Your Local News, Sports and More Online. Scan & Subscribe Here! Vol. 34, No. 51 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday Malden City Council votes unanimously to place a two-level Proposition 2 1/2 property tax override on citywide ballot Special citywide election will be held on Tuesday, March 31, for voters to decide on either $5.4 million or $8.2 million override By Steve Freker T he Malden City Council — in a historic vote — unanimously approved a request from the city’s administration to hold a Special Election next spring where local residents will be asked to vote on a proposed Proposition 2 1/2 property tax override. The vote, taken at Tuesday’s regular Council meeting, means the first time in municipal history that the city of Malden’s voters will be asked to vote on such a proposal. The vote came after over two months of discussion both at regular City Council meetings and subcommittee meetings, most notably at seven separate meetings of the Council’s Finance Committee, which is chaired by Councillor-at-Large TAX | SEE PAGE 8 617-387-2200 Friday, December 19, 2025 Veterans housing development awarded funds from Malden Affordable Housing Trust Special to The Advocate A 12-unit veterans housing development led by Volunteers of America of Massachusetts (VOAMASS) is gaining momentum following an award by the City of Malden’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The $400,000 award uses funds paid by developers through the City’s inclusionary zoning program. Construction on the project is expected to begin in 2026 subject to state funding, with new residents anticipated in late 2027 or early 2028. “Malden residents take pride in caring for our vulnerable neighbors and giving back to our community. The sacrifices our veterans have made to uphold our democracy represents this value perfectly,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “This project will deliver affordable, supportive housing for our veterans and is another step in ensuring Malden remains affordable for all. I’m grateful for the HOUSING | SEE PAGE 5 Big Opening Night for Exilhomme as Malden Girls top Everett, 44-39 Malden's Exilhomme (30 pts.) unloads on Everett in season-opening win, 44-39 Junior forward hauls in 17 rebounds; Antoine adds 12 pts., 14 boards in victory By Steve Freker M alden knew it would need a big effort from Manicha Exilhomme this season if it was going to be able to accomplish its list of team goals. The Golden Tornado junior forward certainly answered the bell in her very first opportunity of the new season Tuesday. Ruling the floor from start-tofinish, Exilhomme attacked the rim and pounded the boards in a performance for the ages. The three-year varsity starter scored a career-high 30 points and hauled in 17 rebounds to lead the gym in both categories in an exciting, 44-39 win over visiting Everett High on Opening Night for both teams. "We will be asking a lot from (Exilhomme) this season and she certainly showed what she is capable of doing tonight," said Malden head coach Scott Marino of his junior standout. "It was an impressive night, obviously her best game and one of the top games we've had here the past couple of years." Along with Exilhomme's banner night, it was also a solid team win, with Malden teammate Jazairra Antoine chipping in with another "double-double," 12 points and 14 rebounds. Senior Madison "Maddie" Cook also had a solid game for Malden with her defense, rebounding and passing contributions. Malden rolled out to a 17-9 lead after the first quarter, with Exilhomme (10) and Antoine scoring every point but on basket. Everett came back with a strong second quarter to cut the lead to 23-21 at halftime. The game stayed close the rest of the way, a physical game with lots of free throws. Everett knocked the lead down to one point on four different occasions and tied the game at 35-35 with 2:31 left to SPORTS | SEE PAGE 9 Malden High junior Manicha Exilhomme scored a career-high 30 points and pulled down 17 rebounds in Malden's Opening Night win over Everett. (Courtesy/ Malden High Athletics Photo)
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