Page 8 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2020 “Operation Crackdown”– 12 charged in undercover narcotics investigation “O peration Crackdown,” a two-month undercover narcotics investigation involving the Revere Police Narcotics/Gang Unit, Saugus Police and the Massachusetts State Police, resulted in multiple individuals being charged with several counts of trafficking and distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. Reportedly, over 125 grams of fentanyl and over 200 grams of cocaine were seized. “I commend the work of the Revere Police and our partners who prevented deadly drugs from making their way on our streets,” said Police Chief James Guido. “Because of this investigation our streets are safer.” Mayor Brian Arrigo commended the police department. “Investigations such as this are tedious and challenging in many respects. The cooperation among Revere’s Narcotics/Gang Unit, Saugus and State Police is an example of our regional commitment to law enforcement. This kind of diligence is a vital factor in our constant battle against drug abuse and the crime it spawns in our communities.” City Council approves $2M bond for school study By Barbara Taormina D espite precautions being put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, city government is still working, and this week the City Council took a major step forward and unanimously approved a $2 million loan order to fund the feasibility study for the new high school. The study is the next step in the review of projects by the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). The district will work with the MSBA to document the school’s education program, existing conditions and space. The study will also establish design parameters, develop and assess alternatives and recommend the most cost effective and educationally appropriate solution to the MSBA Board of Directors. “We are excited to take this next step to dig into the details of the new high school and figure out some of the big questions people have about the location of the school, its size and programming,” Mayor Brian Arrigo told councillors before the vote. But the council did not need to be convinced to approve the spending. “I’m excited to get the ball rolling,” said Councillor-at-Large Gerry Visconti. “I know a lot of residents of Revere are excited, so let’s get going.” Last month newly appointed Director of Finance Richard Viscay presented the loan order to the City Council and explained that generally, one percent of a project’s total cost is budgeted for a feasibility study. Although the high school is expected to cost around $300 million, the city is looking for a $2 million, five-year bond for the study which can be rolled into a 30year bond for the project. The MSBA is expected to pick up 77.5 percent of the construction costs of the new school. “This is long overdue,” said Ward 5 Councillor John Powers. “This is one of the areas in city government that can work to support students and those students who will come years and years from now.” Powers said that a good percent of the money Revere spends on the high school will come back from the state, and ongoing commercial development, particularly Suffolk Downs, will boost revenue, which will pay for a lot of the bonded debt for the project. “Anytime there’s a big expenditure like this the hair stands up on the back of my neck,” said Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto. But Like Powers, Zambuto is optimistic about the current wave of economic development and its positive impact on city finances. “I know we’ll be able to support our share of this, and I look forward to getting this study done,” he said.
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