Express lane for Attleboro
ATTLEBORO - Local motorists will get their wish, with the Registry of Motor Vehicles' announcement Thursday it will open an express office in Attleboro to replace a full-service branch that closed in North Attleboro because of budget problems.
The express branch was made possible by an offer from the city of free office space in the former post office building on Park Street next to city hall.
It should open in 30 to 60 days.
"I am thrilled that the RMV will have a new home in Attleboro," Registrar Rachel Kaprielian said. "This partnership will allow us to take care of our customers in the South Coast region and bring a steady stream of business for downtown shops and businesses."
The development is a victory for the local legislative delegation that has been lobbying for an express branch to be located in the area since the North Attleboro office closed in July.
Three area locations were offered to the registry, and state Rep. Bill Bowles, D-Attleboro, took the lead in pushing for the city facility.
Over the past several weeks, Bowles has quietly been meeting with top state officials to pressure them for an Attleboro office.
He has met with the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the House, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and Kaprielian several times to make his case.
Bowles is recovering from surgery on his jaw and cannot speak, but he issued a written statement.
"I am thrilled that through the collaboration of the governor's office, Mayor Dumas, the registrar's office and myself, along with the support of many of my colleagues in the House, that this project could be completed," Bowles said.
"The legislative delegation in the Attleboro area presented a strong voice for an express registry in the Attleboro area. The express RMV is an absolute necessity for the Attleboro community and surrounding areas. Without the dedication of all members involved, I don't believe this project could have been completed."
Other area legislators also spoke out on the issue, saying they could accept any of the locations offered for free, including Emerald Square mall in North Attleboro and a visitors' center off Interstate 95.
"This is good news all the way around. We all worked together on this," said state Rep. Betty Poirier, R-North Attleboro.
Mayor Kevin Dumas weighed in with the state and offered the registry free space in the basement of the former Post Office building, which the city owns.
The mayor also took Kaprielian for a tour of facility.
Dumas and Bowles said the express office would not only provide a service to area residents, but would attract more potential customers to the downtown area, which the city is trying to revitalize.
Since the closing of the North Attleboro branch, local motorists have had to go to Milford, Taunton or Brockton to get licenses and registrations.
Poirier said she has heard "horror stories" of long lines at other registry branches since the North Attleboro branch closed.
The registry was interested in the Attleboro space because it has been trying to stop renting offices and take advantage of free facilities to save money.
"Upon the closure of the North Attleboro Registry of Motor Vehicles, I immediately called the governor and lieutenant governor's office as well as the registrar of motor vehicles to find an alternative solution to a permanent closure in our area," Dumas said.
"Our local delegation, especially Rep. Bill Bowles, led the charge and helped make this endeavor possible."
Bowles said it was a team effort.
Gov. Deval Patrick said in difficult economic times, it is important for state and local governments to work together.
"Our transportation agencies share a common goal of delivering quality and cost-effective customer service," Patrick said. "By partnering with the City of Attleboro, we will achieve this goal for our customers in the South Coast region and help stimulate economic development in the downtown area."
Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray praised Bowles and Dumas for their creative thinking that led to the decision to open an express office.
"This is a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together to address the needs of Massachusetts residents," he said.
Last modified: Friday, September 11, 2009 3:00 AM EDT
BY JIM HAND SUN CHRONICLE STAFF
