NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WPRI) — The Massachusetts Inspector General’s Office (OIG) has released an extensive report detailing the alleged mismanagement and financial mishandling of the Star Store in downtown New Bedford.
Last fall, the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Dartmouth vacated the Star Store, ending its decades-long use of the facility for arts education.
The university cited a “lack of available funding” for the decision, raising concerns from local officials and prompting calls for intervention by Gov. Maura Healey.
BACKGROUND: Gov. Healey ‘in discussion’ about future of New Bedford’s Star Store building
The Star Store’s history and UMass lease agreement
The Star Store, built in 1844, was once a bustling department store with more than 150,000 square feet of space…