THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021 Page 5 McKenna proposes arts center at Beachmont Fire Station By Adam Swift F rom putting out fi res, to a home for the hottest in local art – Ward 1 City Councillor Joanne McKenna is pushing for a plan to transform the Beachmont Fire Station into a center for the arts. Last Monday night, councillors praised McKenna’s motion requesting that the city look into the possibility of using federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to turn the rundown fire station into a complex of artist lofts and studio space. “The Beachmont Fire Station is the oldest fire station in the city,” said McKenna. “It’s an historical building, one the community and the city would like to keep, since we have lost so many landmarks.” During a recent public forum on the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds, McKenna said, the future of the Beachmont Fire Station was brought up. “The fi re station has been a storage facility for many years now, and the JOANNE McKENNA Ward 1 City Councillor outside of the building is in disarray,” she said. “Two years ago, the Beachmont Improvement Committee and Elle Baker [of the Planning Department] and I looked at the building and tried to utilize it, but because of the funding, we were unsuccessful. Now, with the American Rescue Plan fund, we now might have the opportunity to save this beautiful, historical building by maybe creating artist lofts and an art gallery.” While surrounding communities have arts centers, McKenna said Revere is lacking a place where Revere residents can enjoy local visual art and where artists can create and show their work. “I want to commend Councillor McKenna for this motion,” said Councillor-at-Large Jessica Ann Giannino. “You are so thoughtful about your community and about Ward 1 and the art community, and just taking spaces and really coming up with creative uses for them. I think this is phenomenal and I’m excited about it.” Giannino said the fi re station is a beautiful space that is not being used to its full capacity and would be an excellent use for a bustling, residential neighborhood. “I hope we can fi nd the money,” said Councillor-at-Large George Rotondo. “It’s a great use for that building; it’s dynamic, and more importantly, it will help bring people together.” www.eight10barandgrille.com We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM Right by you. Right by all. WE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 STAY SAFE! Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma A COMMUNITY BUILT ON LOVE IS ONE WE’RE PROUD TO SUPPORT. EVERETT BANK CELEBRATES PRIDE MONTH AND BANKING FOR ALL. Right by you. WWW.EVERETTBANK .COM Member FDIC Member DIF
6 Publizr Home