Page 6 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2021 Tension mounts over possible zoning change T By Christopher Roberson he proposed zoning amendment to the Everett Land Assemblage has caused even more friction between Mayor Carlo DeMaria and his opponent, Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone. If approved, the amendLawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 Lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ADVOCATE NEWSPAPER FACEBOOK.COM/ADVOCATE.NEWS.MA ment would expand the Lower Broadway Economic Development District to include the 96-acre site. During the special City Council meeting on September 29, Matthew Lattanzi, acting director of Planning and Development, said rezoning the site would prevent it from being used for heavy manufacturing. He also said a special permit would be required for light manufacturing. The assemblage consists of the properties at 52 Beacham St., 51 Robin St., 0 South Farm Rd. and 211 Wharf Area, all of which are currently owned by ExxonMobil. In addition, Lattanzi said commercial real estate company Jones Lang LaSalle is working with ExxonMobil to put the properties up for sale. They will then be marketed to life science and biotechnology companies. However, Capone urged his colleagues to exercise caution as the proposed zoning change could decrease the site’s value and marketability. “Now, we’re reducing the potential buyers,” he said. “Changing the zoning on the fly on an existing company that’s in the process of selling could create some problems.” In response, DeMaria underscored the purpose of the zoning amendment. “While I’m concerned about the progress of the city, Councillor Capone seems more interested in the profit of fuel storage mogul, ExxonMobil,” DeMaria said following the meeting. “The proposed zoning amendment is meant to ensure that the land is used for the best possible use for our city and our environment. We need to ensure that these parcels aren’t sold to another dirty industrial user which brings no value to our city.” Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro also disagreed with Capone. “The reasoning behind the proposed zoning change is to prevent a future buyer from carrying out the existing use of the land,” he said. “This is a unique opportunity to shape the development of these parcels by ensuring the cleanup TENSION | SEE PAGE 16 City investing $100K in grants for small businesses T he city of Everett is awarding a total of $100,000 for a grant program for small, minority-owned businesses and small, women-owned businesses. Both types of business must have between six to 50 employees and have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to be eligible. Nonprofit organizations that are dedicated to supporting socially and economically disadvantaged Everett residents may also apply. Eligible Everett businesses and organizations may apply for a grant of up to $10,000. Applications will be accepted until November 30. In an effort to support as many businesses and organizations as possible, the city of Everett reserves the right to award INVESTING | SEE PAGE 15
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