NEW BEDFORD — The state has awarded more than $1 million to the city for street improvements near the former Wamsutta Mill, with the goal of encouraging more private investment in the neighborhood.

The money will be used for roadway reconstruction on Wamsutta Street, Logan Street and Acushnet Avenue. The former mill has been converted into an apartment building, and the city aims to revitalize the broader neighborhood — the Hicks-Logan-Sawyer district.

"We want that area to be appropriate and pleasing to people," said Mayor Scott W. Lang, who joined state Transportation Secretary James A. Aloisi Jr. Tuesday at a news conference to announce the grant. "We don't have any doubt that people will dine in that area, will live in that area and will shop in that area."

The work will include improvements to sidewalks and sewers and take four to six months. It will start early this summer and could extend into the next construction season, Lang said afterward. He thanked the city's legislative delegation for helping secure the money.

The once heavily industrialized area is being eyed as a possible location for a casino, in the event the state legalizes casino gambling. The area is also close to a possible rail station, if the state extends commuter rail to New Bedford as planned.

The city is receiving a Public Works Economic Development grant. The state awards these grants to cities and towns for infrastructure improvements that spur economic development.

"It's an expression of confidence in the city," Aloisi said during the news conference. "It's an expression of confidence in the mayor. It's an expression of respect for the need to have regional equity in our investments."

Aloisi said the state will be able to secure money for a commuter rail extension, even in a recession.

"The right way to deal with an economic downturn is to keep moving forward, and we will find the funding," he said, adding the Obama administration is supportive of rail projects.

South Coast Rail manager Kristina Egan said afterward more people living and working in the neighborhood translates into more potential riders for commuter rail.

"It's important to chose a location for a station well, and make it a great place," Egan said.

Stephen Ricciardi, representing the new apartment building, The Lofts at Wamsutta Place, said the area has potential for further redevelopment because of access to Interstate 195 and Route 18.

However, private developers cannot make improvements to the public spaces, so the government needs to provide those type of investments, Ricciardi said.

"Without it, you're not going to get development."

bboyd@s-t.com

May 20, 2009

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