Page 8 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, November 14, 2025 VETERANS | FROM PAGE 1 Mayor Gary Christenson, who spoke at the annual ceremony Tuesday, was surrounded by the impressive display of life-size bronze statues of servicemen representing the various wars and armed conflicts of American history. This was how Malden honored its own in Veterans Days’ past. On Tuesday, the Mayor gave grace to the Malden veterans in history, noting their service, commitment and honor — and for some the ultimate sacrifice — but he also spoke of a new way this city is choosing to honor its veterans. Mayor Christenson relayed some great news on what is believed to be a first in Malden: a housing project dedicated as new homes for our community’s veterans. “I am pleased to announce we are moving forward quickly on the new project by Volunteers of America-Massachusetts to create 12 new units of housing for Malden military veterans,” Mayor Christenson said. “Those who serve our nation in the military have always had a place of honor in our community. This is another way to show our gratitude and respect.” The project entails a reuse of an existing three-story office building at 105–105A Salem St., situated between Albion and Holden Streets, formerly housing law offices. Volunteers of America-Mass., a nonprofit that assists veterans and others who are underserved with housing and related services, acquired the property earlier this year. The group recently were granted a special permit to renovate the building into 12 studio units. “Most of this new housing for our veterans will also be designated as affordable, another important feature for our residents,” the Mayor said. “We are grateful to Volunteers of America President Charles Gagnon, who is here with us today, and our state and federal officials who support their efforts.” Also on hand for the Veterans Day ceremony were Malden Veterans’ Services Officer Kevin Jarvis, Malden state Reps. Paul Donato (D-Malden, Medford) and Steve Ultrino (D-Malden), Malden City Councillors Peg Crowe (Ward 2), Ari Taylor (Ward 5) and Stephen Winslow (Ward 6), Police Chief Glenn Cronin, Fire Chief Steve Froio and Cemetery Director Chris Rosa. Malden Planning Board grants special permit to transform Salem St. office building into veterans housing Volunteers of America-Mass. will undertake 18-month renovation project to create 12 studio apts. This three-story office building at 105–105A Salem St. will be converted to 12 new studio apartment units designated for veterans housing. (Advocate Photo) By Steve Freker A project that just received a final municipal “green light” in October will transform a three-story Salem Street office building into a new home for at least a dozen Malden veterans. The Malden Planning Board voted at its October monthly meeting to grant Volunteers of America Massachusetts (VOAMASS) a special permit to renovate the property at 105–105A Salem St. and create 12 studio apartments designated for veterans. Under the city’s inclusionary zoning rules, 10 of these units would be reserved as affordable housing units, as part of the Planning Board’s decision. VOAMASS acquired the property, which was previously used as office space, particularly as the longtime law offices for several prominent Malden attorneys. The building is located less than a quarter mile from downtown Malden Square and is situated on one of the city’s most heavily used public transportation bus lines, two highly favorable reasons it was selected for the veterans housing “do-over” by VOAMASS. On Veterans Day, Tuesday, Malden Mayor Gary Christenson expressed strong support of the project and thanked VOAMASS and local board and city officials, as well as state federal officials, for their roles in backing this endeavor. (See separate story in today’s edition.) At the October Planning Board meeting, Volunteers of America representatives Matt Lane, Vice President of Real Estate, and VOAMASS President Charles Gagneux both addressed the board. According to an online report, at the meeting the pair detailed VOAMASS’ operations with existing veterans housing in the region, including services it offers in conjunction with the housing. They said the organization’s goal “is to pair housing with services such as housing specialists, employment supports and recovery coaching.” The VOAMASS reps said “[VOA is] committed to really making a significant investment in 105 Salem Street,” noting the group had met with neighbors and elected officials in September. A public meeting describing the plans was held in September at Malden City Hall, where abutters and other city residents attended and, according to letters received by the Planning Board, expressed support for the project. Mayor
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