Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2025 Advocate Staff Report Councillors in favor of tax exemption agreements for Suffolk Downs, Shirley Ave. developments C ity councillors struggled with Chief of Planning and Development Tom SkwierMARCHETTI CORP. 46 Years of Excellence!! 1978-2024 aded $2.839 Regu $2 g 839 MidUnleaded $3.379 Super $3.479 Diesel Fuel $3.539 Kerosene Available! Hours: Monday thru Friday 6 AM to 7 PM / Saturdays 7 AM to 5 PM / Sundays 9 AM to 5 PM HEATING O L IL ULS $4.759 $3.47 9 DEF Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! 24-HourBurnerService Open an account and order online at: awski’s request that they approve Housing Development Incentive Zones and proposed activities at Suff olk Downs and at Green Street/Shirley Avenue and authorize Mayor Patrick Keefe to execute and implement Housing Development Tax Exemption Agreements for housing projects in each zone. Members of the City Council’s Zoning Subcommittee voted to favorably recommend Skwierawski’s request to the full council despite Zoning Subcommittee Chairman Anthony Zambuto’s warning that it may not be legal. Zambuto said a special permit was already granted for Suff olk Downs. Zambuto did not think the city could Celebrating 52 Years! Dan - 1972 We Sell Cigars & Accessories! ALL MAJOR BRANDS Singles * Tins * Bundles * Boxes * Travel Humidors * Desk Top Humidors * Many Types of Lighters * Ash Trays * Juuls * Vapes * Glass Pipes * Rewards Program * CBD Infused Products * GIFTS UNDER $30 - GIFT CERTIFICATES STOCK-UP EARLY FOR CIGARS & ACCESSORIES! SUPER BOWL SUNDAY IS FEBRUARY 9th HOURS: OPEN DAILY Monday thru Sunday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM R.Y.O. TOBACCO & Humidor Special! Model A holds up to 25 cigars incl. ash tray, cigar cutter and leather pocket holder! Special Price! $99.95 TUBES ON SALE! WE MAKE HOUSE KEYS! A.B.C. CIGAR 170 REVERE ST., REVERE (781) 289-4959 Chris 2024 return and renegotiate terms. He wanted to keep the request in committee until members could hear a legal opinion from the city solicitor and a fi nancial opinion from the city CFO. Councillor-at-Large Michelle Kelley also had concerns and questioned why the city would negotiate tax exemptions or tax breaks when no aff ordable housing would be required at Suff olk Downs. Kelley also wanted to know how the housing development zones and tax exemptions would aff ect the anticipated revenue from Suff olk Downs, revenue the city is counting on to pay for the new high school. However, all Skwierawski would say is that the tax breaks would be a catalyst for the next major piece of the Suff olk Downs Development, Portico. Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna laid out some numbers. According to McKenna, the original tax bill on the Suffolk Downs property was $390,000. It jumped to $4 milCITY HEALTH | FROM Page1 been hit with a large population of Norway rats that multiply with litters of 12 every six weeks. They have settled into Revere in part because of the natural environment. Norway rats like marshland and they are excellent swimmers. But they are also in the city because of human behavior, and that’s what city offi cials hope to change. Wells started with the city’s trash ordinance. Every property has a blue cart for each household, up to 10, at the address. Residents can request an additional cart for $75. The lids on the trash containers must be closed, and no trash or litter can be placed on the ground. There is a $25 fi ne for any containers with open lids, litter, bulky items or overgrowth and vegetation. According to Wells, enforcement offi cers gave 4,000 fi nes from 2018 to 2024. Large residential buildings that rely on dumpsters must keep them enclosed and ensure they are not overfl owing. Retail and food businesses that have dumpsters are inspected evlion after the completion of the new building and the many site improvements. McKenna said it will go up to $5 million a year and all the developers are looking for is a $1 million tax break on the new building. “We’ve spent so much money on crap,” said McKenna. “We’ve spent so much money getting this and getting that.” McKenna said that if the million dollar tax break is going to push along the biggest and most promising development in the city’s history then it makes sense. “I say we go for it,” she said. Councillors agreed and voted in favor of Skwierawski’s request, although they fi rst approved an amendment from Councillor-at-Large Juan Pablo Jaramillo that the language be tweaked to read to authorize Mayor Patrick Keefe to negotiate tax exemption agreements, and agreements would be executed and implemented pending the approval of the City Council. ery 30 days and more often if a problem is found. Residents who have seen rats on their property or have discovered evidence of rodents can sign a waiver that will allow the city to send an exterminator to their home for free to inspect and, if needed, place baited traps on the property. A waiver allows exterminators to treat a property six times a year. Wells said that allowing professionals to do the baiting and trapping is the safest option and will avoid any problems with wildlife and pets ingesting rodent bait. Wells and Buck stressed that clean, sealed trash barrels are the most important step residents can take to reduce the rat population. Bird baths and birdfeeders are also an easy food source for rodents and should be avoided if there is a rodent problem. “The fines are a way to remind people of what needs to be done,” said Wells. Councillors agreed the city needs to educate the public. For more information on rodent control and waivers for exterminators, go to Revere.org/ rodents. FLEET Prices subject to change
3 Publizr Home