THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MAy 15, 2026 Page 7 ENCORE | FROM PAGE 1 they come here and get a reality check on how we feel,” he said. “It’s the only way we’ll get answers from them,” Ward 6 Councillor Peter Pietrantonio agreed. “They treat us like they own the city. Let’s hold their feet to the fire.” Data Center proposal discussed Another long-standing issue that came up was The Davis Companies’ proposal to build a data center in the Docklands Innovation District in the Commercial Triangle bordered by Lower Broadway, Revere Beach Parkway and the Mystic River. A data center is a facility that enables the internet by processing data. Email, web searches and virtually everything on the internet is processed by them. The Science Feedback website reports there are 9,000 in the world, but more are needed and planned. “Without them, our tightly interconnected civilization would not exist,” it explains. It also reports data centers need and use a lot of power, often drawn from local grids, including power needed for cooling. Up to one-third of the power needed may be for cooling. They can run on solar and wind power, but the inconsistency of LAWSUIT | FROM PAGE 6 whether Colameta has pursued any separate administrative remedies or state court challenges related to his removal. As of Monday, no response from the city or Van Campen had been included in court filings attached to the complaint. The defendants will have an opportunity to answer the allegations in federal court. If successful, Colameta could be reinstated to the housing authority board and awarded damages. The case also could prompt broader scrutiny of how municipalities handle appointments and removals following political transitions. For now, the lawsuit underscores lingering tensions from Everett’s 2025 mayoral race and raises questions about the intersection of local politics, public employment and constitutional protections. The complaint ultimately frames Colameta’s dismissal not as an isolated personnel dispute, those sources requires conventional sources of power as well. In Public Participation, Davis Companies’ chief development officer Mike Cantalupo and vice-president for development Ben Masselink tried to allay fears about the impact of such a facility and rebut proposed changes in zoning for the area to ban or limit them. “We know there are concerns and are prepared to impose some significant restrictions,” Cantalupo said. “We understand the need for controls and hope we can find a way to reach an agreement with the city to get to a workable solution.” Masselink added that a data center would be “essential in getting the kind of commercial uses everybody wants.” More specifically, Cantalupo said there are no plans to use the entire 5 million square feet in the area for data centers. Masselink suggested a 200,000 square foot cap, which he said is less than 5% of the area. Councillors and citizens have expressed concern about water use in discussion among the Councillors and during Public Participation at meetings. Data centers use water for cooling, the volume of which could increase water use rates for the residents ENCORE | SEE PAGE 8 but as a warning about political retaliation in municipal government. “The retaliatory termination of Mr. Colameta’s employment as a Member of the Everett Housing Authority,” the suit states, “constitutes interference through threats, intimidation or coercion.” In an email statement released by Mayor Robert Van Campen regarding the lawsuit, it read: “We’re grateful for Mr. Colameta’s years of service, but at this point I believe it’s in the best interest of the City of Everett and the Everett Housing Authority to create space for new representation. The work of the Housing Authority is critical to supporting some of our most vulnerable residents, and it’s important that the board continues to reflect strong engagement and a range of perspectives. Bringing in other qualified members of the community will help strengthen that work and maintain public confidence in the board’s role and responsibilities.” RECOGNITION | FROM PAGE 3 sity baseball team, coached by Brian Blumsack, also in his first season at the helm at Malden Catholic. Aaron’s brother Jared has been living for many years with a rare genetic condition called Sanfilippo syndrome. The rare neurodegenerative disease has taken away his ability to walk and speak, But, for many years, he has inspired others to run or walk in “Jared’s Run,” which is held in Everett. At the Malden Catholic game, this was another type of special recognition, as every member of the Malden Catholic Baseball team wore the specially made game jerseys, indicating their support for their teammate, Aaron, who also plays on the Lancer football team, and his brother. In addition to his brother Aaron, grateful for the show of support for Jared are the two brothers’ parents, Richard and Reia Connor. Richard Connor is a longtime Everett Police Officer and his wife is the owner of Phunk Phenomenon Dance Studio in Everett as well as a former New England Patriots cheerleader. For those with the disease, there is no cure and the life expectancy is 12 to 14 years old. Jared has been a marvel, having this year marked his 21st birthday. “Our team really got behind this cause to support our Lancer player Aaron Connor and his brother Jared, it was great to see,” said Coach Blumsack. “It is an excellent way for Aaron’s teammates to show their support. “Jared’s Run” is organized by Richard and Reia Connor and raises money for Sanfillipo syndrome research with the goal of giving kids like Jar#4 FOR JARED: The special Malden Catholic game jerseys against Bishop Fenwick with the “#4 Jared” patch. (Courtesy/ Gino Spadafora Photo) ed an edge in the fight. This year’s event is planned for Saturday, October 10, starting at the Everett Recreation Center across from Glendale Park at 10:00 a.m. The event is supported by the City of Everett, Everett Recreation and the Everett Police Department.
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