Malden Kiwanis Bubbles & Books See page 15
Vol. 20, No. 27
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Friday, July 6, 2018
Maldonians celebrate citywide Fourth of July festivities in style By Barbara Taormina alden marked the Fourth of July with its chain of red, white and blue celebrations in parks throughout the city. Kids, teens and adults ignored temperatures that climbed into the 90s by mid-morning and flocked to the parks to play games, run races, toss eggs, ride ponies, splash down water slides and feast on hamburgers, hot dogs, sausages, meatball subs and all sorts of Fourth of July fare. Organized by the city’s eight ward councillors with help from local businesses, organizations and volunteers, the events gave families a chance to celebrate the holiday together as neighborhoods and communities. “We got the flyer for Ward 5
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and we went online and saw all the parks had something,� said Gloria Israel, who was at Forestdale Park with her three-yearold great-granddaughter, Lilly. And, if fact, driving through the city, it did seem like there was a bounce house and a big inflatable water slide around every corner. Councillors Peg Crowe and Paul Condon cohosted a huge party for Wards 1 and 2 at Devir Park which featured one of the morning’s biggest draws, the Greg Lucey 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament for high school players in grades 9 to 12. Dozens of kids woke up early Wednesday morning and headed out in the heat to compete. “It’s fun, but it’s hot,� said Roy Tribble, one of a large crew of firefighters and cops who turned
out to keep score and referee the games. “I’m happy with the way these kids came out in this weather,â€? said Malden Recreation Department Coordinator Joe Levine, who helped organize the tournament. “We do a lot of things with kids and the police and fire departments to get everyone to know one another better. It makes a connection, and it really does work.â€? Younger kids decked out their bikes, wagons and doll carriages with flags, streamers and bows for patriotic decorating contests. “My mom helped me ‌ and my dad a little,â€? said Iliana Sanchez, 5, who took home a top prize for her red, white and blue bike and costume.
4th OF JULY | SEE PAGE 7
Iliana Sanchez, 5, took home a top prize in the bike and stroller decorating contest at Forestdale Park.
Hospital site debate City takes a second look heating up at tree cutting plan By Barbara Taormina esidents who favor preserving most of the Malden Hospital land for community projects and public open space have been civil and almost cordial during the ongoing debate site, but that may change. Some of the Friends of Fellsmere Heights, and several of the friends of the friends, were unpleasantly surprised that Fellsmere Housing Group, which has proposed a large multifamily development for the hospital site, stepped into the City Council’s first public comment segment last week. Developers lined up out-oftown employees of the hospital owners, MelroseWakefield Healthcare (formerly Hallmark Health) and others who support the project to offer their positive view on the proposed 250-unit condo development. The goal seems to have been to prod the council into moving forward with a review of potential rezoning that would allow Fellsmere Housing Group to push forward with its plan. But councillors didn’t bite. They refused to refer a proposal to begin a rezon-
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ing review to the Ordinance Committee. The Malden Hospital Site Redevelopment Committee, led by Ward 3 Councillor John Matheson, has been trying to engage MelroseWakefield Healthcare in talks about alternatives for the site that would benefit the community. So, it was surprising to some that Saugus resident Debbie Cronin-Waelde, the chief nursing officer for MelroseWakefield Healthcare, stood up to make the case for Fellsmere Housing Group last week. “Our ask tonight is that you continue to work with us on the advancement of the Malden Hospital site,� she said. “I am here to express our strong belief that the project proposed by the Fellsmere Housing Group is the right plan to move this forward.� It was also surprising when Melrose resident Sharon Burton, a former Hallmark Health employee, used her two minutes of public comment time to lament the fact that there is no available housing for empty nesters. Malden has a slew of units coming online soon that should suit any older couples
HOSPITAL | SEE PAGE 2
maining 59 trees will be preserved if the city can construct sidewalks that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act regulations without causing problems for homeowners or street and sidewalk reconstruction plans. A full list of the trees, issues and problems, and the city’s final decision on cutting or retaining them is available on the city website in the Public Works section.
By Barbara Taormina esidents who turned out for last month’s public hearing on the proposal to remove 94 shade trees throughout the city received both good and bad news this week. The city will move forward and cut 28 trees as it continues the ongoing work of repairing and rebuilding roads and sidewalks. But the remaining 66 trees on the list have been given a reprieve, at least temporarily. “Throughout this project, the goal has always been to preserve trees while meeting the legal requirements for access and being mindful of public safety,� wrote Mayor Gary Christenson in a letter to residents. Christenson explained that the original list of 94 trees slated for removal was based on the assessment of certified arborist Andrew DeSanctis, who said that many of the trees were not in good condition and would not survive the stress of road construction. But the many people who came to the hearing to speak in favor of sav-
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Mayor Gar y Christenson agreed to several changes to the city’s tree cutting plan.
ing their neighborhood trees, even those that are not thriving, seem to have been heard. “After further consideration and evaluation, we have made several changes to the original recommendation to remove 94 trees,� said Christenson. While 28 trees will be lost, seven will remain if the city can negotiate easements with property owners for additional sidewalk space on private property. The re-
TREES | SEE PAGE 2
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