WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

H 5473

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

Transfer 21.55 acres of vacant highway land from MassDOT to FRRA for mixed-use redevelopment, with proceeds funding transport upgrades and strict oversight.

Amendment #1 (Walsh) adopted
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 5473

Overview

House Bill 5473 (194th Massachusetts General Court) would authorize the conveyance of a 21.55-acre parcel of land in Fall River from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to the Fall River Redevelopment Authority (FRRA) and set out terms for subsequent development, sale/lease, oversight, funding, and reversion if conditions are not met. The bill interacts with existing urban renewal authorities and transportation funding processes, and includes appraisal, oversight, and vehicle-specific revenue provisions.

Primary purpose and intent

  • Facilitate transferring 21.55 acres of vacant former highway land from MassDOT to the FRRA.
  • Enable the FRRA to develop the land for mixed-use economic development (residential, retail, commercial, restaurant, and other uses) under Fall River’s Waterfront Urban Renewal Plan (approved August 2019).
  • Provide a framework for financing transportation-related improvements and infrastructure linked to the land’s development.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1: Conveyance details

    • MassDOT, or its designee, would convey the parcels to the FRRA despite certain laws that might otherwise restrict conveyance.
    • Boundaries and included sub-parcels are specified, with a formal survey to be filed within 180 days after enactment.
    • The conveyance would occur in “present condition, as is, where is” with compensation (to be determined) agreed upon by MassDOT and FRRA.

  • Section 2: Post-conveyance development and authority

    • FRRA may purchase the parcels from MassDOT under terms acceptable to both parties.
    • FRRA may develop, sell, or lease the land for a broad range of economic activities under the approved Waterfront Renewal Plan.
    • Parcels conveyed are exempt from needing to adopt a separate urban renewal plan, with FRRA retaining its existing authority under Chapter 121B.

  • Section 3: Consideration for conveyance

    • Nominal consideration of $1.00 for the initial transfer to FRRA (transaction price).

  • Section 4: Use of proceeds

    • Net proceeds from any land sales or leases would go to the Massachusetts Transportation Trust Fund.
    • A minimum of $10 million must be used to fund transportation-related improvements, including an expandable 200-space off-street parking facility and sidewalk/shared-use path maintenance, per applicable federal transportation guidance.

  • Section 5: Appraisal and oversight

    • An independent appraisal of future fair market value must be prepared.
    • MassDOT and the State Inspector General would review the appraisal, with the IG’s report shared with relevant committees before transfers.

  • Section 6: Upfront costs

    • FRRA would cover upfront costs (engineering, surveys, appraisals, deed preparation), with costs netted from proceeds of Section 2 sales/leases; net proceeds go to the Transportation Trust Fund.

  • Section 7: Reversion

    • If the parcels cease to be used as intended by FRRA or its developers, the land may revert to MassDOT.
    • Any further disposition after reversion would require MassDOT approval and General Court oversight.

  • Section 8: Effective date

    • The act would take effect upon passage.

Affected parties and implications

  • MassDOT: Owns the land and would transfer it under the act; involved in appraisal, compensation, and potential reversion.
  • Fall River Redevelopment Authority: Primary beneficiary with authority to develop, sell, or lease the parcels; responsible for upfront costs and alignment with the Waterfront Renewal Plan.
  • Fall River community and local economy: Potential for new residential, retail, and commercial development; improved transportation-linked infrastructure (parking, sidewalks, paths).

Procedural and timeline notes

  • A survey and formal description must be prepared and filed within 180 days of enactment.
  • Appraisal and IG review processes are specified, with documents due to legislative committees before transfers.
  • The act relies on existing urban renewal authorities and transportation funding frameworks.

Overall, the bill creates a pathway to convert vacant highway land into a redevelopment project with targeted transportation funding and oversight to ensure appraisal-backed, law-consistent conveyance and ongoing accountability.

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

Sign in to ask a question.