Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 8, 2026 DEVELOPMENT | FROM PAGE 1 other similar, nearby communities has been a consistent point of reference in every conversation or discussion regarding city finances for well over the past two decades. Mayor Christenson pointed out in his letter to the Council Tuesday that Malden, like many communities, is struggling with establishing a balance between revenues, but that he believes there are reasons for a positive outlook for the future, citing Malden’s “resilience.” “Municipalities around the country are struggling. Local governments are challenged to fund critical services. Local economies are strapped by inflation, higher than normal borrowing costs, and reduced consumer spending,” he acknowledged. 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! Proposed OSPCD Economic Development Package Introduction There are two main strateMayor Gary Christenson on Tuesday night presented the Malden City Council with an extensively researched, new economic development package, compiled by the city’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD). “In Malden, our economy is proving more resilient than most – thanks in large part to our unique business base, access to quality public transit via the MBTA, and our large and diverse community that powers our local economy,” the Mayor added. Mayor Christenson stated that the delivery of the new economic development package proposal was a call to action. “As economic headwinds persist, we must take action to ensure Malden remains competitive in these tough times and to set us up for continued success when conditions improve.” The Mayor outlined the intentions for potential changes and “look-ahead” value of the ecowww.810bargrille.com nomic development package: • Streamline decision-making. Cumbersome review processes add time, expense, and uncertainty for businesses looking to operate in Malden. We’ve identified opportunities to simplify DEVELOPMENT | SEE PAGE 8 gies to boost economic development in this policy package: streamline City decision-making and allow for what we want are further defined below. An additional strategy, supporting new and existing business growth, involves capacity building within the City to better support Malden’s business community (new and existing). OSPCD will work with the City Council and other stakeholders to refine these recommendations into proposed zoning ordinance language. —Streamline decision-making Sign design review ordinance Issue: Currently all signs require approval from the Sign Design Review Committee even though the Ordinance provides clear dimensional controls. This adds time and money unnecessarily to an applicant. Recommendation: Change to allow administrative approval by ISD for compliant signs without needing to go in front of Sign Design Review Committee. ISD can refer unusual cases to the review committee or ZBA as needed. Demo delay ordinance: Issue: All properties, regardless of age are subject to Historic Properties review by the Malden Historic Commission. Most other cities or towns throughout Massachusetts set a rolling building date (i.e. 75 years or older) or a set building date (i.e. 1945 or earlier). In addition, to streamline development in specific locations, municipalities have designated areas where historic review or demo delay does not apply. Recommendation: Exempt buildings built after 1950 unless listed or in process of being listed on the National Historic Register. Set objective measures for decision-making, including updating definitions. Clarify and codify administrative approval by ISD for Nonsignificant Buildings without needing to go in front of Historic Commission. If ISD staff determines that the building may be Significant based on objective criteria, the case is referred to the Commission. Reduce costly requirements related to preferably preserved requirements. —Allow for what we want Update Use Table for Non-Residential Uses: Issue: Many business or industrial uses require a special permit or are not allowed in Business/Industrial Zones. Many of these uses already exist as pre-existing nonconformities, like warehouses in Industrial Zones, even though a new one would require a special permit. OSPCD | SEE PAGE 10 Spring is Here! 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Celebrating 67 Years in Business! n Roofing fng
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