The first public forum to solicit input from local citizens for a master plan and vision for the city was held on June 27, 2007 at the Heritage Park Visitors' Center near Battleship Cove. The Fall River Master Plan was begun last year as a way of mapping out the city's future and insuring that future development in the city. The forum was designed to generate ideas for a shared vision for Fall River's future. Consultant Brian Barber of Community Preservation Associates in Arlington was engaged to assist in the development of a multifaceted plan under a $29,000 "Smart Growth" grant for the project. The meeting was planned by a Master Plan Committee that met over the past six months. A Downtown Planning meeting was also held in May, 2006. Click here for a written summary of the visioning session. For more information about the Master Planning Committee, contact Director of Municipal Services James Smith at 508-324-2600.
 

(Top row, left) Fall River Preservation Society board member Jim Souza leads a brainstorming group at the Heritage Park Visitors' Center. (Top row, center) North End Neighborhood Association President Lillian Correia shares her ideas as Flint Neighborhood West Association President Cathy Assad listens. (Top row, right) Dept. of Public Works Director Ken Pacheco (left) and other group members give their input to City Planning Director Jim Hartnett (right). (Middle row, left) Master Plan Committee Chairman Joe Marshall offers some recommendations. (Middle row, center) Mayor Edward M. Lambert, Jr. opens the forum and thanks participants for their vision. (Middle row, right) Director of Municipal Services Jim Smith describes the tasks of the brainstorming group. (Bottom row, left and center) Cathy Ann Viveiros, John Keppel and Michael Miozza help to clarify the groups' votes on their recommendations. (Bottom row, right) Jim Souza reports out the input from his brainstorming group at the end of the session.