Page 18 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MARCH 22, 2024 City of Everett Launches First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program Residents and City employees can receive up to $20,000 towards the purchase of their first home in Everett M ayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce that the City of Everett has launched the First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program. Those who are looking to purchase a home for the first time in Everett may qualify for a forgivable loan for up to $20,000 towards their purchase. Over a five-year period, 20 percent of the loan is forgiven each year, provided that the borrower uses the home as their only residence. After five years, the loan will convert to a grant and the loan would not need to be paid back. However, if the home is sold, refinanced or the ownership is transferred during the five-year period, the prorated portion of the loan will be due and must be paid back. “Homeownership, particularly among working-class families, has a massive barrier to entry, made increasingly difficult as housing costs outpace wage increases,” said Director of Planning and Development Matt Lattanzi. “Everett’s new First-Time Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program helps to create a pathway for homeownership, allowing our residents to remain in the City longterm while they build equity in their residence.” Utilizing funds from the American Rescue Plan Act Council on Aging announces upcoming road trips for older adults Visit different places throughout New England to enjoy food, activities and more M ayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce that the City of Everett’s Council on Aging (COA) will hold four trips from May to July for older adults. The following are the planned trips: Trip to the Venezia in Boston: On Thursday, April 18, at 11 a.m., the luxury coach will arrive to begin the trip to a beautiful Boston waterfront restaurant Venezia. Upon arrival, a delicious lunch will be served that includes a choice of baked haddock or chicken parmesan. After lunch, sit back and enjoy a show featuring Johnny Cash tribute band “Ca$h Only.” Johnny Cash was a singer, guitarist and songwriter whose music innovatively mixed country, rock, blues and gospel. The cost for this trip is $115 per person. Reservations will be accepted with a check made out to the City of Everett. The deadline to reserve a spot is Friday, April 5. Trip to Pickity Place in New Hampshire: On Friday, May 24, at 8:30 a.m., the bus will depart from the Connolly Center for a trip to Mason, N.H. Discover the gardens and woods of Pickity Place. For over 200 years, this quaint cottage has graced the New Hampshire landscape. Enjoy a seasonal five-course lunch. After lunch, stroll through the gardens and greenhouses that are bursting with spring flowers, fruits and vegetables. Following this visit, the next location will be Parker’s Maple Barn to shop in their unique gift shop. Please note that some of the grounds are uneven walking. The cost for this trip is $99 per person. The deadline to reserve a spot is Friday, May 10. Trip to Maine: On Thursday, June 27, at 9:15 a.m., the motor coach will depart from the Connolly Center for a trip to Maine. The first stop is Stonewall Kitchen, where you can sample delicious jellies, jams and more before you make a purchase. Following Stonewall, it is off to Foster’s for a traditional clambake with a choice of lobster or chicken. After lunch, the next location is Ogunquit Center for an hour of shopping on your own. Upon departing Ogunquit, the next stops will be When Pigs Fly Bakery and Yummies Candies before returning home. The cost of this trip is $110. Trip to Saratoga Springs & Casino: On Thursday, July 25, through Friday, July 26, it’s off to the races for a two-night excursion to Saratoga Springs and Casino. Please see Cathi at the Connolly Center for more details. All reservations must be accompanied with a check made out to the City of Everett. A two-week notice of cancellation is required to receive a refund. Naturally, there are extenuating circumstances. Please see Cathi at the Connolly Center (90 Chelsea St.) to make a reservation for any of the trips. For more information, please call 617-394-2270 to be connected to the Connolly Center or call direct at 617-394-2323. (ARPA), the program will have a total of $400,000. Everett residents who qualify and are looking to purchase in Everett will have $300,000 available. City of Everett employees who are looking to purchase in Everett and work in the Everett Public Schools (EPS), Everett Fire Department (EFD), Everett Police Department (EPD) and City Hall will have $100,000 available. This assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis and the funds may be used to purchase a condo or single-family home. If purchasing a two- to three-family home, the applicant must enter into an agreement with the City and the Commonwealth to rent all non-owner-occupied units below marketvalue in accordance with Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) guidelines. “Our program is structured to be accessible and inclusive; the program description and requirements will be translated in Spanish, Portuguese and Haitian Creole,” said Affordable Housing Coordinator Zerina Gace. “Through this initiative, we’re not solely supporting individual households; we’re investing in our community. Homeownership promotes stability, civic engagement, and fosters a sense of belonging. It is a powerful tool for economic development and community building.” To be considered, a complete application must be submitted along with supporting documentation and proof of eligibility and priority status. Submissions will be accepted until all of the funds are depleted. Applications are available at Everett City Hall (484 Broadway), Office of Planning and Development, Room 25. The application, as well as more information, can also be found online at cityofeverett. com/city-hall/departments/ planning-development. For questions, please email Everett.FTHB@ci.everett.ma.us or call 617-394-2452. City of Everett Announces 2024 Yard Waste Pickup Schedule A great opportunity for residents to keep their property neat and tidy M ayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce the City of Everett’s 2024 Yard Waste Pickup schedule. Every year this service is a great opportunity for residents to keep their property neat and tidy. This year’s schedule will begin in April and end in November. Dates for 2024 Yard Waste Pickup: • April: week of Monday, April 1 through Friday, April 5; Tuesday, April 16 through Saturday, April 20 (note: Monday will not have a pickup due to the holiday and pickup will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week); and Monday, April 29 through Friday, May 3. • May: week of Monday, May 13 through Friday, May 17; and Tuesday, May 28 through Saturday, June 1 (note: Monday will not have a pickup due to the holiday and pickup will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week). • June: week of Monday, June 10 through Friday, June 14; and Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28. • July: week of Monday, July 8 through Friday, July 12; and Monday, July 22 through Friday, July 26. • August: week of Monday, Aug. 5 through Friday, Aug. 9; and Monday, Aug. 19 through Friday, Aug. 23. • September: week of Tuesday, Sept. 3 through Saturday, Sept. 7 (note: Monday will not have a pickup due to the holiday and pickup will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week); Monday, Sept. 16 through Friday, Sept. 20; and Monday, Sept. 30 through Friday, Oct. 4. • October: Tuesday, Oct. 15 through Saturday, Oct. 19 (note: Monday will not have a pickup due to the holiday and pickup will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week); and Monday, Oct. 28 through Friday, Nov. 1. • November: Tuesday, Nov. 12 through Saturday, Nov. 16 (note: Monday will not have a pickup due to the holiday and pickup will be delayed by one day for the rest of the week); and Monday, Nov. 25 through Saturday, Nov. 30 (note: Wednesday will not have a pickup due to the holiday and pickup will be delayed for the rest of the week). Yard waste will be collected on the same day as a resident’s trash and recycling day. Whenever a scheduled collection day falls on an observed holiday, that day’s collection and all remaining collections for the week will be delayed by one day. For example, Friday’s collection will be on Saturday. When disposing of yard waste, please follow these rules: 1. Items must be placed curbside no later than 7 a.m. 2. Only clean yard waste packaged in brown paper bags or in barrels that have the City “yard waste” stickers placed on the outside of the receptacle will be picked up. 3. Clean yard waste includes grass clippings, leaves and small branches (tied, not taped). 4. Please do not include any plastic bags, large branches, rocks, dirt or broken pots. 5.“Yard waste” stickers are for barrels only. Stickers are not needed for paper bags. The stickers will be available at the Constituent Services desk on the First Floor of Everett City Hall (484 Broadway). For large branch removal, please call 617-3942270 or 311 to schedule an appointment for the City mulcher truck. The full calendar can be viewed at any time by visiting cityofeverett.com/city-hall/departments/public-works.
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