THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, August 28, 2020 Page 9 MRA | FROM PAGE 1 lost their jobs or seen their incomes diminish. Small business owners have also taken huge hits financially, which began with the shutdowns in the spring due to state and local pandemic-related regulations and continued in recent weeks as they’ve tried to reopen or stay open. The Malden Redevelopment Authority (MRA) is overseeing two programs which represent funding of $550,000 combined to assist both segments of the Malden community. MRA Director Deborah Burke gave the MRA Board an update on both programs at its meeting on Aug. 18. Burke reported that a few dozen applications had been approved for prequalification for the rental assistance program, which provides direct payments to landlords on behalf of those qualifying renters who are struggling to meet their monthly obligation. The program is funded by a $250,000 Community Preservation Grant (CPG) from Malden’s Community Preservation Committee, which includes assistance with aff ordable housing among its targets for funding. Applications have been accepted since the beginning of the summer, and the MRA Director said that as of the Board meeting; there were some 125 applications from Malden residents that were still waiting processing and review. “There’s been a lot of momentum [in the review process] in the past week,” Burke said, adding that it is expected most of the applications would be reviewed by the end of August. The MRA Director said her staff was using two consultants, Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) and Just A Start, a Cambridge-based program, to process and review the applications. Burke said the program has the backing and support of the offi ce of Mayor Gary Christenson and the Malden City Council and that moving forward, the impact of the rental assistance program will be assessed. “After dialogue with the Mayor and others, we will be able to determine if we could or should extend or expand this program,” she said. Through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, Malden received funding for another community assistance program, with $300,000 allotted for local small businesses which qualify for individual $10,000 grants. “They have to be brick-and-mortar local businesses that have employees and have been adversely affected by the pandemic,” Burke explained, noting that information on the grant’s availability had been made available to all Malden business owners and that the information was translated into several languages. To date, eight applications were approved and $80,000 was to be paid to Malden business owners and 20 applications had been received, with more applicants welcome to seek a grant. More information on both of these assistance programs is available by contacting MRA staff online at maldenredevelopment.com or calling 781-324-5720. The MRA moved to the new Malden City Hall, 215 Pleasant St., 3rd Floor. To reduce risk from COVID-19, the MRA remains closed to the public. Meetings with staff are available by appointment only. Everett Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 57 Years! “Same name, phone number & address for family since 1958 • 62 over half a century. We must be doing something right!” •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roofing • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! Hip or Knee Pain ? It’s time to take care of it… Introducing Specializing in... • Joint Reconstruction & Replacement • Arthroplasty for the Hip & Knee • Foot & Ankle Surgery • Ankle Replacement • Sports Medicine “Coping with joint pain can decrease your quality of life. A critical step you can take is to determine the cause and your treatment options. I would like to help you on your journey back to the life you want to live.” Dual Fellowship Newton-Wellesley Hospital and MGH - Kaplan Joint Reconstruction (Arthroplasty) New England Baptist Hospital - Foot and Ankle Residency in Orthopedic Surgery & Medical Degree University of Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY Conditions Treated: • Osteoarthritis • Inflammatory Arthritis • Osteonecrosis • Fractures • Meniscal Tears • Ligament Sprains & Tears • Hip & Knee Injuries • Hip Dysplasia • Hip Fractures • Ankle Fractures Agility Orthopedics Schedule your appointment with Dr. Dave 92 Montvale Ave., Suite 1400, Stoneham, MA • (781) 279-7040 • agilitydoctor.com Summer is Here! RISHI DAVE, MD Dual Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon Agility Orthopedics’ Newest Physician
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