Regulations for State Pier limit accessory use to 25 percent, which would have governed the language in the Senate’s version of the economic development bill. While the Senate’s version of the bill included mixed-use provisions, the House’s version didn’t.
Tuesday night, negotiations for the final bill included provisions that capped the number at 10 percent between the northwestern and southwestern corners. Another potential provision would have restricted anything that could infringe on the right of way used by trucks and rail.
“These two provisions would have made it extremely difficult to have any meaningful development,” a spokesperson for state Sen. Mark Montigny said.
In the past, state Rep. Bill Straus voiced concerns regarding mixed-use facilities on the pier. He began negotiations hoping for a lower percentage, but ended Tuesday night satisfied with the discussion and final bill.
“It takes no skill at all to end the day with no deal at all. Anyone can fail with negotiations,” Straus said. “I think what people have to appreciate is how important it is when all the parties keep their eyes on the ball, which is what happened here.”
Cabral initially inserted similar language regarding mixed-use into the House’s version of the bill, however, it was cut from the final version. On Monday, he worked with other New Bedford representatives in the House that would calm any concerns.
“The last few days of formals are always hectic. There’s so many things that we’re working on. But obviously last night was a little more intense,” Cabral said. “I wanted to get that done. I needed to get to a point where everyone felt comfortable with language.”
The bill also included language to allow MassDevelopment to sign a lease to manage State Pier for a term not to exceed 35 years.
As the management organization watching over State Pier, it will decide what’s next after the governor signs the economic development bill.
The thought behind adding mixed-use possibilities to State Pier is to connect the waterfront with downtown New Bedford.
Mitchell first spoke about the idea when he ran for mayor in 2011. Montigny brought the idea to the Statehouse in 2008. His 2014 State Pier bond authorization of $25 million allows for an array of projects ranging from commercial fishing, to educational facilities and fresh produce and fish markets.
“We must maximize the true potential of State Pier, and this fight was worth every bit of the political capital necessary to finally connect downtown with our unique working waterfront,” Montigny said in a statement. “Existing industry will remain intact, and we can finally make much better use of what is essentially empty space right now.”
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