Council Receives Petition on Sober Homes, Citing 2,047 Signatures

The City Council received and placed on file a petition from residents expressing concern about unregulated sober homes in New Bedford.

Councilor Joseph Lopes (Ward 5) told the council he submitted a petition signed by 2,047 residents across the city who say they are concerned about unregulated sober homes, group homes and rooming houses operating in residential neighborhoods. "Her petition is basically simple. It's asking that the administration and both our state and federal delegation look at how these are regulated," Lopes said.

Lopes said the petition grew out of a local nuisance case in his ward and that a constituent gathered signatures citywide. He said he has scheduled a meeting with the administration to discuss the petition’s findings and has notified state delegation members.

Action: The communication was received and placed on file. Lopes said further steps will include a one-on-one meeting with administration officials to review the petition and next steps.

Clarifying details: The petition count given to the council was 2,047 signatures; the petitioner sought regulation that would require licensed services, clinical oversight, and staff, as opposed to unregulated homes described by Lopes as "money grabs." Lopes said licensed facilities with clinicians and 24-hour staff were not the focus of the petition.

What’s next: Lopes said he will meet with the administration to discuss the petition and its documentation and expects to coordinate with the city’s state delegation.