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Page 26 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, NOVEmbER 7, 2025 BEACON | FROM PAGE 25 all existing authority to supplement and transfer available funds to sustain SNAP benefits throughout the duration of the ongoing federal government shutdown. The second one is in the form of a letter that urges the House-Senate conference committee that is hammering out a fiscal year 2025 supplemental budget, to include funds for the SNAP program in its budget. Supporters said that any disruption in SNAP benefits, even brief, “would threaten the food security and well-being of residents of the Bay State, disproportionately burdening seCITY OF EVERETT - LEGAL NOTICE - ZONING 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 November 17, 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: Property Owner: Applicant: 219 Main Street E0-01-000076 Main and Linden LLC 6 Cider Mill Rd. Mr. Nick Landry 546 E. Broadway Boston, MA 02127 Description of Property and Proposal The subject property is located in the Business District, contains approximately 13,872 square feet of area, and is improved with a 5-unit residential structure. The applicant proposes to construct a second structure containing an additional 14 dwelling units and one commercial unit on the first floor. Reason for Denial: 1. Multiple Residential Buildings on a Lot: Section 3.M of the Zoning Ordinance prohibits multiple buildings on a lot occupied for residential purposes. A variance is required from the Zoning Board of Appeals. 2. Height: The applicant proposes to construct a new six-story structure. Section 6.B.3 of the Zoning Ordinance allows a maximum of four stories. A variance is required from the Zoning Board of Appeals 3. Side Setback: The subject property abuts land in a Dwelling District. Therefore, Section 6.B.5 of the Zoning Ordinance requires side setbacks of 7 feet. According to plans submitted by the applicant, the building foundation and primary wall will be 7 feet from the side (southerly) property line. However, proposed upper floor balconies will project closer than 7 feet from the property line. A variance is therefore required from the ZBA from the requirements of Section 6.B.5, which states “There shall be no projections allowed within the required side yards.” 4. Parking: The applicant must comply with the Transportation Demand Management requirements of Section 35 of the Zoning Ordinance. Rebecca Edmondson - Chairman Roberta Suppa - Clerk of Board of Appeals October 31, November 7, 2025 niors, children and individuals living with disabilities.” They noted that “more than 5,500 retailers in the state participate in SNAP, with purchases accounting for up to 20 percent of all grocery spending in some stores” and argued that “an interruption in benefits would destabilize local grocers, undermine jobs and cause cascading harm to farmers, fishers and food producers.” The House sent a letter to U.S. Sens. Ed Markey and Liz Warren urging them to work with their colleagues in the Senate to resolve the continuing impasse as quickly as possible. “As members of the Massachusetts Legislature, we are writing to express our deep concerns about the ongoing federal government shutdown’s detrimental impact on individuals and families,” reads the letter. “The consequences of the federal government shutdown are already having a far-reaching adverse impact on our constituents and their daily lives, but the problem is only going to get worse the longer this shutdown continues. Workers, including air traffic controllers and other essential employees, are going without pay or being furloughed. with about 25,000 federal employees in Massachusetts being impacted, among them members of our military. Small businesses that depend on government operations are also struggling, and our local economies are being placed under increasing strain.” The letter continues, “Because of the shutdown, people who depend on having a strong safety net in place are now bracing for the imminent disruption of vital federally funded food and nutrition programs, including SNAP and the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program. In addition, more than 10,000 Massachusetts children are facing cuts in Head Start services, which are critical to promoting school readiness for preschoolers under the age of 5. The letter concludes, “The ongoing stalemate at the federal level is untenable and is creating significant hardships and uncertainty for many Americans. We cannot allow this situation to continue indefinitely without a resolution because far too many people are being hurt by Congress’ inaction. While both parties may disagree on certain policy priorities, maintaining the basic operations of government and protecting the people we serve should never be a partisan issue.” In the meantime, a federal judge in Boston ruled that the Trump administration must continue to fund SNAP as the government shutdown threatens food aid benefits for millions of Americans, ordering the White House to outline a plan to provide at least partial assistance starting Nov. 1. The ruling comes after a coalition of 25 states, including Massachusetts, sued to compel the administration to release the contingency funds for SNAP. Judge Indira Talwani of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts said the administration’s suspension of benefits “is contrary to law,” noting that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is statutorily required to use previously appropriated SNAP contingency funds when necessary and has discretion to use other available funds. “Today’s court rulings affirm what we have known all along: the federal government must follow the law,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “It has both the responsibility and the means to ensure that no person in our great country goes hungry.” She urged the federal government to comply with the law and provide this essential funding. VETERANS DISABILITY LICENSE PLATE (H 3657) – The House gave initial approval to legislation that would amend the eligibility for disabled veterans to receive a veteran’s plate, without a charge, to include veterans who suffer from a mental disability by reason of service in the armed forces. “I filed this bill on behalf of a constituent who came to my office with a concern about the current policy on getting a Veterans Disability plate in Massachusetts,” said sponsor Rep. Rodney Elliott (D-Lowell). “They are a 100 percent disabled veteran with PTSD, and unable to obtain a plate under the current Registry of Motor Vehicles regulations, as they are not physically handicapped. Our veterans with mental health disorders face daily battles that are not always apparent to the outside world. By providing disability license plates tailored to their needs, we can offer a visible symbol of recognition and support, acknowledging the profound impact of their service. This simple yet powerful gesture can serve as a reminder to all that our veterans, regardless of their wounds, deserve our utmost respect and understanding.” PEER-TO-PEER CARD GAMES AND DOMINOES (H 3177) – The Revenue Committee held a hearing on a proposal that would create a new regulatory structure for and legalize peer-to-peer cardrooms in which people play against each rather than the house. The measure would allow licensed “pari-mutuel” facilities, like horse racing tracks, to operate cardrooms featuring poker and dominoes. The regulatory authority would be the Massachusetts Gaming Commission’s Division of Racing, which would oversee licensing, operations and taxation. Players would use chips instead of cash, with games limited to between two and nine players and dealers must be non-participating. The bill would impose a 10 percent tax on gross receipts and a 15 percent admission tax, if a separate entry fee is charged. Revenues would be split between the Gaming Local Aid Fund (80 percent) and the Racehorse Development Fund (20 percent). The cardroom operator can charge a participation fee or “rake” but cannot have a direct economic interest in game outcomes. Cardroom operators must pay a license fee of $1000 per table. There are occupational licenses for employees and managers, and background checks and fingerprinting would be required. “I elected to file this bill to start the conversation about the creation of peer-to-peer BEACON | SEE PAGE 27

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