Page 4 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, MARCH 17, 2023 Revere Dept. of Planning & Community Development partners with Gamble Assoc. and Omloop, launches new signage/design improvement program for Broadway and Shirley Ave. small businesses T hrough the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the City of Revere’s Department of Planning & Community Development (DPCD) announced, they will provide grants up to $50,000 to eligible property and small business owners for façade improvements (which may include signage) in the Broadway and Shirley Avenue Business Districts. Additionally, the DPCD will grant up to $7,500 to eligible small business owners for signage-only improvements. Vibrant and attractive downtown or commercial business districts are fundamental in providing residents access to quality goods and services, and a well-designed storefront and signage can improve consumers’ perception and experience within a commercial district, increase foot traffic, create safer streets and expand product diversification within the marketplace. “Sign and Façade improvements are a great way to enhance the visibility of our small businesses and also play a critical role enhancing the look and feel of the entire block,” said DPCD Chief Tom Skwierawski. “We are fortunate to be working with Gamble Associates and Omloop, design experts who will support our efforts to enhance the Broadway and Shirley Avenue business districts.” The City has contracted with urban planners Gamble Associates and Omloop to provide free design consultation services to a number of property and small business owners, which is a requirement to utilize the program. Eligible exterior upgrades and replacements projects include: • Design services • Exterior painting • Removing inappropriate and or incompatible exteriors finishes and materials • Restoring exterior finishes and materials • Installation of safety glass • Recessing/reconfiguring of existing storefront doors and entrances to meet ADA compliance. • Repairing or replacing existing storefront window systems • Exterior building signage and lighting • Repairing or replacement of existing awning “The Broadway corridor in ~ GUEST COMMENTARY ~ Kudos to the Oak Island Neighborhood for Lifting Their Voice – Now Keep It Going By Sal Giarratani I grew up during a period from the fifties to the seventies where ordinary working folk grew stronger voices. Once most of those in my parents’ generation depended on their elected officials doing right by them. On the local level, it actually worked pretty well. However, the higher up the political food chain you went, the less your voice got heard. This led many, sadly, to just give up fighting; it took too much energy battling the powers-that-be. Starting in the 60s, especially after John F. Kennedy got elected president, many, including myself, started little by little finding our voices. At some point after reading a small paperback by Father James Keller, who authored, “Government is our Business,” I found my voice and at times wouldn’t shut up. People hate when you don’t shut up and listen to them. One paragraph in his little book (written back in 1950, by the way) stated, “Government is our business. Either we run it or it runs us. It will only be as good as we want it to be or as bad as we allow it to be.” I have never forgotten those words and have carried those words forward into actions that needed to be addressed. What the residents of the Oak Island neighborhood did was make a powerful statement that we are the government, not them. I am so happy to see that folks in this neighborhood recognize the victory they just won. They could have just given up and accepted whatever was coming down the pike, but they didn’t. The powers-that-be saw what happens when they believe folks would be compliant. However, even Article 80 could roll over them. Now it is time for more folks in more neighborhoods to form associations to defend their turf, too. They may try and guilt you but if you know you’re right, the power of one and one and one and one more will persevere. We need to elect good elected representatives at all levels of government but always remember we are the government and those we elect are our voices. Of course, you know the next step is not to be afraid to run for office yourself. Our Founding Fathers created, as Ben Franklin once said, “a republic if we can keep it.” Hold your heads up high over in the Oak Island Neighborhood. How does your first victory feel right now? Human Rights Commission maps out goals and plans By Barbara Taormina T he Human Rights Commission voted to approve a vision statement that will frame their efforts going forward. The Commission will work to support “A thriving Revere where all community members live free of racism, poverty, violence and other systems of oppression and where everyone has equitable access, opportunities and resources as well as a sense of belonging.” Commission Chair Janine Grillo Marra told commission members the vision statement could change and evolve over time as needed. She described the statement as the commission’s North Star. Commissioners also looked ahead at what types of services and events they could plan to encourage human rights and understanding within Revere. They have bolstered awareness and, hopefully, conversation by highlighting cultural markers, such as Black History Month and Woman’s History Month, with documentaries, guest speakers, panel discussions and banners and signs at City Hall. Commissioner Kourou Pich said signs and small displays of different cultures are valuable in creating a sense of belonging among the city’s different ethnic communities. April is a busy month for the commission. April is diversity month, Arab American Heritage Month and Autism Awareness Month. Commissioners are not daunted by the number of different cultural and social events meant to promote greater understanding among residents from different backgrounds. The commission is not looking to streamline its work. Commissioners are working to ensure that all groups within Revere receive the acknowledgement and attention each deserve. Reaching out and increasing involvement and participation in city issues among the city’s many ethnic groups has been a goal of Mayor Brian Arrigo since he was first elected. He has often spoke about making local government accessible and responsive to underserved communities in the city. While City Hall works on the nuts and bolts of that goal, the Human Rights Commission supports equity, diversity and inclusion with events and details that encourage all of Revere to participate in ensuring all residents have equitable access, opportunities and resources as well as a sense of belonging. Revere has an impressive array of services and locally-owned businesses,” said Gamble Associates Principal David Gamble. “This strategic effort provides design guidance to enhance building facades and business signage that capitalize on the diversity and stimulate economic development.” There are two applications for this program, and both are available on a rolling basis on www.revere.org/smallbusiness. If you missed the information sessions, they are available in both English and Spanish on the website.
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