Citizens~Union to build new branch

NEW BEDFORD – Citizens~Union Savings Bank recently broke ground on a 3,400-square-foot branch along Ashley Boulevard in New Bedford.
Architect Jo Ann Bentley, of Pace Project Management and Collins Construction Co., will design and build the branch that is anticipated to include offices, a conference room, a 24-hour drive-up ATM, night drop and safety deposit boxes. Work is expected to be completed this summer.
“We sincerely appreciate Citizens~Union Savings Bank’s substantial financial investment in building a full-service branch in the north end, their second branch in the city of New Bedford,” Mayor Scott Lang said in a statement. “This project provides construction jobs and banking jobs. We value Citizens~Union’s continued confidence in our community and local economy.”
New Bedford lost 200 construction jobs in February compared with a year earlier, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. The industry employed 1,800 people in February, down from 2,000 a year earlier, the association said. Statewide, Massachusetts lost 16,200 construction jobs in year-over-year comparisons.
The new branch will become Citizens~Union’s 10th branch. The Fall River-based bank operates in Rhode Island as well as the Bay State.