Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 22, 2020 Malden Library receives $80K grant for cultural facilities S tate Representatives Paul Donato, Kate Lipper-Garabedian and Steven Ultrino and State Senator Jason Lewis recently announced that the MassDevelopment Board of Directors approved an $80,000 grant for the Malden Public Library that will support the renovation of the historic 1885 Converse Memorial Building, including a new energy-efficient, computerized HVAC control system in order to improve indoor environmental conditions and preserve the art collection. The grant is drawn from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF), a state program that provides capital and planning grants to nonprofits, colleges and municipalities that own or operate facilities primarily focused on the arts, humanities and sciences. CFF awards invest in the acquisition, design, repair, renovation, expansion and construction of nonprofit and municipal cultural facilities. “Once again, I am pleased to announce that the City of Malden has received a grant from a state funded program,” said Donato. “The improvements to this historical site will remain a treasure to Malden residents for future generations.” “Libraries serve a critical role in our daily life, offering resources that engage and enhance the citizenry of our communities,” said Lipper-Garabedian. “This grant award is deserved recognition of the value of the Malden Public Library and the importance of its preservation.” “I am excited that Malden We Now Offer For Your Eating Pleasure “UBER EATS” Convenient Delivery Service Bianchi’s Pizza and Renzo’s Full Menu To Go Open for Takeout for Bianchi’s Pizza and Renzo’s Food 381 Revere Beach Blvd., Revere 781-284-5600 J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. Public Library was able to secure funding through the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund for renovations to the Converse Memorial Building,” said Ultrino. “This award will ensure that the historic art collection at the Converse Memorial Building will BUDGET | FROM PAGE 1 the budget, “Asks many employees to give a little so that a few don’t have to give a lot.” The mayor’s budget calls for moderate increases for some city departments and cuts for others. Proposed increases include $12,225 more for the health department, an increase in public works from $6,665,065 to $6,714,647, a $113,000 increase for the fire department and a small hike from $724,644 to $741,548 for inspectional services. But the proposal for the police department budget is $11,390,308, down from $11,592,266 this year. The proposal for the parking department budS LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 The Malden High School cheerleading team and coaches Melanie Philbrook and Diane Buonapane sent out this uplifting message in these trying times of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Courtesy/Malden HS Cheerleading) Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping be preserved for future generations.” “The Converse Memorial Building is one of Malden’s greatest historical and cultural treasures, and its continued preservation and improvement will ensure that it is accessible to many future generations of Maldonians,” said Lewis. “At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is putting significant pressure on local budgets, this grant represents welcome assistance from state-level cultural partners.” CFF was created by an act of the Legislature in 2006 to achieve the following goals: • Enhance the state’s creative economy through financing for acquisition, construction, expansion, renovation and repair of cultural facilities. • Increase employment, entrepreneurialism and tourism in the regions where these faget is down about $47,000 to $593,458; the engineering department is slated for a $55,000 cut, and the City Clerk’s Office could have nearly $45,000 less next year. The good news is the city expects a $1 million impact payment from Encore Boston Harbor shortly after the start of the fiscal year. Savings on leases are expected when the city moves its offices at 17 Pleasant St. to the new City Hall and with the possible relocation of the Teen Enrichment Center to city-owned property. Health care costs have been contained at a “reasonable” four percent, and debt payments for loans and interest are down by just over $1 cilities are located, especially drawing new visitors from outside the Commonwealth. • Stimulate further investment in the arts, heritage and sciences by preserving cultural resources. CFF’s impact extends beyond the nonprofit cultural sector in ways that benefit the state’s broader economy. The organizations awarded grants generate millions in annual economic activity through direct spending on everything from supplies to energy and advertising. They are popular tourist destinations: More than six million people visited these sites in the past year, one-third from out of state. CFF has also spurred private investment, leveraging about $2.8 billion in spending on building projects. Finally, CFF grants contribute to cultural preservation by helping to restore and expand many of our nation’s most treasured historical landmarks. million from last year. Christenson stressed that the 2021 budget proposal does not call for any new fees or taxes above what state law allows. Nor does it require any reduction in city services. “This budget is not what any of us hoped for, but it’s also not one that most would expect based on the massive cuts from the state and revenue reductions we are currently facing,” said Christenson. The City Council referred the budget proposal to the Finance Committee for review. Finance Committee Chairman David Camell asked city councillors to focus on areas of the budget that will see the most significant impacts. Stay Golden, Tornado Cheerleaders!
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