Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 31, 2023 Malden Office of Strategic Planning Community Development director provides update on department Changes, expansions in focus and with staff have already occurred, more on the way By Steve Freker I t has been close to two full years since the now 65-yearold, former Malden Redevelopment Authority (MRA) was integrated and incorporated into a new, fully city-run department. Now, since the time the then newly named Offi ce of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) was offi cially formed in 2021, the calendar has turned quickly and even more changes lie ahead for the department, according to its Director, Deborah Burke. Burke had served as executive director of the MRA since 2014 through its integration in 2021 and now serves as director of the OSPCD as well. On Tuesday night, Burke gave an update on the OSPCD and described some planned changes and expansions in both focus and goals of the department, as well as some redefi ning and addition of roles within its staff . Burke told the City Council that a strong emphasis is being made on staff recruitment and also reLawrence 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 ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE 1978-2023 Celebrating 45 Years in Business! Regular Unleaded $2.999 MidUnleaded $3.899 Super $3.949 Diesel Fuel $4.029 Heating Oil at the Pump $4.759 $3.389 DEF HEATING OI 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS Sun. 9AM-5PM S tention, noting that it is often a diffi cult task in recent years to both attract and keep qualifi ed and productive candidates for open positions in her department and in the public sector, in general. According to information presented Tuesday night and on the webpage at cityofmalden.org, “The Offi ce of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) manages projects, programs, and planning activities on land use, transportation planning, community development, economic development and business support, climate resiliency, aff ordable housing, and grant management. OSPCD administers Malden’s community development and housing rehabilitation programs, the North Suburban Consortium’s HOME program, and various other grant programs.” OSPCD has been heavily “involved in several COVID-19 recovery eff orts,” most notably in rental assistance programs and eviction prevention and matching Malden residents with apsucceed in multiple focus areas Burke pointed to a great deal Deborah Burke OSPCD Director propriate programs. Burke told the City Council that the OSPCD has had a great deal of success in expanding and evolving real-time relevant programming with issues such as climate resiliency. Burke said immediate goals include evaluating and “tweaking” certain aspects, including: — Setting up the OSPCD for future success — Addressing new areas of focus and strengthening existing eff orts and initiatives — Recognizing the demand on staffi ng resources required to of success in the OSPCD obtaining a number of major grants to help fund projects and initiatives since a full-time grant writer position was added to the staff . The OSPCD director also explained there has been a “tremendous increase in focus on housing and housing support; transportation; climate and resiliency; and community projects.” To address these new and expanded areas of focus by the department, Burke explained, some staffi ng changes are planned, including the appointment of two deputy directors – promotions within the department. These would be Kevin Duff y as Deputy Director for Business and Economic Development and Alex Pratt as Deputy Director for Housing and Community. Both of these persons are already employed in the department in other, related roles. “We will continue to address the needs of the residents, businesses and municipal staff of this community in any way we can,” Burke told the City Council. Sen. Lewis announces April Office Hours in Malden tate Senator Jason Lewis will be holding Offi ce Hours in Malden on Monday, April 3, 2023, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Malden Senior Center (7 Washington St). Any Malden resident is welcome to attend Offi ce Hours, with no appointment necessary, to meet with the Senator and discuss any constituent issues or legislative feedback. Jason Lewis State Senator FIRE CHIEF | FROM PAGE 1 Chief Froio has been with the Malden Fire Department for the past 21 years and has served in the role of Deputy Fire Chief for the last eight years. He previously served as Captain for two years. As a Lieutenant, Chief Froio served in the Fire Prevention Division. He completed his coursework and training from the Boston Fire Academy, and he graduated from Bridgewater State College with a degree in Business Management. “I am pleased to announce Senator Lewis will also be holding Offi ce Hours the same day in Melrose from 12-1 p.m. at the Milano Senior Center (201 W. Foster St). Another option for residents who would like to meet with Senator Lewis is to attend virtual Offi ce Hours, which will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023, from 2-3 p.m. on Zoom. For further information or any questions, visit SenatorJasonLewis.com or contact his offi ce at 617-722-1206 or Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov. Steve Froio to serve as Malden’s next Fire Chief,” said Mayor Christenson. “I am confi dent that with his background, experience, skills and involvement in the community he will eff ectively lead the Department and continue the high quality, professional service that the Malden Fire Department delivers.” “I look forward to working with Chief Froio as we continue to ensure the safety of our residents,” said Commissioner Haskell. Froio will replace retiring Fire Chief Bill Sullivan. Prices subject to change DIESEL TRUCK STOP FLEET
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