THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, AugusT 15, 2025 Page 17 BEACON | FROM PAGE 16 The amendment would require the Department of Housing and Community Development to develop and promulgate regulations allowing a city or town affected by the zoning provisions of the MBTA Communities Act to appeal for relief from those provisions. The amendment would also require any appeal to be based on at least one of the following criteria: the community’s inability to meet the drinking water supply or wastewater requirements necessary to support the housing units authorized by the law’s zoning provisions; the inability of municipal transportation infrastructure to safely accommodate the increased population attributable to this housing development; and any adverse environmental impacts attributable to the development of housing units under this act. “Allowing for these exceptions provides an avenue for a town to rightfully appeal the MBTA Community decision in cases where more harm than good is present,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), the sponsor of the amendment, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on his amendment. “I voted against [this amendment] because it was based on what I believe is the inaccurate premise that a municipality must permit construction of housing in MBTA community zones even if there is an inadequate drinking water supply, wastewater capabilities, transportation infrastructure and environmental protections,” said Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy). (A “Yes” vote is for the amendment allowing an appeal. A “No” vote is against the amendment.) Sen. Sal DiDomenico No ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL $300 MILLION FOR LOCAL ROADS AND BRIDGES (H 4307) – Gov. Healey signed into law a $1.2 billion transportation bond bill that includes authorizing $300 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state. The $300 million is a 50 percent increase over last year’s funding. The measure provides that $200 million be distributed to all cities and towns based on the standard Chapter 90 Program distribution formula while $100 million would be distributed to all municipalities based solely on road mileage. The package also contains $885 million for other transportation-related projects including $500 million for roads and bridges that are in the worst condition; $200 million to repair local culverts and small bridges under 20 feet that are in a state of disrepair or require replacement; and $185 million for capital projects to reduce congestion hotspots. “Through this Chapter 90 funding, we will upgrade roads and bridges across the state to improve transportation, reduce congestion and enhance safety,” said Gov. Healey. “Whether it’s helping a city repave a key commuter route or giving a small town the resources to replace a flood-prone bridge, this bill is delivering the resources our communities need to deliver for their residents.” “As a former mayor, I know how transformational this funding can be when it comes to planning, budgeting and delivering the infrastructure our communities deserve,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll. “This bill is a win for every city and town, as well as every person who travels across our state.” “This legislation reinforces the very foundation of our transportation system, starting in the communities where people live, work and navigate daily life,” said Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “It reflects our shared commitment to building safer streets, expanding access to public transit, and creating infrastructure that doesn’t just support economic growth, but actively advances equity and climate resilience. With our municipal partners, we’re not just repairing roads. We are reshaping the future of transportation to be more just, sustainable and inclusive.” REPRODUCTIVE AND TRANSGENDER CARE PROTECTIONS – THE SHIELD ACT (H 4271) – Gov. Healey signed into law the “Shield Act” which would prohibit state agencies, employees and law enforcement from cooperating with investigations by other states or the federal government, into reproductive or gender affirming health care that is legally protected in Massachusetts. Other provisions include enhancing license protections for anyone providing or assisting in reproductive or transgender care; forbidding insurance companies from discriminating against or penalizing providers who offer reproductive and gender-affirming care; and protecting attorneys licensed in Massachusetts from removal or discipline for advising or representing clients on the topics of reproductive or transgender care. “Massachusetts will always be a state where patients can access high-quality health care and providers are able to do their jobs without government interference,” said Gov. Healey. “From the moment Roe was overturned, we stepped up to pass strong protections for patients and providers, and with President Trump and his allies continuing their assaults on health care, we’re taking those protections to the next level. No one is going to prevent the people of Massachusetts from getting the health care they need.” “Once again we are standing up to defend the rights of Massachusetts residents,” said Sen. Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington) Senate chair of the Committee on Health Care Financing. “Facing a wave of new threats on our autonomy from the federal government and other states, this legislation will enhance the protections for patients and providers we first put in place in 2022. In the commonwealth, legally protected health care is just that, and we will always step up to uphold this and fight for our residents.” “In Massachusetts, our resiBEACON | SEE PAGE 18 City of Everett Conservation Commission Everett City Hall, Room 25 484 Broadway Carlo DeMaria Mayor Everett, MA 02149 LEGAL NOTICE The Everett Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 7 PM pursuant to the Wetlands Protection Act, M.G.L. 131 c40. The hearing will include consideration of a Notice of Intent by Valerie Locker of Tighe and Bond representing the NSTAR Electric Company, for geotechnical survey borings to investigate sub-surface conditions below the Mystic River for proposed replacement of underground transmission lines between Everett and Somerville. Said hearing will be held in the George Keverian Meeting Room, City Hall, 484 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149. To view application and related plans, contact the Conservation Agent Tom Philbin 617-309-8038. Eamon Kernan Chairman Everett Conservation Commission August 15, 2025 City of Everett Conservation Commission Everett City Hall, Room 25 484 Broadway Carlo DeMaria Mayor Everett, MA 02149 LEGAL NOTICE The Everett Conservation Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at 7 PM pursuant to the Wetlands Protection Act, M.G.L. 131 c40. The hearing will include consideration of a Request for a Determination of Applicability (RDA) by Craig Marchionda, of Marchionda and Associates, L.P. representing Gabriel Silva for a proposal to raze an existing two-family dwelling located at 19 Paris Street and the attached garage and construct a four story, 5-unit town house were a small portion of the property is on land subject to coastal storm flowage. Said hearing will be held in the George Keverian Meeting Room, City Hall, 484 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149. To view application and related plans, contact the Conservation Agent Tom Philbin 617-309-8038. Eamon Kernan Chairman Everett Conservation Commission August 15, 2025
18 Publizr Home