THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEmbER 16, 2022 Page 5 City Council mull walk through of Pope John parcel By Tara Vocino C ity Councillors recommended favorable action for the administration to provide an update on the disposition on the former Pope John HS site and suggested councillors take a walk through the former school during Monday’s meeting at City Hall. The administration, and any related departments, will appear at the next City Council meeting in two weeks to discuss making Pope John a school and to get estimates on what it would cost the city to renovate it for school use as well as the cost to the city to keep it as aff ordable housing. Councillors will walk through the school before the next council meeting. Councillor Stephanie Smith said there wouldn’t be a vote coming up Monday on the disposition — only information provided by Mayor’s Chief of Staff Erin Deveney and Superintendent of Schools Priya Tahiliani. “I have ideas about this, Smith said. “If we take the 8th and 9th graders out of every school, it would solve the entire problem.” Councillor-At-Large Richard Dell Isola said a year ago, he would have voted for affordable housing; however, he needs to see the numbers. “The school is looking better and better,” Dell Isola said. “I don’t want to wait months to have questions answered.” Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins wanted to see a cost analysis, including the former Everett High School her decision alone. “There are a number of different options, including a pre-k-8 building,” Tahliani said. “Other options are a high school.” Tahliani said there are difPope John High School Alumni Association President Beverly Leonard said children must come first during Monday’s city council meeting public comment. on Broadway. “What will the impact be on taxpayers?,” Martins asked. Deveney said previously, the mayor offered for the council a request to approve a disposition agreement that would authorize the transfer of Pope John to The Neighborhood Developers. Since 2019, there has been a proposal to use the Pope John parcel for aff ordable housing. “There’s been a change in public conversation and discourse since then,” Deveney said. “The Neighborhood Developers engaged in three community meetings in August to get feedback from the residents.” Deveney said the administration believes Pope John provides an aff ordable housing solution while the city explores options for educational space. They did hire an architectural fi rm, which suggested using it as an elementary or a K-8 model. She added that it’s important for the council to consider the cost implications, adding they want to ensure it’s not a quick fi x. 2.25 %APY* With rates like this, earning while you save is easier than ever. Ask about our in-home or office concierge service. EARN INTEREST WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS FROM A NEW MILESTONE SAVINGS ACCOUNT. Saving is hard. We get it. Life gets in the way. That’s why we created the Milestone Savings Account. With an amazing 2.25% APY* and no restrictions, reaching those financial goals gets a lot easier. Stay liquid. Earn while you save. And do it easily with a New Milestone Savings Account. Go to everettbank.com for details. During public comment, former city councillor Fred Capone said it’s unacceptable to convert closets and hallways into classrooms. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) Martins asked Tahiliani what her vision would be for Pope John. She stated that she will provide a needs assessment at the next City Council meeting. She responded that it’s not ferent benefi ts and disadvantages of each use. She said she doesn’t think Pope John will solve every problem, but it would solve some of the problems. Ward 3 City Councillor Darren Costa asked about the submitted Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) application. Deveney replied that they anticipate a decision within the calendar year. J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. Tahliani said her preference would be a school building over modular units. Deveney said a portion of the funds could be used. She said they get calls from seniors who are crying, who are losing their house in Everett. “I can’t say there’s no need for aff ordable housing in the community,” Deveney said. “Our conversations rebut those statements.” She added the mayor and council members voted on the decision in 2019. Smith said no one on the council is against senior housing; however, she said they POPE JOHN | SEE PAGE 9 S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. 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