Page 4 Lawrence 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 Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2024 COUNCILLORS | FROM PAGE 2 ture. This is my opinion.” The Docklands Innovation District is one of three in the area, in addition to the Lower Broadway Economic Development District on Lower Broadway and the Commercial Triangle Economic Development District. A number of developments reuses are being considered, including the Battery Energy Storage System proposed by Jupiter Power. The matter was referred to the Legislative Aff airs & Elections Subcommittee by a 5-4 vote, after a voice vote left City Council president and Ward 5 representative Robert Van Campen in doubt. Smith, Van Campen, Councillor-at-Large John Hanlon, Ward 4 Councillor Holly Garcia and Ward 6 Councillor Peter HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Dan - 1972 Take Advantage of our Holiday Specials! Chris 2024 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE! MANY ITEMS ON SALE!! Cohiba Special: Five Cohiba Blue Churchill Cigars for Only $75. A Savings of $50! Or, a Box of Cohiba Blue Churchill Cigars Now Only $299. A Savings of $50! * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES HOURS: OPEN SUN. - WED. 9 AM - 6 PM / THURS. - SAT. 9 AM - 7 PM R.Y.O. TOBACCO & TUBES ON SALE! Humidor Special! 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A roll call was taken after a voice vote left Van Campen in doubt. “I believe The Davis Companies have dubious intentions, as was demonstrated two years ago as well as during a public meeting the other night in which they pitched animal testing to residents despite an ordinance already existing,” Rogers said before the vote. “To me, that’s direct interference in our municipal process, our government and democracy as a whole.” After the meeting she told The Advocate, “This topic is important enough to be addressed by the entire council rather than being delayed in a subcommittee. Furthermore, I don’t believe we should modify the existing ordinance in the interest of a private developer when it off ers no benefi t to the greater good of Everett. The proposed Innovation District will thrive regardless of animal testing. The Davis Companies, a $4 billion real estate corporation, is committed to developing the area with or without it and should not be attempting to push amending it for profi t. Allowing animal testing does not alter the district’s trajectory, but does compromise the ethical standards established by Everett residents. It’s worth noting that many newly built lab spaces in Boston currently sit empty while scientists are making incredible breakthroughs in alternative methods that have proven more eff ective than animal testing. If we allow animal testing in Everett, we can’t undo it or reclaim the cruelty-free reputation residents have worked so hard to establish.” She feels, “Animal testing serves a private corporate agenda, not the public good. The ordinance was a constituent-led initiative, shaped by community voices to refl ect Everett’s values. Amending it undermines transparency and trust, principles we value in our community partnerships. While animal testing may not harm the average resident directly, it off ers no tangible benefi ts either. In contrast, maintaining Everett’s cruelty-free status strengthens our advocacy for broader animal protections and positions us as a compassionate, forward-thinking community. By upholding the ban, we set a crucial precedent: Companies must innovate with the community, not against it. This is not about stifl ing progress; it’s about ensuring the future aligns with our values and that developers respect the guidelines set by the people. Corporate partners shouldn’t be silencing community input for profi t.” “I’m not happy with The Davis Companies,” Matewsky added in discussion. He feels the matter of laboratory testing was already decided two years ago. “I support positive development in that area,” he later told The Advocate. “Laboratories aren’t the way to go.” Matewsky describes himself as an animal rights activist, and as a State Representative in 2014 he cosponsored animal rights legislation. In other matters, Rogers introduced a proposal, which was referred to the Administration for consideration, requesting City Council meetings be streamed on YouTube “for enhanced accessibility and transparency.” She explained, “The problem with Facebook is it requires people to have a social media account. By having a YouTube meeting, it allows our meetings to not get lost among other items and help with language services because there is translation.” Rogers also introduced a measure requiring “the display of the United States fl ag when foreign fl ags are displayed by businesses.” She explained, “This isn’t to stifl e diversity in our community, but needs discussion. There needs to be an eff ort to promote the U.S. fl ag.” Hanlon added that etiquette requires the U.S. fl ag be fl own higher than other fl ags. The matter was sent to the Legislative Aff airs & Elections Subcommittee to determine how to move forward.
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