The U.S. Commerce Department's economic assessment team trip to Gloucester, announced at the end of March under pressure from Sen. John Kerry, is scheduled for two full days of sessions next week.
Mayor Carolyn Kirk released an agenda of events without locations that includes a series of tours and "by invitation only" meetings with city, banking, business, fishing and government officials.
The full visit is set for May 2-4, with plans for two lunches and a cocktail party, but there is no venue for the general public to speak its mind.
In announcing the field research trips to New Bedford, Portland, ME, Pt. Judith, R.I., Seabrook, N.H., and Montauk (Long Island), N.Y., Commerce Department statements were careful to avoid mentioning financial aid.
Read the complete story from The Gloucester Times.