2. WRITTEN MOTION, Councillors Abreu, Giesta, Dunn, Lopes, Lima and Markey, requesting that the Committee on Finance, a Representative of the Mayor’s Office, Chief Financial Officer Sky and a Representative of the Economic Development Council discuss the feasibility of implementing a “rent rebate” program, which has helped revitalize economic development in other gateway cities throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; the program would entitle qualifying business owners moving into vacant storefront/buildings a partial rent rebate in both their first and second years of operation to help them get started, the City would accept applications for consideration of locations all throughout New Bedford, there would be a priority focus on development in the north, south and west-end Mixed-Use Business districts. (To be Referred to the Committee on Finance.) (Ref’d 4/26/18) (5/16/18-Chair to create a subcommittee to discuss feasibility of a rent rebate program; tabled)

2a. COMMUNICATION, Councillor Abreu, submitting a copy of the City of Taunton’s Rent Rebate Program Applicant Guidelines. (To be Referred to the Committee on Finance.) (Ref’d 4/26/18) (5/16/18-Chair to create a subcommittee to discuss feasibility of a rent rebate program; tabled)