THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, OCTObER 10, 2025 Page 25 BEACON | FROM PAGE 23 animal medication prescribed by veterinarians from the 6.25 percent sales tax. Sponsor Rep. Michelle Badger (D-Plymouth) said her proposal is aimed at easing the financial burden on pet owners and ensure pets get the care they need. “This bill provides parity with the existing exemption for human prescriptions, recognizing that pets are family members who also deserve accessible and affordable medical treatment,” said Badger. “With veterinary costs cited as the main barrier for 72 percent of pet owners avoiding care, this measure is a compassionate and practical step to help keep animals healthier and reduce public health risks associated with untreated animals.” HIKE CIGARETTE TAX (S 2200) – Would hike the tax on the sale of cigarettes by $1 from $3.51 to $4.51 per pack. “Studies show that making cigarettes more expensive would deter young people from smoking and encourage those who already smoke to quit by making their deadly habit less affordable,” said sponsor Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy). “At a time when the federal government has undertaken an unprecedented assault on public health, and far too many Massachusetts residents continue to die from cancer, it is urgent that we help keep people from tobacco and nicotine addiction.” CLOSE THE NICOTINE LOOPHOLE (S 1949) – Would broaden the definition of “smokeless tobacco,” which is subject to the tobacco excise tax, to include any product whether chewed, absorbed, dissolved or ingested. “Right now, Big Tobacco and other companies are skirting the rules by selling products made with lab-created nicotine instead of tobacco,” said sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D- Truro). “[The measure] has broad bipartisan support and closes that loophole so all nicotine products are treated the same under state law. This means products like nicotine patches can’t slip through the cracks, making it more difficult for young people to get hooked and ensuring Massachusetts keeps strong protections for public health.” EXEMPT RESIDENTIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS FROM THE SALES TAX (S 1982) – Would exempt home security systems from the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax. “[The} bill provides a sales tax exemption for residential security systems and related equipment, such as wiring devices and appliances used for access control, surveillance and alarm systems,” said sponsor Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “This bill incentivizes and encourages homeowners to more affordably protect their most valuable investment—their homes.” SALES TAX ON DIGITAL ADVERTISING SERVICES (H 3208) – Would impose a 6.25 percent sales tax on digital advertising services that target users in Massachusetts, using tools like IP address or geolocation. The tax would only apply to companies that make more than $2.5 million a year from digital ads aimed at Bay State residents. The funds would be used to support three key areas: local access TV stations; mental health and safe social media use; and research on artificial intelligence in education. “Digital advertising brings in billions of dollars from Massachusetts each year, yet not a single cent is going back to the communities being targeted,” said sponsor Rep. Francisco Paulino (D-Methuen). “Local media outlets, especially community stations, are struggling to survive while Big Tech keeps growing. This bill is about fairness. If you’re profiting from our residents, you should help fund the programs that serve them.” ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL EXCUSE SCHOOL ABSENCES FOR STUDENTS IN NATIONAL OR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS (H 667) – The House gave initial approval to a bill that would permit students who are participating in national or international competitions sanctioned by a U.S. National Governing Body to be given an exception to their absences. It requires that students seeking approval maintain a B grade point average or equivalent and gives the school principal discretion over excuses exceeding seven full days or 14 half days. “I filed this legislation at the request of a constituent of mine after learning of the unintended consequences of the current school absence policy,” said sponsor Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley). “Due to his involvement in USA Fencing, the constituent explained how student athletes involved in national and international competition, sanctioned by a National Governing Body and representing the United States abroad, were having to withdraw from public school and reenroll or pursue other academic opportunities because their travel time for competitions would cause them to violate the current absence policy.” BEACON | SEE PAGE 26 - LEGAL NOTICE - CITY OF EVERETT BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSION 484 BROADWAY EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS 02149 PHONE: 617-944-0211 philip.antonelli@ci.everett.ma.us annette.debilio@ci.everett.ma.us CITY OF EVERETT - LEGAL NOTICE - BOARD OF APPEALS 484 BROADWAY, ROOM 24 EVERETT, MASSACHUSETTS 02149 To Whom It May Concern: This notice is to inform you that a public hearing will be held on Monday October 20, 2025 at 6:00 PM, Everett City Hall, 3rd Floor George Keverian Hearing Room. All interested parties may attend and opinions will be heard regarding the following petition. Whereas a petition has been presented by: Property Address: Map/Parcel: Property Owner: 108 Mt. Washington Street Everett, MA 02149 M0-05-000069 Mr. Christopher Iascone 108 Mt. Washington Street Everett, MA 02149 Proposal: The applicant seeks to convert the existing 2 family residence built approximately in 1894 into a three (3) Family Reason for Denial: Permit was denied in accordance with the City of Everett Zoning Ordinance as follows: • Section 3 General Requirements (P): Up to three (3) dwelling units shall be prohibited except by the grant of a Special Permit by the Zoning Board of Appeals. • The Everett Zoning Ordinance, Section 4(B)(2)b, requires 7,000 s.f. of lot area for a two- family dwelling. Accordingly, the 5,761 s.f. lot is currently nonconforming as to area. An FAR of .93 was found with new dwelling unit where .5 if required. The lot is also nonconforming as front and side yard setback. The addition of a third dwelling unit will increase these nonconformities. A special permit is required, pursuant to Section 3(F) of the Zoning Ordinance. • Also, it appears that the new dwelling unit will be built into and existing “Private way” on The South-East corner, of Woodside Ave., although you have rights to the right of way, you cannot build into the right of way. Public Hearing Monday, October 20, 2025 @ 6:30 PM This notice is to inform you that a public hearing will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025 @ 6:30 P.M. at Everett City Hall, 2nd Floor, in room 27. Opinions will be heard regarding the following application: Texas Roadhouse Holdings LLC, 31 Mystic View Road, Everett, for a Transfer of the All Alcohol, General OnPremise, Restaurant License to Texas Roadhouse, Inc. All interested parties may attend. Phil Antonelli Chairman October 10, 2025 • Pursuant to Section 17.A.1 of the Zoning Ordinance, the existing two-unit residential use would require four (4) parking spaces, but the lot contains only two (2) parking spaces. Therefore, the property is nonconforming as to parking requirements, and your proposal will increase this nonconformity, because six (6) spaces would be required for the proposed three-unit structure. You may either seek a special permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals to increase the parking nonconformity, pursuant to Section 3(F) of the Zoning Ordinance, or participate in the Transportation Demand Management program under Section 35 of the Zoning Ordinance. Rebecca Edmondson - Chairman Roberta Suppa - Clerk of Board of Appeals October 03, 10, 2025
26 Publizr Home