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H 4973

An Act relative to authorizing the conveyance of certain parcels of land in the city of Fall River

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Carole Fiola

MassDOT may convey 21.55 acres in Fall River to FRRA for development of mixed-use economic projects with authority similar to urban renewal, subject to appraisal, oversight, and a

New draft substituted, see H5473
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Bill Summary · H 4973

Summary of H.4973 (194th MA General Court)

Purpose and intent

  • Authorizes the conveyance of a specific 21.55-acre parcel of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) land in Fall River to the Fall River Redevelopment Authority (FRRA).
  • Enables FRRA to develop the land for mixed-use economic development (residential, retail, commercial, restaurants, and other uses).
  • Allows development without requiring adherence to an urban renewal plan, while granting FRRA authority comparable to its powers within an urban renewal project.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1: MassDOT may convey 21.55 acres of vacant land in Fall River to FRRA. The parcels are bounded by Davol Street, Brightman Street, Turner Street, Hathway Street, President Avenue, Lindsey Street, and related boundaries. The conveyance is subject to adequate compensation determined under the act and agreed to by MassDOT and FRRA’s executive director. A detailed survey will fully describe the parcels.
  • Section 2:
    • FRRA may purchase the land from MassDOT under terms acceptable to both parties.
    • FRRA can develop the land for residential, retail, commercial, restaurant, and other economic uses without needing an urban renewal plan, but will have the same statutory authority as land within an urban renewal project under Chapter 121B.
  • Section 3:
    • An independent appraisal of the parcels’ full and fair market value (or value in use, whichever is greater) must be prepared by a qualified appraiser.
    • The Commissioner of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (CAMM) will commission the appraisal; the Inspector General (IG) will review the methodology and approve the appraisal.
    • The IG’s review and comments, along with the appraisal, must be provided to the House and Senate Ways and Means committees and the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight at least 15 days before any transfer documents are executed.
  • Section 4:
    • Consideration for the conveyance is $1 if the Commonwealth did not previously pay for the parcels; if the Commonwealth did pay, consideration equals the net proceeds of the fair market value (or value in use) allocated equally between FRRA and the Commonwealth over 10 years from enactment.
    • Parcels conveyed “as is, where is, with all faults” using MassDOT’s standard deed.
  • Section 5: FRRA bears all costs associated with the conveyance, including engineering, surveys, appraisals, and deed preparation.
  • Section 6:
    • If the 21.55 acres cease to be used by FRRA for the authorized purposes, the parcels revert to MassDOT.
    • If reverted, further disposition is subject to applicable laws and prior approval by the General Court.
  • Section 7: This act takes effect upon passage.

Who is affected

  • MassDOT: Transfers ownership of the specified land parcel.
  • Fall River Redevelopment Authority (FRRA): Receives authority to acquire and develop the land for economic development, with powers akin to those in urban renewal projects.
  • Commonwealth of Massachusetts: Receives potential financial consideration and regulatory oversight through appraisal and legislative approvals.
  • City of Fall River and local developers/landowners: Potential beneficiaries or competitors depending on development plans and market response.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Appraisal process: Independent appraisal coordinated by CAMM; IG reviews methodology and appraisal; reports and comments shared with relevant legislative committees at least 15 days before transfer documents are executed.
  • Consideration arrangement: If no prior payment was made by the Commonwealth, price is $1; otherwise, net proceeds are shared equally with FRRA over 10 years.
  • Reversion clause: If FRRA ceases to use the land for the authorized purposes, property reverts to MassDOT, with further disposition subject to general laws and required approvals.
  • Effective date: Takes effect upon passage. Some actions (like conveyance and development) would follow the outlined steps and approvals.

Notes

  • The bill as filed grants FRRA broad development authority on the conveyed parcels without requiring an urban renewal plan, while preserving accountability through appraisal, IG review, and legislative oversight. It also places cost responsibility on FRRA and provides a reversion mechanism if the land is not used as intended.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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