NOTE: THIS MEETING IS BEING LIVE STREAMED AND RECORDED. CITY COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS CAN BE VIEWED ON THE CITY OF NEW BEDFORD’S HOMEPAGE UNDER QUICK LINKS, THEN MEETINGS.
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. PUBLIC HEARING on AN APPLICATION, Moses N. Kisembo, d/b/a Knd Auto Rentals, LLC, for a SPECIAL PERMIT for Motor Vehicle Sales and/or Rentals, at 297 Belleville Avenue, New Bedford, MA 02746. (Application Received – February 19, 2026.) (Duly advertised in The Standard-Times on Thursday, March 05, 2026 and Thursday, March 12, 2026.)
INVITEES: Atty. David Gerwatowski, Legal Counsel; Moses N. Kisembo, Applicant; Danny Romanowicz, Commissioner, Department of Inspectional Services; Abutters
2. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Abreu and Oliver, requesting that the City Council engage the appropriate City department heads to explore the feasibility of permitting Host Community Agreements (HCAs) for onsite cannabis consumption establishments, commonly referred to as cannabis consumption lounges or social consumption establishments, in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws and Cannabis Control Commission regulations adopted in 2025; and further, requesting that said departments report back to the City Council with findings, recommendations, and any necessary local actions required to lawfully implement such establishments within the City of New Bedford. (To be Referred to the Special Committee on Special Permits and Licensing, Health Department Director Stephanie Sloan, Police Chief Jason Thody, Planning Department Director Jennifer Carloni, City Solicitor Eric Jaikes and a Representative from the Mayor’s Office.) (Matter ID # 0178) (Referred - February 12, 2026.)
INVITEES: Jennifer Carloni, Director, Planning Department; Eric Jaikes, City Solicitor; Stephanie Sloan, Director, Health Department; Jason Thody, Chief of Police; Representative, Mayor’s Office
3. RELATED MOTION, Councillor Lopes, requesting, that the City Council engage the appropriate City department heads to explore the feasibility of permitting onsite tobacco consumption, commonly referred to as Cigar Lounges. (Matter ID # 0179) (Referred - February 12, 2026.)
INVITEES: Jennifer Carloni, Director, Planning Department; Eric Jaikes, City Solicitor; Stephanie Sloan, Director, Health Department; Jason Thody, Chief of Police; Representative, Mayor’s Office
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if any accommodations are needed, please contact the City Council Office at 508-979-1455. Requests should be made as soon as possible but at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.