City of Fall River Dedicates City Pier to State Senator Thomas Norton

On November 5, 2022, the Fall River Redevelopment Authority hosted a Dedication Ceremony for the Senator Thomas Norton City Pier. After forty years of clean-up and redevelopment efforts, this four-acre site has been transformed into an accessible waterfront property to be enjoyed by residents and visitors of Fall River for years to come.

For the last decade, BETA Group, Inc. has been involved in clean-up activities to transform the vacant parcel into a site which can be used for marina, recreation, dining, and waterfront amenities. Initially investigated and remediated as a Brownfields site, BETA conducted a comprehensive investigation of site soils for the presence of PCBs under EPA and MassDEP oversight and using Brownfields funding. BETA prepared an EPA Risk-Based Cleanup Plan, resulting in the mitigation of pollutants and the excavation, removal, and consolidation of soils.

BETA’s landscape architects and planners also assisted the Fall River Redevelopment Authority in developing a vision for this multi-use park. Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan spoke of the benefits of the amenity and emphasized the newly uncovered potential of City Pier. “This area is one of the most popular in Fall River right now,” he said. “It’s used every day by walkers, boaters, and commuters. It’s an honor to provide our residents with another beautiful open space that can be enjoyed for decades to come.”

“I can already picture concerts, food truck nights, workout classes, and maybe a beer garden,” said Mayor Coogan. “The opportunities are endless.”

State Representative Carole Fiola also expressed her excitement for City Pier, recognizing the time and effort put in by several parties to make this undertaking possible. “It’s been a monumental project,” she said, noting the importance of uncovering existing environmental issues to identify the opportunities and limitations within the site.

Congressman Jim McGovern spoke of the economic potential that City Pier now brings to Fall River. “People will come here and enjoy themselves,” he said, “and while they’re here, they may go to a restaurant in Fall River. They may go to shops in Fall River.”

City Pier has been dedicated to longtime elected official Senator Tom Norton. A military veteran, lifelong resident of Fall River, and state legislator for 26 years, Norton “has always recognized the potential of this city,” said Congressman McGovern, “and this is the potential of this city.”