SANTA & MRS. CLAUS HOLIDAY PHOTOS
Vol.29, No.51
-FREE-
www.advocatenews.net
Free Every Friday
781-286-8500
PAGES 12-15
Friday, December 20, 2019
Baker-Polito Administration announces $1M Guinasso, Keefe honored MassWorks Infrastructure Award in Revere for City Council leadership By Tara Vocino
Will fund Ocean Ave. improvements as ďŹ rst step toward future hotels
O
utgoing City Council President Arthur Guinasso was recognized for his service during Monday night’s City Council meeting. City Council Vice President Patrick Keefe, Jr. presented Guinasso with a gavel to thank him for his dedication and leadership spanning 32 years.
ish very much, serving as president has been a great honor to me – I enjoyed every minute of it,â€? said Guinasso. He said he tried to be fair to everyone and that he fulfilled his promise of having swift meetings. A ďŹ rm believer in subcommittee meetings, he said they get more accomplished during the half-hour sessions.
Pictured at Wednesday’s announcement of a $1 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant by the Baker-Polito Administration, from left: Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky, State Representative RoseLee Vincent, State Representative/Speaker of the Massachusetts House Robert DeLeo, Mayor Brian Arrigo, Massachusetts Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto, Councillor-at-Large-Elect Gerry Visconti and Ward 5 Councillor John Powers.
M
assachusetts Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy joined House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, Revere Mayor Brian M. Arrigo, State Representative RoseLee Vincent and other local leaders on Wednesday to announce a $1 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant for Revere. The project will relocate overhead utilities and make intersection improvements on Ocean Avenue, clearing the way for two hotels planned near Revere Beach. The MassWorks Ocean Avenue Gateway project will also include the resurfacing of approximately 2,000 feet of roadway, and the reconďŹ guration and re-signalization of the intersection at Revere Beach Parkway. Collectively, the two permitted hotel sites will generate over 300 rooms and an 80-seat restaurant, with the larger of the two developments valued at $40 million. “MassWorks is a valuable program that maximizes return on investment for capital funding, delivering vital infrastructure repairs that improve public safety while stimulating local and private development, job growth and housing production,â€? said Governor Charlie Baker. “We will continue to
collaborate closely with local leaders to identify opportunities and target public resources toward the growth and wellbeing of communities across the Commonwealth.â€? “As former municipal leaders, Governor Baker and I know firsthand the value of flexible grant programs like MassWorks, which help communities make targeted enhancements and provide opportunities for economic development,â€? said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Today’s award will accelerate local commercial growth and job creation, better preparing Revere for the future.â€? “This administration recognizes the importance of reliable, modern infrastructure to the safety and success of communities of all sizes,â€? said Secretary Kennealy. “This new MassWorks award builds on past grants and supports Revere’s vision for Ocean Avenue by unlocking new hotels and housing and beneďŹ ting the restaurants and businesses along Revere Beach.â€? These MassWorks improvements will also support increased multimodal safety and connectivity between two prior MassWorks Infrastructure Projects at Shirley Avenue and
Revere Beach Parkway. Additionally, the project will provide ancillary beneďŹ ts for an adjacent 200-unit, multifamily housing development that is currently under construction. All three private developments are located within a half mile of the Revere Beach MBTA Subway Station, and all three will advance the goals and vision of the city’s Revere Beach Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) District. “The infrastructure improvements will help advance the long-term goal of a well-conceived Revere Beach TransitOriented Development District. Thanks to the support of Governor Baker, Speaker DeLeo, Senator Boncore and Representative Vincent, this will fuel the momentum happening in Revere, benefiting residents, visitors and businesses along Ocean Avenue,â€? said Mayor Arrigo. “The grant monies will support the growth of our local economy, creating walkable space between the mixeduse community, centered between two T-stops. Infrastructure improvements that advance transit-oriented development is key to a vibrant, sustainable and attractive commu-
BAKER-POLITO | SEE PAGE 8
HONORABLE SERVICE: City Council Vice President Patrick Keefe Jr. presents outgoing City Council President Arthur Guinasso a gavel plaque recognizing his service to the City Council during Monday’s City Council meeting at City Hall. (Advocate Photo by Tara Vocino)
“I feel like a rookie – like the ďŹ rst day I came into oďŹƒce,â€? Guinasso said. “It’s been a great honor and privilege.â€? Keefe joked that he asked Guinasso to call out sick, but he never did. “Before I receive this very distinguished award that I cher-
Photojournalists, city councillors recognized Also during the meeting, three photojournalists and city councillors were recognized for their contributions to Fire Chief Christopher
COUNCIL | SEE PAGE 9 :H DFFHSW 0DVWHU&DUG 9LVD 'LVFRYHU
$2.45 *$//21 GALLON
*DO 0LQ +U 6HUYLFH 3ULFH 6XEMHFW WR &KDQJH ZLWKRXW QRWLFH