Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan put a spotlight on the city’s response to COVID-19 while also updating residents on the progress of other city initiatives during his informal State of the City Address last night.
Originally scheduled for mid-March, the mayor’s annual update to city residents was postponed due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mayor Coogan led his address by saying no one could have predicted that the first eight months of his administration would be consumed dealing with a global pandemic. He said he is grateful for the cooperation of city workers, first responders and the local healthcare community for helping Fall River deal with the effects of the virus.
The mayor said eight months into the pandemic, the city is in a better position to deal with the increased number of cases that have been reported this fall.
While COVID-19 has been at the forefront of his work, Mayor Coogan said his administration has begun to make progress on other priorities. More money has been earmarked to improve city streets, sidewalks and parks. And his administration has been moving forward on a number of economic development projects delayed by the pandemic.
The mayor said he is interested in expanding affordable housing opportunities for residents and helping the homeless get back on their feet. He said he is also looking to renew his commitment to dealing with opioid addiction in Fall River.
Mayor Coogan said he will continue to focus on supporting public safety, pointing to the hiring of Police Chief Jeffrey Cardoza, the institution of twelve-man squad cars, and the future addition of twelve officers currently training at the police academy.
The mayor said the new Durfee High School will open next fall, on time and within budget. He also rededicated his commitment to caring for students’ social and emotional well-being while taking classes under the hybrid learning model forced by the pandemic.
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