Page 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, JAnuARy 31, 2025 VOTED | FROM PAGE 1 including potential renters’ income and developer costs. Everett is in an AMI cohort that includes similar communities like Malden and Medford, but also dissimilar ones like Lexington, Newton, North Reading and Winchester, which skews the AMI higher. Due to the affluent communities in the AMI cohort, it doesn’t reflect earnings in Everett, so “affordable” rents are based on incomes higher than those in the city. The vote was close, 6-5. Smith, City Council President Stephanie Martins (Ward 2), Councillor-at-Large John Hanlon and Ward Councillors Wayne Matewsky (1), Holly Garcia (4) and Robert Van Campen (5) voted yes; and Councillors-at-Large Guerline Alcy Jabouin, Michael Marchese and Katy Rogers along with Ward Councillors Anthony DiPierro (3) and Peter Pietrantonio (6) voting against. The six votes were enough to pass the first reading, but final approval in a second reading will require a two-thirds majority of eight of the entire Council, as required of zoning ordinances. Animal testing remains prohibited in Everett following a City Council second reading vote to reverse a first reading vote permitting limited testing. The proposal to limit animal testing to small animals like mice and gerbils and prohibit testing on cats, dogs, horses and other domesticated animals, passed by a 6-4 vote on January 13. On January 27, however, a unanimous voice vote on the second reading referred it back to its sponsor, Councillor Smith, effectively killing the idea. She asked that it be sent back to the Subcommittee on Legislative Affairs and Elections for further study after her initial motion for approval was not seconded by any other councillor. After further consideration whether to vote the measure up or down, the councillors settled on referring it back to Smith. In the two weeks between the meetings, many Councillors heard negative comments about the proposal from constituents. “When I took this job, I promised I would do what people want and they don’t want this,” Pietrantonio said. “I’ve voted yes before, but I’ve educated myself on this issue,” Van Campen added. “Science today is making animal testing less effective through modern methods,” a reference to life science companies using computer models and other technology to test the effectiveness of medications, a point also made by Rogers. “There isn’t a significant demand for animal testing,” she said. “There is a movement away from it.” “I support the movement away from animal testing, but Everett is losing out on revenue other cities are getting,” Smith reacted. “A huge priority should be bringing new companies to push the tax burden onto large companies and away from smaller businesses.” Smith has been dogged by allegations she is working on behalf of The Davis Companies, which wants to open up a biotech lab and was heckled by members of the public during her remarks. As she has before, she reiterated she doesn’t work for or represent any company, while admitting she has in the past. “I represent the taxpayers and small businesses being overwhelmed because we have no tax base,” she said. She also said she and other city councillors “know what we can and can’t vote for based on our jobs.” Van Campen thinks the matter should have come up as part of a broader discussion VOTED | SEE PAGE 11
11 Publizr Home