This March, the Love The Ave New Bedford TDI District, in partnership with the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU) and the New Bedford Department of City Planning, hosted a dynamic three-day design charrette that brought together national urban design experts, local stakeholders, and community members to reimagine the future of The Ave. From March 17-19, approximately 200 people participated in engaging discussions, workshops, and presentations aimed at revitalizing this historic commercial corridor.
The event, held at Our Lady of Angels Band & Cultural Center on The Ave, was an incredible opportunity for the community to help shape the vision for a more connected, economically vibrant, and pedestrian-friendly district. Through targeted stakeholder meetings, public open houses, and interactive feedback sessions, residents, business owners, and city planners came together to identify key priorities and design solutions for The Ave.
The energy and enthusiasm from participants were inspiring, reflecting the community’s commitment to shaping a vibrant and sustainable future for The Ave. The insights gathered during this event will inform a final report set to be released in June 2025. This report will serve as a guiding document for future improvements and investments in the district.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the expert design teams from Arup and Street Plans brought to New Bedford by CNU, as well as to all the residents, business owners, and local leaders who contributed their time and ideas. Stay tuned for updates as we continue working toward a thriving, pedestrian-friendly, and economically strong Love The Ave District.
Though a final report won’t arrive until June, as part of the CNU conference in Providence, RI from June 11-14, some insights can be gleaned from an article posted to the group’s Public Square on its website.
In “The Potential of Places like New Bedford,” Robert Steuteville writes, “Residents said Acushnet Avenue needs more street trees, trash cans to contain litter, places to sit, lighting fixtures, and crosswalks. It mostly needs small changes to show that somebody cares today.”
Of the City as a whole, he writes, “The neighborhoods of New Bedford, the downtown, and the waterfront are major assets. There are many opportunities for growth, economic and otherwise.”
Exploring those opportunities and giving them agency is what the Love The Ave project is all about. And along that journey it’s welcome to receive the guidance of planning professionals, who in turn are guided by the very people who will bring ideas to life and ensure New Bedford, and Acushnet Avenue, does indeed reach its potential.
- The New Bedford TDI District Partnership
A team from CNU, Arup and Street Plans gather input for the Love The Ave Legacy District Project.
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Spring on The Ave – New Bedford’s International Marketplace
You can tell the weather has taken a turn for the better by the number of special events listed below. But Spring is also a good time to get out and shop The Ave! In fact, Spring is the perfect time to explore Acushnet Avenue, New Bedford’s International Marketplace. As the weather warms up, the vibrant avenue comes to life with bustling shops, specialty markets, and lively eateries. From fresh produce and seafood to unique international goods, there’s something for everyone. Spring also brings seasonal specials, fresh flavors, and community events that make shopping here even more exciting. Whether you’re looking for authentic Portuguese pastries, Latin American spices, or handmade crafts, Acushnet Avenue offers a rich cultural shopping experience that’s best enjoyed in the fresh spring air.
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APRIL EVENTS OF NOTE
Colorful debut
THURSDAY, APRIL 10
🎨 Cabo Verde Coloring Book Launch with Meclina Gomes
New Bedford Free Public Library | 🕓 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Meclina Gomes, the talented artist behind the stunning murals adorning the benches in Acushnet Avenue’s Island Park, is bringing her vibrant work to a new medium—a coloring book! The Cabo Verde Coloring Book highlights Cape Verdean culture, history, and artistry through engaging illustrations designed for all ages.
Join Gomes for a special launch event at the New Bedford Free Public Library, where attendees can get a first look at the book, learn about her creative process, and even try their hand at coloring a few pages. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
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☕ EforAll South Coast Presents: Steeped in Success
RoyalT, 1856 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford | 🕔 5:00–7:30 p.m.
EforAll South Coast is hosting a sophisticated tea party to honor the achievements of its Winter ’25 Accelerator cohort. This special event, Steeped in Success, will celebrate the hard work and dedication of emerging entrepreneurs who have spent months developing their businesses through the EforAll program.
✨ What to Expect:
- Meet and engage with innovative local entrepreneurs.
- Learn about their businesses and the impact they are making in the community.
- Celebrate the presentation of seed funding to select participants.
- Network with mentors, supporters, and business leaders.
- Enjoy a tea-inspired atmosphere with refreshments and light bites.
Dress to impress in your finest tea party attire—hats, gloves, and fascinators encouraged! More information can be found on the EforAll South Coast website.
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Celebrating 50 Years
SATURDAY, APRIL 12
🇨🇻 Cape Verdean Association of New Bedford’s Annual Gala
Century House, Fairhaven | 🕕 6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
The Cape Verdean Association in New Bedford is hosting its Annual Gala in celebration of 50 years of Cabo Verde independence! This elegant evening will honor the culture, resilience, and achievements of the Cape Verdean community with dinner, live music, and guest speakers.
Tickets are available at: www.cvanb.org
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Tea Party for Pipe Organ Fund
📅 Sunday, April 27, 1-4 pm
RoyalT, 1856 Acushnet Avenue New Bedford
Tea Party Fundraiser for the benefit of Music at St. Anthony Pipe Organ restoration. The wind chest of the 113 year old historic pipe organ needs to be replaced. Tickets are $20 for RoyalT food and beverage sampling. 50/50 raffle and raffle prizes will be drawn at 3:30. All donations to the pipe organ fund can be made on our website. Contact Gisele Pappas for information 508-264-8010.
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CALL FOR ARTISTS – APPLY NOW
Hatch Street Studios – Spring Open Studios Tour
📅 Saturday, May 10 | 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Hatch Street Studios is inviting visiting artists, crafters, and food vendors to showcase their work during their Spring Open Studios Tour! This is a fantastic opportunity for artists who create handmade and original art, crafts, and gifts to connect with art lovers and potential customers in a vibrant studio setting.
📝 How to Apply:
Interested artists should email the following to [email protected]:
- A brief description of their work.
- 2-3 images of the product(s) they plan to sell.
- Contact information (email + phone number).
- Website and social media links (if applicable).
💰 Cost: $100 per space
Spots are limited, so apply early!
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NOTICE: The City of New Bedford’s annual street sweeping program begins Thursday, April 3rd into Friday morning, April 4th. There is a parking ban overnight (11:50 p.m. – 6 a.m.) on certain streets once every two weeks through Nov 1st to give sweepers full access to the curb. Cars will be towed if they don’t adhere to the parking ban. The second and fourth Thursday of the month affects Acushnet Avenue.
Second and fourth Thursday of the month:
– North Front St. from Coggeshall St. to Nash Rd.
– Ashley Blvd. from Nash Rd. to Coggeshall St.
– Acushnet Ave. from Coggeshall St. to Brooklawn St.
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– The New Bedford TDI District is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood in the central economic corridor of the city’s North End. This distinct neighborhood is characterized by its linear commercial spine of small business storefronts on the ground level of one- and two-story tenement structures along with ethnic restaurants, cafes, bakeries, churches, and social clubs. The supporting dense neighborhood is comprised primarily of multifamily housing for legacy Portuguese-descent residents and Latino, Hispanic, and Central American immigrant populations. At the forefront of priorities for the New Bedford TDI Partnership is place-based economic development that focuses on small-business development, entrepreneurship, and public realm improvements with an arts-and-culture-based approach. Adelsa Mendes is the TDI fellow for the New Bedford TDI District. You can reach her at [email protected]