Winthrop Farwell, Jr. - Brockton City Councilor at Large

10/11/2026

SUNDAY MORNING ITEMS FOR YOU...
*Tomorrow, Monday, October 12th, schools and City Hall are CLOSED for the holiday.
*Curbside trash pickup is delayed one (1) day. Friday pickup will be on Saturday, October 17th.
*The City Council meeting is on Tuesday, October 13th at 7:00PM if you follow city business.

What binds us all together: Say a prayer or have a moment of private silence for Pope Leo XIV who has a nodule on a lung which needs biopsy. Health issues are part of life for everyone, even the Holy Father.

Have a safe Sunday. Rain tonight.

The American pontiff, 71, said Sunday that recent medical checks led to the detection of the early-stage nodule. The procedure will take place this week, the Vatican said.

10/08/2026

NOW YOU KNOW...
1. According to informed sources, the YMCA at 320 Main Street will be sold. The programs offered will be relocated to a new building. The Y is allegedly scheduled to purchase the former ACE Surgical Supply building at Pearl and West Chestnut Street, along with another contiguous property.

2. Interesting, that after decades of having the YMCA located on Main Street, the city council was not informed of these plans, and I'm concerned with what will become of the 320 Main Street property. I wonder how the move from the downtown area will affect seniors and families who use the YMCA.

3. It is my hope the building doesn't become residential for persons needing social services. Brockton already commits extensive resources to agencies and people.

4. Examples: Father Bill's facility at 124 Manley Street - we've had 460 fire or EMS calls since 1/1/2026, 57 calls in the last month. For the 1005 Belmont Street facility, 94 since 1/1/2026 and 14 in the last month. (Source: Brockton FD records)

I am committed to helping people but not if we further strain city services with no financial assistance from the state or other sources. Calls mentioned above mean fire personnel were not available for other city neighborhood assistance.

Most non-profit organizations pay NO real estate taxes. The best example of this is Signature Healthcare - Brockton Hospital and their facilities.

It is important to me you are informed of issues. That is the reason for this posting. Best regards to all.

10/03/2026

ON A WEEKEND NO-ONE REALLY PAYS ATTENTION BUT...

A couple of personal comments are important to share.
1. There are many issues swirling around the city involving school committee members, or the mayor, or whatever other controversies you may find.

2. For those of us honored and privileged to serve you as an elected official, it's important to STAY FOCUSED on issues of public safety, stable city finances, answering constituent phone calls and issues, the importance of educating our children and supporting our city staff whether in the schools or City Hall. Our human resources are our greatest resources. (My granddaughters LOVE their teachers and paras!)

Nothing more. Full stop. End of personal remarks!
Have a great weekend and enjoy this Fall weather.

Win Farwell

10/01/2026

*Update at 10:50am - They are safe with Animal Control. Call 508-580-7835 if you are the owner.*

NEED YOUR HELP - RUNNING LOOSE IN OUR DRIVEWAY ON BRAEMOOR ROAD.

Animal Control notified. Very friendly animals.

09/29/2026

YOU EARN TRUST THROUGH TRUTH...
FIRST ISSUE:
1. Less than 2 months ago we hired a building inspector. This person is a probationary employee who does not have permanent, union status yet.
2. According to a public posting on the internet by the Bridgewater Police Department on 9/23/2026, this person was arrested for drunk driving and carrying a fi***rm while under the influence of alcohol.
3. Building inspectors need to exhibit sound judgement, and they enter homes and businesses to interact with people. It doesn't take a court conviction to tell me this person does not reflect the standards of conduct I would expect in a person who enforces building codes and regulations. However, the city administration will need to decide if we simply let the employee become permanent with union protection. This person is still working and paid.

SECOND ISSUE:
The Old Colony YMCA - 320 Main Street:
*The Y wants zoning changes so the building can become housing and most likely "single-room occupancy" as opposed to apartments or condos. This is being advanced as a state imperative to generate more housing units.
*The recreational and other programs at that location would likely be moved to a location on Pearl Street in Brockton. This is CONCEPTUAL at this point - the Y management must make a final approval.
*Losing opportunities for children and adults to enjoy the programs and services downtown is hard to imagine. I will keep you updated if the "concept" becomes reality

It upsets some political people when information is shared. Sometimes, you can't please everyone.

Have a great week.

09/25/2026

PLEASE TAKE TIME TO PREPARE…
Since we have a significant storm approaching;
1. Stay home and off roads unless you must drive.
2. Have flashlight available in case power goes off.
3. Pets will still need attention. Have a plan to get them out when they need it. Don’t leave pets outside!
4. Remove any items/outside furniture that could blow around.
The safety of your family is Priority 1.
Brockton Emergency Management will keep us informed of any developments as well as local news stations.
Best regards!

(Last rose of the year - will be gone after this storm.)

09/22/2026

BROCKTON FIRE DEPARTMENT - SAFE EDUCATION OPEN HOUSE
October 10,2026
Please mark your calendar!

09/22/2026

ADVANCE INFORMATION - CITY ZONING - DOWNTOWN AREA
On September 14, 2026, a multi-page, proposed zoning ordinance was filed affecting our downtown area especially in the vicinity of the Main Library Branch. It was allegedly initiated by a private attorney who represents the Old Colony Y.M.C.A.

You may find this information under Agenda Item #32 on this attachment: https://brockton.gov/public-documents/2026-09-14-city-council-meeting-meeting-agenda/

The zoning changes specifically mention land parcels owned by the YMCA. The proposal appears targeted toward more housing with "single room occupancy." Is more housing the best objective for our downtown area? More information needed.

I filed to have this matter discussed in a Finance Committee Meeting which is commonly viewed by many residents as opposed to only the Ordinance Committee. Changes in the Downtown District deserve special review and scrutiny. I am NOT pleased with current conditions and will watch this zoning issue carefully.

What is planned? How does it affect the core of the city? What does the YMCA have planned?

Sometimes we have major issues that slip through review and public awareness. Not something I favor! Have a great week.

In City Council September 14th, 2026 Notice is hereby given that the regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council will be held onMonday evening September 14th, 2026 at 7:00PM in the Council…

09/17/2026

FRUSTRATION...YOUR MONEY!
On August 24, 2026, I posted information about wages paid to a school police supervisor whose police certification was suspended by the state (Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission). He was also not reappointed as a special police officer in 2025 or 2026. As of August, $20,709.16 was paid in wages since July 1st.

The new total as of today is: $28,520.65.

In addition, there are two (2) persons on the city payroll who either occupy a position where their temporary appointment by the mayor expired OR the position they occupy was never created by the city council. (Annual wages of $127,680 and $110,605 for those positions.) I'm hoping the state eventually steps in because nothing changes.

Brockton doesn't have money to waste. However, it won't cost a dime to have integrity in government and to comply with laws and regulations.

Thanks for reading this and have a great week.

09/15/2026

JUST FYI - FOR THOSE WHO FOLLOW CITY GOVERNMENT

The City Council meeting last night, 9/14 - was not broadcast live on BCA because of technological issues which may or may not be related to a Phishing attack on internet city email in the afternoon. You may find the meeting here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF2IUnTopqE

Have a great week. Win

Brockton City Council Meeting September 14, 2026