Mayor Christenson offers support for $2.5 million in municipal infrastructure improvements and other city projects through Community Preservation bond, funds Malden City Council will consider action on variety of community projects at February 11 meeting By Steve Freker T he Malden City Council will consider approving the appropriation and expenditure of just over $2.5 million in Community Preservation Act funds for a variety of projects in the city at its next meeting on Tuesday, February 11. The meeting is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Jackson City Council Chamber at Malden Government Center. The projects range from infrastructure improvements at two major city sites — Devir Park and the Malden River banks— to affordable housing, senior citizen support and a refurbishing of the historic Forest Dale Cemetery. Following is an excerpt of a letter of support from Malden Mayor Gary Christenson to the City Council in support of the bond appropriation and direct funding for the municipal projects. "I write to ask for the City Council’s support to fund the following projects which have been submitted to me and recommended by the Community Preservation Committee (CPC): —the Malden River Works Project: $1,000,000; —the Devir Park Phase II Revitalization Project: $769,596; —the Forest Dale Cemetery Wall Restoration Project: $475,000; —The Pearl Street Station Envelope Assessment Project: $8,000; —the Oliver Street Station Envelope Assessment Project: $8,000; Mayor Gary Christenson —the Saint Paul’s Parish Envelope Assessment Project: $14,500; —the Affordable Housing Trust Fund: $349,166.52; —and, the Housing Subsidy for Older Adults Project: $40,000. "In reaching their recommendation, after public hearings, the CPC found that each of these projects meet eligibility requirements and align with the priorities stated in Malden’s Community Preservation Plan. Two of these recommendations involve the reallocation of a $1,450,000 bond to the Malden River Works Project ($1,000,000) and to the Devir Park Project ($450,000). The CPC found that these projects are similar to the Roosevelt Project that is not moving forward at this time. This reallocation will help fund another phase of the Devir Park Master Plan as well as the climate resilient public riverfront park along the Malden River while also drawing down the funds before triggering arbitrage. "In addition, these recommendations also include funding to assess the conditions of three (3) historic buildings in order to understand the scope of improvements necessary to preserve their envelope. This is an important first step in rehabilitating them to the standards established by the Secretary of Interior for Historic Preservation. Similarly, funding is also recommended for the restoration of the stone wall surrounding the Forest Dale Cemetery that will create an appearance consistent with its historic character. "Finally, the recommendations include an award to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund as well as to the Housing Subsidy Project for Older Adults administered by Housing Families. These are both in line with our on-going work to maintain and create affordable housing opportunities in our community. Again, I fully support these requests and thank you for your consideration." The City Council have two courses of action in receiving this letter and the ensuing project recommendations, either refer the papers to the Council Finance Committee or suspend docket rules and expedite the projects by passing them at the February 11 meeting. Cancer patient gets another chance at life and is truly grateful Malden High School senior used her health burden as an inspiration for change, which had led to newfound success By Katarina Son Malden High School Class of 2025 C ancer is a nightmare for many, but for me, it became my inspiration for change. It compelled me to confront my fears and rise above, stronger. Freshman year, my focus shifted away from academics. Constant chaos at home drove me to rely on unhealthy “fixes.” Like many teenagers, I had easy access to marijuana and soon became dependent. It hurt my family to see me become someone unrecognizable, but I couldn't stop. Marijuana was a crutch I didn't know how to function CANCER | SEE PAGE 8 Neighborhood Basketball League Gets Jump Start JUMP BALL: Ward 7 City Councillor Chris Simonelli, a sponsor of the Malden Neighborhood Basketball League, is shown throwing the ceremonial jump ball at the start of the recent game between the Bullets and Celtics.(Photo courtesy of MNBL)
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