The Star Store began as a humble dry goods shop in New Bedford’s whaling era, evolved into a grand downtown department store that died when the malls arrived, and re-emerged as a state arts college, only to close abruptly in 2023 with little notice. New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell recalled this winding history as he […]
Mark Montigny
Posted inArts And Culture, Local, South Coast Bureau
New Bedford’s Star Store sold for $1 to developer of artists’ housing
The Star Store, a former university arts campus in downtown New Bedford that closed abruptly in 2023, has been sold to a nonprofit that develops housing and workspace for artists. The Arts & Business Council Of Greater Boston purchased the Star Store for $1 on Thursday, according to a deed filed with the Bristol County […]
Posted inEducation, Local, South Coast Bureau
As Star Store campus closed, politician kept six-figure maintenance job
When UMass Dartmouth began renting the Star Store in 2001, the university entered into a public-private partnership that dazzled the city of New Bedford with promises of economic renewal. With an annual earmark of $2.7 million in the state budget, the Massachusetts legislature created a new college campus for the arts in the heart of […]
Posted inEducation, Local, South Coast Bureau
Investigation unravels how New Bedford lost its downtown arts college
When UMass Dartmouth announced the sudden closure of its downtown arts campus in New Bedford last year, just three weeks before classes began, politicians and university officials were quick to point fingers. Conflicting allegations created a confusing tangle of blame, as movers emptied two decades worth of art and studio equipment from the sprawling beaux […]
Posted inLocal, Politics, South Coast Bureau
Globe investigation scrutinizes State Sen. Montigny’s $61,000 stipends for ‘bogus’ committees
A new Boston Globe investigation published Friday puts State Sen. Mark Montigny of New Bedford in its crosshairs. The investigation found Montigny earns $61,000 in extra pay for leading two legislative committees that have not held any public hearings or considered any bills this session. Those stipends have bumped up Montigny’s annual pay to $162,000. […]
Posted inBusiness, Local, Politics, South Coast Bureau
New Bedford pols bury the hatchet and try again with State Pier redevelopment
Plans to redevelop a central slice of New Bedford’s waterfront have begun to move forward again after a dispute between local politicians last year cast some doubts over the future of the project. On an industrial waterfront that prides itself for preserving its fishing industry, the New Bedford State Pier has emerged as a unique […]
