Page 16 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JAnuARy 23, 2026 BEACON | FROM PAGE 14 (D-South Boston). “By advancing these responsible tax relief proposals, we can help ease the burden of rising property tax bills on homeowners without harming small businesses or putting our economy at risk.” “I voted ‘No’ … because tax classification, exceptions and credits, particularly when novel, should be addressed comprehensively and analyzed in the context of other new proposals and existing law,” said Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy), the only senator to vote against the bill. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes INCREASE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TAX (S 2899) Senate 5-33, rejected an amendment that would allow the city of Boston to shift more of its property tax burden onto commercial real estate in fi scal years 2027 through 2029. The amendment is similar to the one that has been proposed and supported by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. The amendment would have allowed Boston to adjust its property tax classifi cation if residential properties were set to bear a higher share of the total levy than in fi scal year 2025, with maximum shift levels capped at City of Everett PLANNING BOARD 484 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Frederick Cafasso- Chairman LEGAL NOTICE EVERETT PLANNING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO SECTION 37, “EVERETT DOCKLANDS INNOVATION DISTRICT” In accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 5 and Section 12 of the City of Everett Zoning Ordinance (Revised Ordinances, Appendix A), the Everett Planning Board shall conduct the required public hearing for a submitted zoning ordinance amendment. Said public hearing shall be held during a regular meeting of the Planning Board, scheduled on Monday, February 2nd, 2026 at 6:00PM in the Speaker George Keverian Room at Everett City Hall, Third Floor, 484 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149. At said meeting, the public shall be allowed to speak on the proposed amendment to the City of Everett’s Zoning Ordinance, which contemplates to add “Data Centers” to the Prohibited Uses portion of Section 37’s Use Category Table. A copy of the proposed zoning amendment is on file and available in the Office of the City Clerk and the Department of Planning and Development, both located at City Hall, 484 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 and can be inspected online anytime at http://www.cityofeverett.com/449/ Planning-Board and/or by request during regular City Hall business hours by contacting The Planning and Development Office at 617-394-2334. All persons interested in or wishing to be heard on the applications may attend and participate in the virtual hearing designated above in accordance with the information for public participation that will be included on the Agenda of the meeting that will be posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law under Planning Board at: http://www.cityofeverett.com/AgendaCenter. Questions and comments can be directed in advance of the public hearing to Matt Lattanzi of the Department of Planning & Development at Matt.Lattanzi@ci.everett.ma.us or 617-394-2230. Frederick Cafasso Chairman January 16, 23, 2026 181.5 percent in fi scal 2027, 180 percent in fi scal 2028 and 178 percent in fi scal 2029. Sen. Mike Rush (D-West Roxbury) framed the amendment as a direct response to what he described as a mounting aff ordability crisis for Boston homeowners, particularly seniors and working families. He said the amendment was fi led at the request of Wu and the Boston City Council and closely mirrored a home rule petition approved by the council and first filed with the Legislature in 2024. He pointed to rising residential values, lagging commercial property values and statutory limits on municipal tax increases as drivers of recent spikes in Boston tax bills. He said the amendment would give Boston temporary fl exibility to blunt those increases while state and city offi cials work on longer-term solutions. Rush added that the average tax bill for a family home rose by more than $500 in 2025 and is expected to increase by more than $700 in 2026, while commercial tax rates have continued to decline. He said those increases have disproportionately affected seniors on fi xed incomes. Sen. Will Brownsberger (D-Belmont) argued that the tax shift proposal risked producing unintended and inequitable outcomes. “One narrative, one example, would be, well, I’ve got a struggling homeowner that’s benefi ting from it,” said Brownsberger. “That’s good, and I’ve got an offi ce tower whose private equity owners are paying more taxes. Maybe that narrative makes sense in some cases. But on the other hand, the truth is, we’re lowering … taxes for your very wealthy single-family homeowner, perhaps living in something of a mansion in the most tony neighborhood of the city. And you’re raising taxes on your little garage owner trying to make things work.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes INCREASE TAX RELIEF TO VETERANS (S 1948) Senate 38-0, approved a bill that would allow cities and towns to hike from the current $1,500 to $2,000, the property tax break for veterans and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans in exchange for their providing volunteer services to their municipality. “Our veterans have already given so much in service to our nation, and they deserve to be able to remain in the communities they call home,” said sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Provincetown). “For many veterans on Cape Cod, the Islands and across Massachusetts, rising property taxes are putting undue pressure on household budgets that are already razor thin. This bill gives communities a meaningful property tax relief tool while recognizing the service veterans have already given so they may live with the dignity they have earned.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes CREATE TAX REBATE PROGRAMS (S 2900) Senate 37-1, approved and sent to the House a bill that would give cities and towns the option to create tax rebate programs for residents who already benefi t from a local residential exemption. This new rebate program would allow cities and towns to set income and asset thresholds, tailoring relief to local residents’ needs. “It is critical that we begin this new year by prioritizing municipal property tax relief,” said sponsor Sen. Nick Collins (D-South Boston). “By advancing these responsible tax relief proposals, we can help ease the burden of rising property tax bills on homeowners without harming small businesses or putting our economy at risk.” “I voted ‘No’ … because tax classification, exceptions and credits, particularly when novel, should be addressed comprehensively and analyzed in the context of other new proposals and existing law,” said Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy), the only senator to vote against the bill. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes MEANS TESTING (S 2902) Senate 37-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would make it easier for communities to off er local property tax exemptions to seniors by allowing cities and towns to institute a means-tested senior citizen property tax exemption for income-eligible seniors who have lived in their community for at least 10 years. “Rising property taxes have created serious fi nancial burdens for many elderly residents in my communities and across Massachusetts,” said sponsor Sen. Jason Lewis (D-Winchester). “The legislation that I fi led to provide an option for municipalities to opt in to a senior citizen property tax exemption would allow municipalities to support struggling income-eligible seniors and allow many aging residents the ability to continue to live in their communities and not be driven out due to increasing tax burdens.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico Yes BEACON | SEE PAGE 17
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