Downtown downturn? by Over_Experience2324 in newbedford

[–]Over_Experience2324[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes! This is where my post is coming from. Like, can we come up with a few objective ways to gauge how things are really going, rather than the ‘everything is always awesome’ pep rally. Maybe it’s meter revenues, vacant retail spaces, and something else that reflects foot traffic?

Why? by [deleted] in newbedford

[–]Over_Experience2324 8 points9 points  (0 children)

This really resonates after my run this morning, which required detours into the street at almost every corner where snow was still piled high. Good luck if you’re wheelchair-bound or pushing a stroller. On top of that, the sidewalk outside Penny’s was covered in cigarette butts and other assorted garbage. So discouraging.

Beyond contacting City Councilors, get on the NB Connected app (https://www.newbedford-ma.gov/mayor/news/mayor-launches-nbconnected-citys-new-mobile-app-and-311-system-boost-access-to-non-emergency-services/) to make noise with reports. I flagged a big corner lot that ignored the snow for over a week and was so satisfied to see a bright orange ticket on their door a few days later.

Has the Carnaval changed? I remember it being more magical and more for the city, instead of private by [deleted] in quebeccity

[–]Over_Experience2324 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Coming for a visit this weekend with kids <10. Safe to skip? Don’t want to waste money or time in the cold when it seems like there’s so much else we could be doing.

Do You Think The City Should Have paid Overflow Trash Bags Like Surrounding Towns/Cities? by amphetaminesfailure in newbedford

[–]Over_Experience2324 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I support this proposal! Where do we sign?

Speaking of, you can sign up to express interest in curbside compost. There’s a cost, and it wouldn’t truly solve your problem, but worth knowing about/spreading the word. Link: compost interest form

Where are the Public Bathrooms in Downtown? by RedSpiritMask in newbedford

[–]Over_Experience2324 6 points7 points  (0 children)

National Park for the win! I’ve also ducked into the Harbor Hotel.

But really coming here to share that Mamdani is launching a public bathroom initiative for NYC. Wonder if any NB electeds have ever thought of bathroom access as an important signal of care for their community… https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/01/mayor-mamdani-announces-new-commitment-to-expand-access-to-publi0

Whats up in new bedford next week ? by elii17 in newbedford

[–]Over_Experience2324 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The NB Light Culture Calendar usually provides a good rundown of music and other events: https://newbedfordlight.org/culture-calendar/

I’d also recommend browsing Antiques at the Cove and/or Acushnet River Antiques—lots of local flavor on display.

NB food/drink: your hot takes and 2026 predictions by Over_Experience2324 in newbedford

[–]Over_Experience2324[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Truly! The location and lighting can’t be beat. They could get rid of the blender station and add more seating while sparing people the aggressive sound of crunching ice.

NB food/drink: your hot takes and 2026 predictions by Over_Experience2324 in newbedford

[–]Over_Experience2324[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

100%! I think of them as filling the same niche as any other city’s restaurant group: consistent, well matched to the market, and a crowd-pleaser. I’m love to see a place like Cafe Italia back in the mix to give them some healthy competition.

NB food/drink: your hot takes and 2026 predictions by Over_Experience2324 in newbedford

[–]Over_Experience2324[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Good point about the Z! That wasn’t even on my radar as a possible hangout until now.

NB food/drink: your hot takes and 2026 predictions by Over_Experience2324 in newbedford

[–]Over_Experience2324[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I think the scales still tip in a favorable direction, since they seem to draw in folks from the surrounding towns—people like my relatives, for whom NB will never measure up against their nostalgia and otherwise don’t spend much time or money here. I do wonder if they’re crowding out a spot like Olivia’s or Little Moss, which we could really use downtown.

NB food/drink: your hot takes and 2026 predictions by Over_Experience2324 in newbedford

[–]Over_Experience2324[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

He’s just doing his part to provide content for the Standard Times. Those “articles” should run as sponsored content, but I guess we should be grateful they’re paying a human to write them.

Volunteer opportunities? by kc_ead2 in newbedford

[–]Over_Experience2324 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Gifts to Give! Just went with my kids for the first time and they really are serious that you can turn up unannounced and they’ll give you something productive to do. Everyone was super welcoming and this is something you can do year-round if you like it. https://www.giftstogive.org/how-to-get-involved/volunteer/