Malden, Mass., Nov. 13, 2013, — Mayor Gary Christenson, City Council President Neal Anderson and city officials recently welcomed six Brazilian Mayors and three Vice Mayors along with their staff.
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The Brazilian delegation was led by Fernando Rolla, President of AMEPI Mayor’s Association and Mayor of São Domingos do Prata. Brazilian native and Malden resident, Reverend Glauder Oliveira, brought the mayors together. Mayor Christenson and Councillor Anderson shared the particulars of municipal government, upcoming Malden developments and projects, as well as community events. Police Chief Kevin Molis and Fire Chief Jack Colangeli discussed the current issues facing their departments. Malden Police Officer Gustavo Kruschewsky served as a translator during the meeting. |
“I thank Reverend Oliveira for providing me and my staff the opportunity to meet with the Mayors from Brazil,” said Mayor Christenson. “It was interesting to share the commonalities between our two countries. They seemed to be very impressed with our City.”
Malden Is Awarded $3 Million Grant for Downtown Revitalization
Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development, Greg Bialecki traveled to Malden on Tuesday, Nov. 12, to announce the award of a $3 Million grant to the City of Malden through the 2013 MassWorks Infrastructure Program. Mayor Gary Christenson, State Representative Paul Donato, City Council President Neal Anderson, Marc Draisen from Metropolitan Area Planning Council and other officials were in attendance to receive this great news.
(L to R)State Rep. Paul Donato, City Council President Neal Anderson, Secretary Greg Bialecki, Mayor Christenson at a press conference overlooking downtown Malden
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Through the MassWorks Program, the Patrick Administration assists municipalities by investing in infrastructure improvements, including the development of new and sustainable housing and economic initiatives.
The City’s award will support the downtown redevelopment by contributing to the cost of demolishing City Hall. The City requested the funding to assist in the revitalization of the downtown which includes plans to reopen Pleasant Street and redevelop the remaining 2.19 acre parcel as a means of unlocking what many see as the true potential for downtown Malden. |
Last month Governor Patrick and Secretary Bialecki joined Mayor Christenson and City officials for a tour of downtown Malden. The visit focused on Malden’s economic growth and the tour consisted of a look at the new-market rate housing, the local businesses, and other locations that make Malden an ideal place to live. The Governor arrived by public transportation, joining the Mayor at the City Hall site where he saw that the building is truly a barrier to a vibrant downtown. The Governor and Secretary also toured recent improvements including newly paved sidewalks, period lighting, crosswalks and new trees.
The City is currently reviewing proposals from potential developers for the redevelopment of the combined City Hall/Police Station site. The proposals include mixed-use development – retail shops, residential development, and the creation of open space. Mayor Christenson thanked the City Council for their full support. “We have same vision for the revitalization of the downtown,” said City Council President Neal Anderson. “Working together we will ensure that Malden reaches its full potential.”
“This MassWorks grant demonstrates the State’s commitment to Malden’s plans to unlock renewed opportunity and growth in downtown Malden,” said Mayor Christenson. “We are truly grateful to Secretary Bialecki and Governor Patrick for their support.”