Have a Safe & Happy July 4th! Vol. 35, No. 26 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday Malden City Council, Planning agree: No Data Centers welcome here; one-year moratorium established Ward 5 Councillor Taylor originated push in May; Council colleagues approve zoning amendment, ordinance By Steve Freker I n one of the swifter processes of the municipal legislative year, the Malden City Council backed a formal report of the Malden Planning Board in passing a new zoning amendment aimed at preventing data centers from coming to this city. In successive votes, the members unanimously voted to adopt and ultimately ordain a zoning amendment establishing a oneyear moratorium on siting data centers in Malden, effective June 16, 2026, through June 16, 2027. Voting in favor of the new zoning amendment and ordinance were Councillors Peg Crowe (Ward 1), Paul Condon (Ward 2), Ryan O’Malley (Ward 4), Ari Taylor (Ward 5), Stephen Winslow (Ward 6), Chris Simonelli (Ward 7), Jadeane Sica (Ward 8), Karen Colón Hayes (At-Large), Carey McDonald (At-Large), Michelle Luong (At-Large) and Council President Amanda Linehan (Ward 3). Ward 5 Councillor Ari Taylor initiated the process of addressing the potential establishment of data centers in Malden with a resolution NO DATA | SEE PAGE 9 The Malden City Council unanimously approved a oneyear moratorium on data centers in the city of Malden. Malden Rec Hosts Baseball Bonanza 617-387-2200 Friday, July 3, 2026 Malden Independence Day Events Fourth of July events in the parks are planned Ward 1 POSTPONED Location: Choppa Field at Green Street Park. Date: POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER; NEW DATE WILL BE PROVIDED SOON. Time: 6:30 p.m. — Family activities begin; 8:45 p.m. — Movie begins Celebrate the 4th of July with Ward 1 Councillor Peg Crowe and School Committee Ward 1 Member Michael Drummey. Join us for a fun-filled evening featuring a family movie night, bounce house, games, basketball shooting contest, and music. Bring your blankets and chairs and enjoy a night under the stars. **** Ward 2 Location: Devir Park, 190 Emerald St. (next to the Irish American). Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026. Time: 9:30 a.m.: Celebration begins with the Pledge of Allegiance. Join Ward 2 Councillor Paul Condon and School Committee Member Rob McCarthy for a funfilled morning featuring inflatable activities: bounce houses, water slide, bungee run & more, Annual Greg Lucey Basketball Tournament, pony rides, slush, INDEPENDENCE | SEE PAGE 10 Public art planned to boost downtown economy and celebrate Malden community Special to The Advocate T he Malden community will welcome five new murals and one light installation piece across downtown as part of larger strategies to deepen connections between residents and increase foot traffic downtown. The murals are funded through state and nonprofit grants and by local business Boda Borg. The pieces will be installed throughout the summer and into the fall. Events to celebrate the new art The Malden Recreation Dept. teamed up with the Malden High School Baseball Team and Malden Public Schools Athletics to host a well-attended Instructional Baseball Camp for Malden youngsters in grades 3-8. The camp was held at Richard C. Howard Park/Bob Rotondi Field on Maplewood Street — supervised and staffed by Malden High Baseball coaches and players, including assistant coach Mike Nicholson (shown above, right), Head Coach Steve Freker and players (back row from left) Kenny Nolesaint, Leandro Castro Ortiz, Eudy Francisci Paulino, Jaylen Rivera Fuentes, Devin Otero Milonopoulos, Kyle Nickerson, Nick D'Anna and Davante Layne. See more photos inside. (Advocate Photo) installations will be announced. “These pieces advance two key priorities for the City: boosting economic activity by making public spaces more welcoming and attractive, and bringing people together by celebrating the identities, cultures, and stories of Malden residents,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “This work would not be possible without our dedicated community partners, generous funders, hardworking staff, and talented artists.” The public art pieces: • The mural “Bloom Here” by Malden resident Priyanka Manicka Vasagam — located under the Pleasant Street bridge at Malden Center Station. ⚬ About the Artist: Priyanka is a multidisciplinary visual artist drawing inspiration from nature, travels and her Indian heritage, Priyanka’s artworks reflect a harmonious blend of vibrant colors, intricate deART | SEE PAGE 5
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