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Cash Crop: City Council wants marijuana tax By Sara Brown
A
Victor DeMatteo, Freddy Burns, David Harris, Stephen DiBlasi, and Lawrence Falter are shown with Bruins star Brad Marchand during a exclusive signing at Stop and Shop on Squire Road in Revere. See more photo highlights inside on pages 10-11. (Advocate photo by Ross Scabin)
Friday, February 16, 2018
medical marijuana facility is expected to open in Revere on Railroad Avenue, and Councillor-at-Large Steve Morabito wants the city to charge a 3 percent tax. At the February 5 City Council meeting, Morabito requested that the council accept Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 64N, Section 3 as amended by chapter 55 of the Acts of 2017. This allows the city to have a 3 percent sales tax on anything that is sold at the facility. The money raised from the tax will be used to fund education on substance abuse and to help with addiction recovery. “This is a gateway drug,” Morabito said. “I’d like to see the funds go to education and addiction recovery. As a city we
should take advantage of this.” Morabito also requested a host agreement between the city and the medical marijuana facility, which allows them to tax an additional three percent for five years. “This will sweeten the deal,” said Morabito. Councillor-at-Large George Rotondo said he is in favor of the idea but wants to make sure the right group gets the funding for education. “I’m all for education; I just want it to be for the right group,” Rotondo said. “Show me outcomes and give me results.” He said there were certain groups in the city and area that he believes do not get quality results in terms of addiction recovery and education. “I don’t want education just for the pur-
MARIJUANA TAX | SEE PAGE 2
The Neighborhood Developers receives $50,000 state grant By Sara Brown
T
he Neighborhood Developers (TND) was awarded a $50,000 Urban Agenda Grant to help residents gain employment. On February 12, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito awarded Revere the grant along with several other communities. This $50,000 grant will help fund a collaboration between Revere and TND to establish a CONNECT facility. CONNECT will help residents achieve sustainable living wage jobs, financial literacy and essential workforce training. The Urban Agenda Grant Program allows communities to partner with organizations to develop ideas on how to help their city or town. The program
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Pictured at Monday’s announcement of the Urban Grant Program at Revere City Hall’s City Council Chambers are Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, TND Executive Director Ann Houston, State Rep. RoseLee Vincent, Revere Director of Economic Development Robert O’Brien, Mayor Brian Arrigo and State Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash. (Advocate photo by Sara Brown)
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seeks to unlock communitydriven responses to local obstacles, and to promote economic development opportunities through partnership-building, problem-solving and shared accountability in urban centers. The competitive awards offer flexible funding for local efforts that bring together community stakeholders to pursue economic development initiatives. This is the second year the state awarded this grant. “The team approach is the hallmark to our success,” said Polito during the presentation at Revere City Hall. “Our administration understands the importance of local leadership and its impact on the lives of residents,” said Polito. “The Urban Agenda Grant Program relies on the strong partnerships between local government, nonprofits and the business community that are critical to fostering economic success and building stronger neighborhoods in every region in Massachusetts.” The state awarded the grant to nine communities (totaling $500,000). “On a behalf of a very thankful city, I say thank you,” Mayor Brian Arrigo said.
STATE GRANT | SEE PAGE 4