Your Local News, Sports and Information Online. Scan & Subscribe! Vol. 35, No. 18 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday North Shore Hispanic Assoc. Celebrates 10 Years, Honors Difference Makers T The North Shore Hispanic Association (NSHA) celebrated their 10-year anniversary, hosting their Outstanding Hispanic Americans Making A Difference Gala at Miñeirao Steakhouse last Thursday night. Shown from left to right: State Representative Steven Ultrino, Ward 1 Councillor Peg Crowe, Ward 6 Councillor Stephen Winslow, Councillor-at-Large Carey McDonald, honorees Marisol Nobrega, Dinah Fajardo and Lucy Pineda, Mayor Gary Christenson, NSHA Founder Gladys Rivera Rogers, Ward 8 Councillor Jadeane Sica and Police Chief Glenn Cronin. See inside for photo highlights.(Advocate photo) City Council approves $1.76 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget for FY27 Linden Park playground ($450K), Section 108 Loan payments ($691K), Malden Skate Park renovations ($100K) top the list, with local public service program grants By Steve Freker T he Malden City Council Tuesday evening approved a $1.76 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) package highlighted by improvements to community recreational space and funding for a number of public service programs and agencies. An ambitious project to replace the playground amenities at Linden Park, located adjacent to the Linden STEAM Academy, will receive a $450,000 grant, while $100,000 is heading to Other funds allocated for infund renovations to the Malden Skate Park on Willow Street. An additional $100,000 is going to Affordable Housing Rehab and Redevelopment, specifically for a rehabilitation program already underway, with the funds also allowed to be spent on a vacant/ foreclosed property program. frastructure/physical improvements following the City Council approval are for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sidewalks and crosswalks improvement ($65,000). The Council also approved $281,533 for Planning, Administration and Management by various municipal departments. A total of $586,132 was allocated for Federal Section 108 Loan repayments, including Malden River Works ($100,000), General Road Improvements BUDGET | SEE PAGE 5 617-387-2200 Friday, May 8, 2026 City Council gets first look at sweeping economic development proposals Mayor Christenson unveils results of extensive research and targeted zoning, policy changes proposed by city’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development By Steve Freker he Malden City Council this week got its first official look at the results of extensive research by a municipal agency and an outside consultant regarding economic development in the community. City leaders are hoping the new, revamped initiatives proposed by city staff and hired experts can help lead Malden toward progress in establishing a more stable and growing commercial tax base. In a letter to the City Council received at Tuesday night’s regular meeting, Mayor Gary Christenson relayed an overview of the work that has been undertaken on an extensive economic development proposal designed by staff from the city’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD). The research and proposal has included the assistance of an outside consultant as well, specifically with a focus on the potential future of Commercial Street, a historically expansive, but underdeveloped area of the city. The initial results of the dual-purpose undertaking — targeting both Central Business District/greater Malden Square and Commercial Street — were included along with Mayor Christenson’s formal correspondence. “For the past several months, OSPCD has been working with business owners, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, and other stakeholders and experts to identify obstacles and opportunities for revenue generation Mayor Gary Christenson and economic vibrancy in our City,” the Mayor wrote. “Under the leadership of our new Deputy Director for Planning and Economic Development Zachery LeMel and Senior Planner Elena Eimert we have identified a series of targeted policy changes, grouped under three strategic priorities, that will make Malden a more welcoming environment for businesses and economic development,” he added. OSPCD is led by Director Alex Pratt. Included in the proposal are targeted changes/enhancements to both municipal zoning regulations and permitting processes that are advised, hopefully leading to improved and expanded economic development in Malden. Malden’s heavy reliance on residential property tax revenue as opposed to much higher, additional revenue from commercial property taxes in DEVELOPMENT | SEE PAGE 4
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