Waterfront Cultural District denies regulatory authority, FRAC director urges collaboration

Representatives of local cultural organizations came before the council to push back against an inquiry from corporation counsel and to request clearer lines of communication with city officials.

David Dennis and Sandra (director of the Waterfront Cultural District) said they had received a brief letter from corporation counsel asking about the district’s authority to regulate waterfront activities. Both denied any regulatory role. “We do not regulate. We do not issue permits. We don't enforce zoning or environmental regulations,” Sandra told the council, explaining that the district’s role is to promote, advocate and market businesses and events in the waterfront area and to support place‑making projects.

The Waterfront Cultural District and the Creative Arts Network, Dennis said, rely entirely on grants, donations and sponsorships; they receive no direct city funding and perform much volunteer work. Tracy Silva Barbosa, who introduced herself as the new executive director of the Fall River Arts and Culture Coalition (FRAC), gave a short overview of FRAC’s six‑year history of public‑art projects, partnerships with local artists and a nascent artist housing initiative.

Several councilors urged the groups to collaborate more closely and proposed convening a meeting of tourism, economic development and nonprofit leaders to reduce public conflict and duplication. Councilor Ponte said he would call corporation counsel the following day to clarify the original letter and explore whether a council resolution or a convened subcommittee could help resolve tensions.

What’s next: Council leadership pledged to seek clarity from corporation counsel and discussed scheduling an economic development/tourism subcommittee meeting to bring the Waterfront Cultural District, FRAC and other stakeholders together for coordination.