Minutes- September 2025 Meeting

Karla Rogers • October 2, 2025

Minutes

Date | time 9/23/2025 12:05pm | Meeting called to order by Jonathan Jamoulis

In Attendance

Joseph Thompson, Emma Reardon, Susan Nicastro, Peter Reardon, Robert Ford, Chris Gowell, Derek Salamone, Karl Schuler, Tom Thibeault, Greg Belcher, Michael Lynch, Alex Callahan, Susan Nicastro, Jonathan Jamoulis, & Karla Rogers

Approval of Minutes

N/A

Individual introductions made to the group.

Special Guests

· Several members of the Brockton Fire Department

· Meeting was held at the Cape Cod Cafe which is located at 979 Main St in the Campello neighborhood. Lunch was provided by Cape Cod Cafe as well.

Treasurer’s Report

· Beginning balance $35453.30

· Receipt of $2000.00

· Debit of $295.00

· Ending balance $7158.30

Motion to accept report made by Tom T, second by Lisa, accepted by group.

- Recent participation, thanks to Karla in a grant-funded “City’s Thriving Communities” initiative. The City of Brockton received technical assistance through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Thriving Communities Program (TCP) for 2023–2025.

- Brockton was matched with the WSP Capacity Building Team under the Complete Transit-Oriented Neighborhoods cohort.

- The grant supports development of a citywide Engagement Toolkit to improve collaboration with residents and stakeholders on infrastructure projects.

- Community brainstorming sessions were held (approx. 8–10 meetings), exploring ideas for business support, events, and outreach.

- Participants, including businesses and residents, were eligible for $2,000 stipends for involvement.

- Campello neighborhood was actively represented in the initiative.

Guest Speakers

- Patrick Flynn, CEO Copper Mill Real estate Development

Copper Mill is a privately held real estate development firm co-founded by CEO Andrew Flynn & his brother, Andrew. Our area is well known to them as their mother was born & raised in Brockton.

It was established in 2023 and is based in Boston. Flynn, previously the CEO of Scape North America, started the company and has been actively involved in pursuing projects in the Boston area.

In addition to its leadership, Copper Mill frequently partners with other firms on its projects.

A nearby example of a Copper Mill project is 75 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester:

Copper Mill partnered with Chicago-based real estate investment firm POB Capital on this large redevelopment project.

Key Points

- **Fairgrounds Redevelopment**: With the help of the Carney family, Copper Mill is working on a major redevelopment of the Fairgrounds site, splitting it into housing (about 1,750 units, mostly garden-style apartments) and light industrial/warehouse uses. About 55-60% of the 66–70-acre site is allocated for housing, with the remainder for industrial use. The project is phased, and infrastructure, traffic, and community input are being carefully considered. No affordable housing is currently included. Master plan will be shared with group soon.

- **Economic and Market Context**: The local housing market is strong, with high occupancy rates for new apartments. Capital markets are stabilizing, making financing more accessible. Construction costs are rising modestly, but not as much as feared. The Econ Develop. Office is working with them but no involved in the current phase. Conversations with the state are ongoing & they have a high interest in pushing funds for Brockton.

- **Community Engagement**: The developers emphasize community input and collaboration with city and state officials, with plans for mixed-use spaces and retail to meet local needs. The need for a rotary or street access TBD. Concerns were raised regarding an increase in services required of our already overburdened Public Safety departments, to which Mr. Flynn assured these concerns will be discussed as the project progresses.

Community Outreach

Officer Derek Salamone & Firefighter Peter Reardon, with a note from Emma Riordan, representing the mayor’s office

** Public Safety and Police **: Staffing challenges persist for the police department, with ongoing recruitment. Issues such as car meetups and car break-ins in large parking lots are being addressed. The new safety building is nearing completion, with phased move-in planned. As winter sets in, shorter daylight hours and colder conditions can impact visibility and safety around your business. Here are a few key reminders to help you prepare:

- Turn on exterior lights early to improve visibility for customers and deter potential criminal activity.

- Secure all vehicles—avoid leaving them unlocked or running unattended.

- Winter Parking Ban: From December 1 to April 1, parking is restricted between 12:00 AM and 7:00 AM. Please inform staff and customers to avoid fines or towing.

** Fire Department Public Education **: The fire department safety program, led by Peter Riordan, is expanding fire safety education in schools (K-12) and for seniors, including a new youth academy and multilingual outreach efforts. Senior education programs have grown significantly, with interpreters assisting non-English speakers.

Grant Overview:

- The current public education grant totals $14,800, supporting K–12 fire safety education.

- The state requires third-grade testing for eligibility; currently, the program serves K–3 across 265 classrooms.

- A pilot program for 7th grade was successfully launched at West Vian High, with full 7th-grade rollout planned.

- Program Development:

- The fire safety curriculum was rebuilt to be modern, interactive, and internet friendly.

- A new initiative for 10th graders includes a poster and video contest to promote self-led fire education.

- Youth Academy Launch:

- A 12-week Youth Academy begins next Tuesday at Station 6, serving Brockton Public Schools.

- Initial cohort includes four students, with plans to expand in early 2026 pending grant outcomes.

Senior Education Expansion:

- Grant funds also support senior fire safety education.

- Monthly classes at the Council on Aging have grown from 7 to 30 attendees.

- Partnered with BHA to deliver classes at all 11 buildings, including Sullivan Towers and Rainbow Terrace.

Language Access & Inclusion:

- Recognizing a high percentage of non-English-speaking seniors, partnerships were formed with the Cape Verdean Association and Haitian Community Partners. Interpreters now assist with classes, improving engagement and retention. Example: At Campbell High Rise, 18 non-English speakers attended and stayed for the full session.

Community Impact:

- Programs are showing measurable success in engagement and awareness. Efforts continue to ensure language accessibility, especially for emergency response education.

- BFD Safety Education Open House 10/11/25- see flyer for more details.

** City Services and Communication **: Updates on road closures and city app usage were provided, with reminders about emergency reporting protocols. Filming of Dead city walk-ins is underway; expect road closures next Monday on Legion Parkway and East 13th Street—updates will be posted on Facebook.

- The SeeClick Fix app is a useful tool but is not monitored 24/7; reports submitted on weekends may not be addressed until Monday.

- For emergencies, residents should call police, fire, or water dispatch directly—not use the app.

Councilor Susan Nicastro

- The Bradford Taylor property and Green Mile Auto have changed hands, with new leasing and expansions planned.

- The Marciano Homestead was added to the National Register of Historic Places, now functioning partly as a museum.

- Westgate Mall is hosting a successful annual food truck and craft beer festival.

- Councilwoman Nicastro discussed recent and upcoming elections, her motivations for continued service, and shared a personal story about helping a resident.

- Questions were raised about the Grove st Lander home,