Everett City Councillors discuss zoning bylaws to limit animal testing at Docklands Innovation District

By Neil Zolot

Councillor-at-Large Stephanie Smith thinks zoning bylaws should be amended to allow limited animal testing in the Docklands Innovation District, part of 100-acres of land located between Lower Broadway, Revere Beach Parkway and the Mystic River and the Island End River tributary. At one time it was the site of Exxon gas tanks until its sale to The Davis Companies. “I voted against the original animal testing ban two years ago because I felt it was too broad, and I have not changed my stance on that,” she said during the Dec. 9 City Council meeting. “Now, with the creation of the Everett Docklands Innovation District allowing for life sciences, it’s time to update ordinances in conflict with that.”

Smith added, “My focus is on transforming Everett into a better place to live and work and supporting Everett being a leader in life sciences and scientific advancement, including breakthroughs in medical research. This is an opportunity for job creation and workforce development. Life sciences bring in entry level lab technicians to advanced roles for scientists and engineers. Not to mention the supporting functions like legal, compliance and finance. These are high-skilled, high-waged jobs for Everett residents who would otherwise need to commute to other cities. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for economic growth, sustainability and innovation.”

She also feels, “We’re doing Everett a disservice and forcing businesses into our neighboring cities like Medford, Somerville, Cambridge and Boston, which allow unrestricted animal testing. My proposal does not lift the ban completely on animal testing. It limits testing to small vertebrate species, such as mice, rats and fish, and only in areas zoned for life sciences. I’m looking forward to working with my colleagues to further strengthen the language in the Legislative Affairs & Elections Subcommittee to protect our animals, our residents, our neighborhoods and Everett’s future. This is my opinion.”

The Docklands Innovation District is one of three in the area, in addition to the Lower Broadway Economic Development District on Lower Broadway and the Commercial Triangle Economic Development District. A number of developments reuses are being considered, including the Battery Energy Storage System proposed by Jupiter Power.

The matter was referred to the Legislative Affairs & Elections Subcommittee by a 5-4 vote, after a voice vote left City Council president and Ward 5 representative Robert Van Campen in doubt. Smith, Van Campen, Councillor-at-Large John Hanlon, Ward 4 Councillor Holly Garcia and Ward 6 Councillor Peter Pietrantonio voted for the referral. Councillors-at-Large Micheal Marchese and Katy Rogers, Ward 1 Councillor Wayne Matewsky, Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins and Ward 3 Councillor Anthony DiPierro voted against it. Councillors-at-Large Guerline Alcy-Jabouin and Michael Marchese were not present for the vote, although they were in attendance earlier in the meeting. A roll call was taken after a voice vote left Van Campen in doubt.

“I believe The Davis Companies have dubious intentions, as was demonstrated two years ago as well as during a public meeting the other night in which they pitched animal testing to residents despite an ordinance already existing,” Rogers said before the vote. “To me, that’s direct interference in our municipal process, our government and democracy as a whole.”

After the meeting she told The Advocate, “This topic is important enough to be addressed by the entire council rather than being delayed in a subcommittee. Furthermore, I don’t believe we should modify the existing ordinance in the interest of a private developer when it offers no benefit to the greater good of Everett. The proposed Innovation District will thrive regardless of animal testing. The Davis Companies, a $4 billion real estate corporation, is committed to developing the area with or without it and should not be attempting to push amending it for profit. Allowing animal testing does not alter the district’s trajectory, but does compromise the ethical standards established by Everett residents. It’s worth noting that many newly built lab spaces in Boston currently sit empty while scientists are making incredible breakthroughs in alternative methods that have proven more effective than animal testing. If we allow animal testing in Everett, we can’t undo it or reclaim the cruelty-free reputation residents have worked so hard to establish.”

She feels, “Animal testing serves a private corporate agenda, not the public good. The ordinance was a constituent-led initiative, shaped by community voices to reflect Everett’s values. Amending it undermines transparency and trust, principles we value in our community partnerships. While animal testing may not harm the average resident directly, it offers no tangible benefits either. In contrast, maintaining Everett’s cruelty-free status strengthens our advocacy for broader animal protections and positions us as a compassionate, forward-thinking community. By upholding the ban, we set a crucial precedent: Companies must innovate with the community, not against it. This is not about stifling progress; it’s about ensuring the future aligns with our values and that developers respect the guidelines set by the people. Corporate partners shouldn’t be silencing community input for profit.”

“I’m not happy with The Davis Companies,” Matewsky added in discussion.

He feels the matter of laboratory testing was already decided two years ago. “I support positive development in that area,” he later told The Advocate. “Laboratories aren’t the way to go.”

Matewsky describes himself as an animal rights activist, and as a State Representative in 2014 he cosponsored animal rights legislation.

In other matters, Rogers introduced a proposal, which was referred to the Administration for consideration, requesting City Council meetings be streamed on YouTube “for enhanced accessibility and transparency.”

She explained, “The problem with Facebook is it requires people to have a social media account. By having a YouTube meeting, it allows our meetings to not get lost among other items and help with language services because there is translation.”

Rogers also introduced a measure requiring “the display of the United States flag when foreign flags are displayed by businesses.”

She explained, “This isn’t to stifle diversity in our community, but needs discussion. There needs to be an effort to promote the U.S. flag.”

Hanlon added that etiquette requires the U.S. flag be flown higher than other flags.

The matter was sent to the Legislative Affairs & Elections Subcommittee to determine how to move forward.