January 16, 2014 — Going back over 20 years of newspaper articles, the 2002 and 2008/2010 extensive Harbor Development Studies and Internet research, the one thing everyone is in agreement is: The revitalization of New Bedford begins and ends with the waterfront.
Like many other cities in America, the 20th century was not kind to New Bedford. The engines that fueled the local economy either disappeared or came under extreme duress, like the fishing industry.
The city has also been handicapped by waiting 35 years for a commuter railroad now priced at over $2 billion. There has also been a waiting period for a gambling casino to be located in New Bedford to boost the economy. Now there is the bigger question: What if the railroad and casino never materialize in New Bedford?
There appear to be three viable opportunities to help New Bedford bootstrap its way back to prosperity: the fishing industry, tourism and a commercial seaport. The fishing industry is here and, despite misguided regulations, it pumps millions of dollars into the local economy. There seems to be a disconnect between this vital economic asset and municipal support and assistance. If the gambling casino doesn't come to New Bedford why not turn the abandoned waterfront at the Cannon Street Power Station over to fishing industry use? While the 29-acre site owned by Sprague Oil and partially occupied by NStar is a "brownfield," requiring over $50 million for cleanup, there is nothing stopping the extension of the existing pier and bulkheads for commercial fishing vessels. Using the power station waterfront would help relieve some of the non-productive congestion and raft ups at the currently used wharves. The power station property is adjacent to the fish processing area and would be poised for future expansion.