The New Bedford City Council convened on July 17, 2025, to address several significant agenda items, primarily focused on a major infrastructure project involving the installation of underground electric transmission lines by Cornerstone Energy Services on behalf of NSTAR Electric Company, now operating as Eversource Energy.

The meeting commenced with Council President Shane Burgo acknowledging the presence of council members and a former mayor. A letter from Councilor Derek Baptiste was read into the record, indicating his late arrival due to a family commitment.

The council proceeded to open a public hearing concerning items 1 through 9, all related to the aforementioned project. The proposed work includes the installation of underground electric lines along various streets, including Pine Street, MacArthur Drive, and Walnut Street, aimed at improving system reliability. The project is extensive, covering approximately 4.2 miles and is expected to take over two years to complete.

John Perron from Cornerstone Energy Services presented details about the project, emphasizing the importance of replacing aging transmission lines that have exceeded their life expectancy. He highlighted a legally binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the city, which includes a commitment of nearly $15 million for restoration efforts, including curb-to-curb paving and the installation of new sidewalks and ADA ramps.

Council members raised concerns about the project's impact on local businesses, particularly regarding street closures and access during construction. George Eunice, a business owner on County Street, expressed worries about potential disruptions to his sales and requested measures to minimize the impact, such as night work. In response, Eversource representatives assured that they would work closely with affected businesses to develop plans that would mitigate disruptions.

The council discussed the project's phased approach, with plans to ensure that at least one lane remains open during construction whenever possible. The representatives confirmed that police details would be present throughout the project to manage traffic and safety.

The meeting concluded with no further public comments, and the council moved to receive and place the items on file, indicating their support for the project while acknowledging the need for ongoing communication with the community regarding its execution.

Overall, the council's discussions underscored the importance of balancing infrastructure improvements with the needs of local businesses and residents, setting the stage for a significant transformation in New Bedford's electrical infrastructure.