THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 21, 2022 Page 3 City of Malden allocates $2 million for Affordable Homeownership Special to Th e Advocate T he City of Malden has launched a new program to convert vacant homes into affordable housing with $2 million dollars of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds as seed funding. This eff ort is the next phase of a year-long study of Malden’s vacant properties, funded through MassHousing’s Neighborhood Hub program. Through this program, the City intends to acquire vacant homes, rehabilitate them, and sell them at an aff ordable price to low income households. The City’s Inspectional Services Department (ISD) and Offi ce of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) are spearheading the effort. RND Consultants have provided technical assistance through the Neighborhood Hub program to launch this initiative. With a majority low-income population, Malden households are particularly vulnerable to the increasing housing costs seen across the Boston region. This program seeks to create housing stability by providing aff ordour neighborhoods of these eyesores but provide much needed aff ordable housing as well.” The project was recommended by the City’s ARPA Subcommittee on Housing, including Co-Chairs Councillor Amanda Linehan and OSPCD Director Deborah Burke, and members Andrew Spoff ord, Katzia Small, and Councillor Karen Colón Hayes. "We are so excited about this program because it helps to create aff ordable homeownership Pictured (from left): Evan Spetrini, Strategic Planning & Community Development Senior Planner & Policy Manager; Mayor Gary Christenson; Amanda Linehan, Ward 3 Councillor; and Deborah Burke, Strategic Planning & Community Development Executive Director. able homeownership opportunities to working families. “It’s almost unbelievable to think that there are vacant homes in Malden when the entire region is in the middle of an unprecedented housing crisis,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “This program is a no brainer – there are families out there that desperately need aff ordable housing and we have houses sitting empty.” “We’ve been trying to get these vacant properties back into productive use for a long time,” said Nelson Miller, the City’s Building Commissioner. “This program will not only rid City Seeks Malden Board of Health Member for Three-Year term T he City of Malden is looking for a committed resident to serve a three-year term as a member of the Malden Board of Health at an annual stipend of $1,700.The Board Member's responsibilities include advising on strategic plans, participating in hearing appeals to the Housing Code and promulgating eff ective public health regulation. Members should prepare for board meetings, attend them regularly and actively participate in them. A successful candidate for Board Member should have signifi cant professional leadership experience and strong diplomatic skills, as well as, a strong commitment to the community, social equity, and respect for all regardless, of race, creed, gender, sexual orientation or age. Board Member Responsibilities: • Knowing the organization's mission, programs, policies, and needs. • Preparing for meetings by reviewing the agenda and supporting documentation. • Regularly attending board meetings and participating actively and conscientiously. • Keeping up with issues and trends that affect the organization. • Participating in the evaluation of business operations and executives. • Approving audit reports, budgets and business decisions. • Contributing to the development of policies and strategic plans. • Understanding the organization's fi nancial aff airs and ensuring fi duciary responsibilities are met. • Ensuring the organization complies with legal requirements. • Maintaining confidentiality on all internal organizational aff airs. Board Member Requirements: HOMEOWNERSHIP | SEE PAGE 5 in the city, something we are in dire need of, and will also help to beautify neighborhoods where properties have been neglected or underutilized for years," said Councillor Linehan. "Hopefully, this initial funding allocation provides the seed budget from which this program can grow over time and can serve as a model for putting public money to work in reducing blight and building housing stability for future generations." HOMEOWNERSHIP | SEE PAGE 9 AUTOTECH DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! Cold Hard Cash for Your Vehicle! RIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT $$ CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! $$ Get your vehicle Winter Ready! We Offer A Complete Safety Check! • Coolant Special with Oil Change • Top Off All Fluids Gt hil Wit Rd • Synthetic Blend Oil Change 2010 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA 2007 NISSAN FRONTIER CREW CAB Only $79.95 Six Cylinder, Auto., 4X4, Excellent Condition, Most Power Options, Clean Title, Only 170K Miles! 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