Fall River City Councilor Chris Peckham is sharply criticizing the Commonwealth’s planned $20 million Braga Bridge lighting project, arguing the money would be better spent addressing the city’s pressing economic, housing, and infrastructure needs.
In a statement released this week, Peckham said the project represents “misplaced priorities” at a time when many Fall River residents are struggling with rising costs, deteriorating roads, and a shortage of affordable housing.
The Braga Bridge is named in honor of Charles M. Braga Jr., a Fall River sailor who was killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Peckham said the bridge stands as a symbol of sacrifice and service, and that legacy deserves respect.
“The Commonwealth spending $20 million to illuminate the Braga Bridge while the people of Fall River continue to face serious economic and quality-of-life challenges is deeply troubling,” Peckham said.
The councilor pointed to several ongoing challenges facing the city, including an estimated median income of about $35,000, lengthy affordable housing waitlists for seniors, deteriorating infrastructure, municipal financial instability, and uncertainty surrounding the city’s current population figures.
According to Peckham, the bridge lighting project is largely cosmetic and fails to address the issues that residents face every day.
“This is not a meaningful investment in the people of Fall River,” he said. “It is an investment in appearance.”
Peckham also expressed concern that the project reflects a broader emphasis on attracting outside investment rather than improving conditions for longtime residents. Referencing comments made by the city’s chief financial officer during a recent City Council meeting about the importance of “new growth,” Peckham said economic development should benefit existing residents rather than contribute to displacement.
“New growth can be positive when it benefits the entire community,” Peckham said. “But when government begins to prioritize attracting and accommodating new development while failing to protect the core residents who already live here, that is not progress.”
He went on to describe that approach as “gentrification,” arguing that Fall River should focus first on investing in housing, neighborhood improvements, road repairs, and long-term fiscal stability.
Peckham concluded by saying the Braga Bridge should remain a symbol of the city’s history rather than become what he called “a symbol of misplaced priorities.”
“Spending $20 million on bridge lighting while the people of Fall River are struggling to remain in their homes is not revitalization,” Peckham said. “It is a slap in the face to the residents of this city.”
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation had announced plans for decorative lighting on the Braga Bridge as part of a broader enhancement project. In fact a recent Herald article from Dan Medeiros stated the following: “The project, which took about three years and over $16.8 million to complete, overhauled the electrical system on the bridge, replaced outdated wiring and safety lighting and more.” So the cost just wasn’t about LED lights.
Supporters of the initiative have argued that the lighting would improve the bridge’s appearance, create a recognizable landmark, and contribute to regional economic development. Peckham, however, maintains that public dollars should be directed toward addressing residents’ immediate needs before funding aesthetic improvements. Photos from last nights event via Carole Fiola Facebook page.
