As we kickstart a new week, let’s take a quick look at the top headlines from last week.
This week, Fireside Classic American Grille announced in a Facebook post that it purchased the former Towne Tavern and Tap at 3138 Cranberry Highway and reopened the location as 12 Knots Classic American Grille. The restaurant has a long history in Wareham. Before becoming Towne Tavern and Tap, it was home to Lindsey’s Family Restaurant, a community favorite that operated for more than seven decades before closing in 2022.
New Bedford city councilors are considering another plan to convert a vacant former school into housing. Instead of being developed into apartments, the plan for the vacant former Holy Family Holy Name Elementary School at 91 Summer St. is to create 44 market-rate condominium units. Most of the units will be studios and one-bedroom units with some two-bedroom units, according to the proposal. They will range in price from $185,200 to $327,690.
And, at least 130 people attended a meeting at the Pulaski School to discuss their concerns with the use of automated license plate reader cameras manufactured by Flock Safety. A quarter of them spoke during the July 28 meeting, and there were no outliers. It was unanimously panned as a dangerous intrusion on people’s lives and privacy that had been installed with a lack of public transparency. Police Chief Jason Thody attended the meeting to field questions and said he was open to modifying the city’s contract with Flock or eliminating it.
Make sure to keep up with high school sports with scores, game highlights, and Player of the Week voting at https://www.southcoasttoday.com/sports.
And here were the most-read stories for the week on https://www.southcoasttoday.com:
Bristol County corrections officers are seen walking past the ‘cage’ central section of the Ash Street jail in New Bedford which Sheriff Paul Heroux plans on closing.
A veteran correctional officer is suing the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Paul Heroux alleging employment discrimination and retaliation.
The lawsuit was filed in Bristol County Superior Court on July 23 by Juan Rodriguez and also names BCSO Superintendent Joseph Oliver III as a defendant.
It claims Juan Rodriguez was denied advancement opportunities after being injured in an inmate assault and seeks $500,000 for emotional-distress damages and $40,000 for lost wages.
Lawsuit: Bristol County correction officer seeks $540K
A woman walks along North Second Street in New Bedford past the Benjamin Rodman House on July 27, 2026.
Nestled among the cobblestone streets of downtown New Bedford is a stunning reminder of the city’s whaling-era wealth.
The Benjamin Rodman House is a Federal-style mansion that has survived nearly two centuries at 50 North Second Street. It is considered the only waterfront mansion in New Bedford still standing on its original foundation.
After changing hands many times over the decades, the historic property is once again searching for its next caretaker and was listed for sale at $1,550,000 by Lanagan & Co. Inc.
History for sale: Whaling-era Benjamin Rodman House hits the market for $1.5M
A Fairhaven man was killed in a three-car crash on I-195 Westbound Monday afternoon, July 27, in which one of the cars fled the scene.
Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III announced in a press release that the man was identified as 64-year-old Mario Carreiro of Fairhaven.
The car that fled the scene was identified as a green BMW, according to the release.
GoFundMe launched: family of Fairhaven man killed in I-195 crash
Real estate agent, broker and homeowner Gary Gagne Jr. proposes to redevelop 308 Purchase St. at right into a 10-unit apartment development.
For Gary Gagne, a neighbor willing to give up three parking spaces as “host” spots will allow him to move forward with plans to renovate the building at 308 Purchase St.
Planning Board members expressed concerns regarding available parking spaces for the new 10-unit apartment building. Ten spaces are required by city ordinance.
There will also be space to store at least 10 bicycles with adequate security on site.
Purchase Street: New Bedford developer secures parking for apartments
The Palmers Island lighthouse is seen at the end of a stone causeway as in the background the Cuttyhunk ferry can be seen making its way across New Bedford harbor.
Looking for a summer adventure beyond the usual tourist stops? The Whaling City is filled with hidden gems, historic landmarks, waterfront views and unexpected places that deserve a spot on your bucket list.
Visitors know New Bedford for its whaling history, working harbor and celebrated downtown attractions, but some of the city’s most memorable spots are tucked just off the beaten path.
Summer bucket list: 5 unique New Bedford places you should add
Read these stories in their entirety at https://www.southcoasttoday.com.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Bristol County Sheriff’s Office lawsuit, Flock cameras: Top stories
