New Bedford, Mass. – Mayor Jon Mitchell announced a proposed ordinance that would bar overnight parking of recreational vehicles, motor homes, trailer homes and campers on public streets and city property. The measure is intended to address a growing nuisance of vehicles that remain parked for days on end in residential neighborhoods.
Resident complaints drive action
City officials say they began receiving complaints in 2024 about an “unusual number” of RVs and campers parked near homes. Neighbors reported that occupants were using sidewalks as extensions of their living spaces and dumping waste in catch basins, creating a public‑safety risk. The mayor’s office noted that the New Bedford Police Department and the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management identified many of these vehicles as abandoned and unregistered.
Enforcement challenges under current law
According to a city news release, under existing statutes the New Bedford Police Department lacks the authority to order drivers to move a vehicle that is parked overnight on a public street. This limitation has left the city unable to address the problem effectively, even after police removed roughly 48 abandoned RVs, campers and boats from city streets.
Proposed ordinance details
The draft ordinance would give the city a clear legal pathway to prevent both abandoned and occupied RVs and campers from occupying street space after dark. It would apply to all public right‑of‑way, including streets in the South End’s Cleveland and Harbor streets and the North End’s Coffin Avenue, where the highest concentrations of these vehicles have been reported.
Mayor Mitchell’s rationale
“Residents in various neighborhoods have complained that abandoned and occupied RVs and campers are a nuisance that clogs up street parking throughout the City,” Mitchell said. “Many municipalities already prevent mobile homes and campers from parking on city streets, and this legislation enables us to address a problem that has frustrated many residents.”
Community response
Local homeowners and neighborhood associations have voiced strong support for the proposal, emphasizing the need to preserve safe, clean streets for families and to protect property values. Some critics, primarily representatives of mobile‑home advocacy groups, argue that the ordinance could unfairly target low‑income individuals who rely on RVs for affordable housing. The mayor’s office responded that the city will work with social‑service agencies to provide alternative solutions for those in genuine need.
Next steps
The ordinance will be placed on the agenda for the next New Bedford City Council meeting, where councilors will debate the language and any potential exemptions. If approved, the city plans to begin enforcement in early 2027, with a public‑information campaign to ensure residents understand the new rules.
What this means for New Bedford families
For families who have long struggled with overcrowded street parking, the proposal promises a return to safer, more orderly neighborhoods. By removing abandoned vehicles and limiting long‑term camper parking, the city hopes to restore the sense of community that makes New Bedford a desirable place to raise children.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
