Fresh Air at Regency Towers

Thanks to information provided by the Lang Administration, and to a forceful push by unions, the SE Massachusetts Labor Council, and allies in the political world, the sale of Regency Towers in downtown New Bedford has gone to a developer who is new to New Bedford, and who promises to have a positive impact on the community.

MassHousing, the state's housing development agency, has long struggled with the building. Poor maintenance and handling of the business end of the building have cost the agency milions. The agency finally threw in the towel, and after foreclosing on the previous owner, decided to sell. The bidding was high stakes for the city, organized labor, and the effort to revitalize the area.

The winning bidder was Trinity Financial which has promised two important things. First, the project will be re-built with union workers. Second, 25% of the residential units will be affordable. Although the building will be converted into condominiums, current tenants will be allowed to stay as renters.

Although he did not endorse a particular bidder, Congressman Barney Frank was a strong supporter of decent wages and working conditions on the project. Similarly, the Patrick Administration stood with us to promote community standard wages and benefits on the project. CLC President Cynthia Rodrigues and the SE Massachusetts Building Trades also pushed hard to obtain a progressive outcome.