Revere City Council Round-Up

By Barbara Taormina

Councillor requests Proclamation declaring May Jewish American Heritage Month

Ward 2 Councillor Ira Novoselsky asked fellow councillors to approve a proclamation declaring May 2024 Jewish American Heritage Month. President George W. Bush first named May Jewish American Heritage month in 2006 in recognition and celebration of the achievements and contributions American Jews have made to the United States. Since then, presidents Obama, Trump and Biden have made it a tradition.

“Revere is known for diversity. This is just showing our inclusiveness,” said Novoselsky, who added that Revere has historically had a strong Jewish community that has always shared its culture, faith and traditions with neighbors. We are currently facing a rise of antisemitism so be it resolved that May 2024 is Jewish American Heritage Month, he said

“There’s nothing more appropriate,” said Councillor-at-Large Anthony Zambuto, who added that the recent wave of antisemitic protests was heartbreaking.

Councillor-at-Large Marc Silvestri tried to take the politics out the proclamation and said it was not about supporting the Israeli government but rather was about celebrating cultural heritage whether you’re an Israeli or Palestinian.

Councillors invite HYM’s CEO to meeting on Suffolk Downs update

Councillors Joanne McKenna and Michelle Kelly presented a motion to have Thomas O’Brien, CEO of The HYM Investment Group, LLC, provide a construction progress update on Suffolk Downs at the May 6th council meeting. The councillors hope to dispel rumblings about HYM’s financial challenges, particularly with a project that’s key to the city’s future.

Speed table approved for Sagamore Street

The council approved a motion from Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya that the Traffic Commission approve the installation of a speed table on Sagamore Street to slow down cut through traffic.

Clr. Argenzio requests return of Water & Sewer Discount Program for seniors

Councillors voted unanimously to approve Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio’s motion that the mayor and Chief of Infrastructure Don Ciaramella be requested to return the Water & Sewer Discount Program for seniors to last year’s rate structure. The discounts are 30 percent for consumption of 30,000 gallons or less, 20 percent for consumption of 30,001 to 70,000 gallons and a 10 percent discount for consumption of 70,001 gallons or more.

Councillor requests lifeguard for Satter House seniors

The council supported Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya’s motion that the mayor request DCR to station a lifeguard on Revere Beach in front of Jack Satter House. Guarino-Sawaya said it is important for the safety of seniors and for the many residents who bring their grandchildren to the beach.

Council refers two appointments for Election and Planning Boards

The council referred two appointments from Mayor Patrick Keefe to the Council’s Appointments Subcommittee. The subcommittee will review the reappointment of J. Cammarata to the Election Commission and the appointment of Leah Hoffman to the Planning Board.

Dog park proposed for Revere Beach

Several councillors had concerns about Ward 4 Councillor Paul Argenzio’s motion that the mayor contact DCR and the state delegation to make a small portion of Revere Beach dog-friendly year-round. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April to October and Argenzio said many residents enjoy walking their dogs on the beach. It’s how they use and enjoy this city resource.

But Ward 5 Councillor Angela Guarino-Sawaya said families have only a short season to visit the beach and they don’t want to worry about aggressive dogs or dog waste.

Argenzio used the example of the area from Beach Street to Revere Street because there are no plovers and no houses. But he said that was only an example and he would like to hear suggestions from DCR.

Ward 1 Councillor Joanne McKenna had a suggestion. About a year ago, McKenna proposed creating a dog park on a little patch of beach off of Broadsound Avenue. “Nobody uses that part of the beach where the rotary is,” said McKenna. “The sand is different, it’s kind of mud-sand. Nobody sits there.”

McKenna said if done right, a dog park could work. “We should look into it,” she added.