04-03-2025
Flint storefronts along Pleasant Street get a makeover. How can other businesses join in?
FALL RIVER — Shops along Pleasant Street are turning heads with clean brick façades, new awnings, and fresh storefront signs that bring new charm, and pride, to the Flint.
In an area of the neighborhood that sees many a passerby, a push for urban renewal and 'revitalization,' said Michael Dion, executive director of the Fall River Community Development Agency, has begun its first phase of improvements.
Already, Gilbert's Jeweler's at 1370 Pleasant St., Nelly's Clothing, 1376 Pleasant St., a barbershop, and a currently vacant storefront between 1370 and 1386 Pleasant St. have an auspicious new look suited to attracting customers. White Rose Bakery at 1642 Pleasant St. joined the four other stores in a first round of applications to the CDA.
This is only the beginning, Dion said, and 'many more' business owners 'want in' when it comes to applying for a storefront makeover — which is just one layer in a 'long-range' plan to 'restore pride back in the Flint,' Dion said.
Where's the affordable housing? Fall River has 113 new affordable apartments coming. Where they are and how to get one
Dion said $1.7 million in grant funding has been set aside for infrastructure improvements. Sidewalks, streets, lampposts and planting trees, he said, are all developable aspects that may receive funding.
Last year, state Sen. Michael J. Rodrigues, who represents the First Bristol and Plymouth district, which includes the City of Fall River, secured $7 million from the landmark Housing Bond Bill, originating from the 2024 budget.
The bill addresses housing and homeownership in Gateway Cities like Fall River, but also is intended to supplement infrastructure improvements, ascertaining neighborhood equity, sustainability, and reducing barriers to development.
Dion said the CDA and Coogan administration will welcome Yvonne Hao, the Massachusetts Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development, for a visit 'to show her the Flint' sometime in the coming months.
Additionally, 'mini' grants sponsored by nonprofits in the city can be used for smaller but significant enhancements along Pleasant Street, Dion said.
Fall River is one of 16 communities to receive funding — $100,000 — from the Love Your Block grant program, established by Bloomberg Philanthropies in partnership with Johns Hopkins University, that may be used for 'resident-led neighborhood revitalization projects' between 2024 and 2026.
Nuisance buildings: Fall River is cracking down on vacant and abandoned properties. Here's what the law does.
'They need to go through me,' Dion said, prodding a stack of paper applications on his desk during an interview with The Herald News.
While small business storefronts might be crowding to the front of revitalization efforts, Dion said there are new events planned that involve the community in restoring the Flint.
A clean-up day to collect litter; a 'graffiti day' to redress the sides of buildings, and a block party will ask residents to work together 'with businesses, and people,' Dion said, 'and make the Flint a better place to live.'
This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Fall River's Flint storefronts improved with state grant funding
