09-03-2025
Chipotle coming to New Bedford, firehouse housing, MBTA station art: Top stories
As we head into a new week, let's take a look at the news from this past week.
A revitalized New Bedford Regional Airport will benefit New Bedford taxpayers without burdening them, according to the facility manager. An overall $76 million budget is estimated to fund a new location for the air traffic control tower, a rebuilt airport terminal, and two buildings for maintenance equipment and firefighting-rescue equipment on Aviation Way. Airport Manager Scot Servis said the airport can leverage about $72 million in state and Federal Aviation Administration grants for the work with a 5% match, or about $3.8 million.
Make sure to keep up with high school sports with scores, game highlights, and Player of the Week voting at
And here are the most-read stories of the week on
A new Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant with a drive-thru may be moving into the former Newport Creamery location if all goes according to plan.
Cedar-Fieldstone, LLC, the owner of the shopping plaza at 950 Kings Highway in New Bedford, is requesting a special permit to be able to open the new Chipotle. Plans call for the demolition of the existing 4,123-square-foot former creamery building in order to replace it with the new 2,325-square-foot restaurant.
Food for thought: Popular restaurant chain looks to open in former Newport Creamery site. What we know.
The landmark Hillman Street Firehouse at the corner of Hillman and County streets is being readied for its new life as an eight-unit apartment building. Work to shore up the structure housing the former Engine No. 5 House in preparation of construction began this week at the site — 132 years after it opened in 1893 at 109 Hillman St.
The building had been vacant for years, which led to its deterioration, and was scheduled for demolition by the city. Historic preservation organization Waterfront Historic Area League, WHALE, got involved with CMK Development Partners in preserving it.
Historic housing: 132-year-old historic New Bedford firehouse being transformed to housing: See the progress
On Feb. 19, the New York Times featured the Whaling City in a story that has drawn eyes far beyond the SouthCoast shores.
In an article by journalist Josh Ocampo, the New York Times offered readers a vivid portrait of New Bedford. The article stated it was a "a city so rich in past glories and present potential that even Herman Melville once noted its opulent homes and lush gardens." The article paints a portrait of a place where history and progress not only co-exist but enhance one another, creating a magnetic appeal for both residents and visitors alike.
Focus: New York Times shines a spotlight on New Bedford. Here's what they had to say.
New Bedford Day is a day of gathering and reminiscing for snowbirds, or New Bedfordites who have made the permanent move to the Sunshine State. This unique reunion, which has been taking place in Florida for over two decades, is a free event that brings together current and former city residents.
Former New Bedford Mayor Brian Lawler came up with the Fort Myers event in 2004 as a way to connect snowbirds from the area and it quickly grew into a much-anticipated celebration. Each year, the event has grown as word has spread and more pieces of their Massachusetts home, including food, music, and photography, have been showcased. Last year's event reached over 500 people.
Southern New Bedford: 'The love for the area remains the same': New Bedford Day is headed to Florida this March
All of these stories can be read in their entirety at
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Top stories: New Bedford Day in Florida, New York Times features city
