Ma alddealld Vol. 32, No. 18 den n -FREEYour Local News in Seven Languages: www.advocatenews.net AADD Gary Christenson Mayor By Steve Freker M alden Public Schools officials on Monday night unveiled a proposed FY24 budget that would allow the School Department the opportunity to address a number of pressing needs in the 2023-24 academic year. Malden Public Schools is poised to take that step largely due to a proposed increase of approximately $12 million from CATO AT 617-387-2200 www.advocatenews.net Malden School Committee: no cuts, only needed additions to staff in classrooms, schools in district budget proposal for FY24 Mayor’s proposed $91.3M city allocation for schools is about a $9M singleyear increase; believed to be largest single-year hike in city history Published Every Friday Dr. Ligia Noriega-Murphy Supt. of Schools last year’s school budget, due to a recommended $91.38 million allocation from the offi ce of Mayor Gary Christenson. This is believed to be one of the largest single-year increases in municipal history, up $9.2 million from last year’s fi nal municipal allocation of $82.1 million. Malden Assistant Superintendent for Business and Finance BUDGET | SEE PAGE 8 DIVERSITY AWARD: Gary Yu is shown receiving the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award from Executive Director Mei Hung during Saturday’s 18th Annual Chinese Culture Connection Gala and Awards Ceremony at Ming’s Seafood Restaurant. He also received a Certifi cate of Recognition from the U.S. Senate and a Citation from Mayor Gary Christenson, shown at right. See pages 16-17 for photo highlights. (Advocate photo by Tara Vocino) “Cancel plans to install artificial turf” – environmental justice coalition urges Malden elected officials, citing health hazards of PFAS and heat, cost, exclusion of stakeholders and city code WE'VE GOT ALL Advocate Staff Report O n April 28, a coalition of regional environmental justice and conservation organizations echoed local concerns, urging the City of Malden to “cancel its plans to install artifi cial turf” at Roosevelt Park and to instead “establish a revised design to install natural grass and properly incorporate neighbor’s input” in a letter addressed to Malden’s Mayor and City Councillors. In solidarity with the Friends of Roosevelt Park, Alternatives for Community and Environment (ACE) and six other environmental organizations voiced concerns about health hazards of PFAS chemicals and unsafe heat, along with cost, the injustice of the exclusion of key stakeholders and the contradiction of the city’s own code on prohibiting impervious surfaces in open space. Citing well known health effects of PFAS – “forever chemicals linked to reproductive issues, increased cancer risk, weakened immune systems and high risk of obesity,” known to “hinder child development and growth,” found in the plastic of artifi cial turf carpet – ACE’s letter pointed out that the plan “would be especially concerning because of the park’s use by young sports leagues and proximity to the Salemwood Elementary School.” Another health concern is adding heat: “Cities like Malden should be taking steps to meet the demands of a warming climate, but the installation of an artifi cial turf fi eld at Roosevelt Park would contribute to the urban heat island eff ect,” added the letter. This eff ect increases “heat related illness and mortalTURF| SEE PAGE 12 YOUR NEEDS COVERED! C TE E Friday, May 5, 2023 18th Annual Chinese Culture Connection Gala and Awards 6:00 AM - 10:30 PM STORE HOURS: Come to Robinson News Convenience 1556 Eastern Ave, Malden • (781) 324-0492 Come Play lottery here! For the Month of May Only, Spend $100 in Lottery, Get 5 Games of KENO Free! Lottery ◊ Beer Wine ◊ Soft Drinks Groceries 6:00 AM - 10:30 PM
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