchell said. 'Naming the new bridge in his honor will perpetuateCpl. Lopes's legacy of patriotism, service and courage.' Cpl. Lopes' niece, Debra Ramos, described the tribute as being both fitting and appropriate. 'His dream was to bridge the divide between North and South Korea,' Ramos said. 'The family is very excited about it.' The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) agreed to design, build and fund the bridge after more than a year of negotiations with the city. The 240-foot, $21 million pedestrian bridge is expected to open later this year. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Community Focus: New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell joined 12 News at 4 on Wednesday to discuss the city's hiring delay, South Coast Rail service, offshore wind, and more. The city of New Bedford announced a 45-day hiring delay to help close its budget deficit. Mitchell told 12 News anchor Kim Kalunian he expects the pause will save New Bedford around $1 million. LEARN MORE: New Bedford delays filling vacant city jobs to save money Mitchell expressed excitement about the South Coast Rail, a new train line that will start transporting riders from Massachusetts' South Coast to Boston and back starting on March 24. 'It's one more reason to live in New Bedford,' he said. 'I think it's going to be a really good thing for the city and for the region.' DON'T MISS: South Coast Rail service to officially begin March 24 Mitchell said that a recent executive order that paused leasing and permitting for offshore wind will not impact Vineyard Wind's current wind farms, though how delayed the next phase of the project will be 'remains to be seen.' Ultimately, the mayor said he believes offshore wind is 'here to stay,' citing the nation's increasing energy consumption and the continuing effects of climate change. Mitchell called New Bedford's new app, NBConnected, 'city government at your fingertips.' He also touted the city's new 311 call center, which lets concerned citizens report potholes, burned-out streetlights, and other issues to the city by simply calling 311. ALSO READ: New Bedford's growth, momentum underscored in State of the City address Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Bedford launches mobile app to connect residents with city services
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — New Bedford residents now have an easier way to find out what's going on around the city and report any issues they come across. Mayor Jon Mitchell announced Tuesday the launch of NBConnected, a new mobile app that aims to 'put city services at residents' fingertips.' 'We are committed to making city services more effective and efficient,' Mitchell said in a press release. Through the app, users can report issues like missed trash pickups, potholes, broken streetlights and vandalism. Those requests will then go to the appropriate departments and residents can track their status, as well as see other reports in their area. In addition, the app can be used to pay bills, pay for parking, apply for permits, browse job opportunities, and view a calendar of happenings around the city. The app is now available for download in the Apple and Google Play stores. For those who don't have a smartphone, all of those services can also be accessed on the city's website and by calling 311. The city said assistance is available in English, Spanish and Portuguese. NBConnected: Submit requests and learn more here Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Stronger today': New Bedford's growth, momentum underscored in State of the City address
NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell delivered his State of the City address on Wednesday, highlighting several milestones reached in the past year, as well as some announcements for 2025. With more than 500 people in attendance, Mitchell said New Bedford is 'stronger today than it was a year ago.' 'Despite all the sound and fury at the national level, our city forged ahead,' he said. 'In the tumultuous year that just passed, we demonstrated again to ourselves that we can succeed when we keep our eye on the ball.' Over the last year, key projects including the North Terminal ribbon cutting, expanding the city's Marine Commerce Terminal, constructing the city's first regulation-size soccer field and redesigning Ashley Park were completed. Additionally, Mitchell said progress was made on transportation projects including the New Bedford-Fairhaven Bridge, the pedestrian bridge over JFK Boulevard, the Route 195 Viaduct, and intercity rail service between New Bedford and Boston. MORE: Express service connecting New Bedford, Fall River returns According to Mitchell, more housing units were completed in New Bedford in 2024 than any year in recent memory. Crime and structure fire rates also reportedly plummeted last year. Mitchell said almost every school in the district that's older than two decades has either undergone renovations or will soon receive upgrades. RELATED: New Bedford High School unveils new athletic field This year, the New Bedford Economic Develop Council is expected to develop a 'road map' to grow the city's manufacturing sector. 'We are in a better position to expand manufacturing than in a long time,' Mitchell said. 'We in New Bedford have a long, rich history of making things, and that we will continue to do.' The Regeneration Committee, led by Tony Sapienza and Maureen Armstrong, is also in the process of creating a new strategic plan aiming to enhance the New Bedford's opportunities in manufacturing, health care, culture and forward the economy. The mayor said a proposal, which he described as a 'fair measure to promote accountability,' will be resubmitted to city council to adopt a state law regarding health insurance negotiations between unions and the city that could save taxpayers millions of dollars. He also touched on offering suburbs help to build multifamily homes, saying the city will continue working with towns to help remove barriers preventing the increase of housing. READ: New Bedford enhances first-time homebuyer program Mitchell announced the release of New Bedford's first comprehensive data strategy, as well as the city's new mobile app, 'NBConnected.' The strategy was developed in conjunction with Bloomberg and Johns Hopkins University to guide the city government's collection, use and publication of data to enhance efficiencies and communication. 'The better decisions we make based on data, the more efficiently we spend taxpayer dollars,' Mitchell added. 'As residents are able to see more clearly what they're getting for their money, it will engender trust, which we can't have enough of these days.' NBConnected is expected to launch in the coming weeks, placing city services at residents' fingertips such as paying bills and parking, applying for permits and submitting non-emergency service requests. During his remarks, Mitchell pledged to 'get things done' for the community, building a New Bedford where 'everyone feeling like they belong.' He stressed the importance of public safety, access to safe and affordable housing, a strong fiscal foundation, pathways to education and opportunity, maritime economy and the offshore wind industry, and repairing roadways and infrastructure. Mitchell concluded his address by emphasizing cooperation between government and residents to make New Bedford a place where people can thrive. 'It's the neighborhood groups that come together to work on the more local of problems. It's the volunteers for turkey drives at Thanksgiving,' he said. 'Whether it's out of pride, generosity, duty or love, or all of the above, each of us has ample reason to play a part.' 12 News: SE Mass – New Bedford Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
