CONTINUED STORIES FROM PAGE ONE

The need to focus on Fells' natural resources - continued - In 1991 the Mass. Audubon Society submitted comments to the state that bike use on Fells hiking trails would erode narrow and steep trails and cause "significant damage to natural systems…pose a hazard to hikers" and prevent park visitors from enjoying "a quiet natural experience" without the hazard of being hit by bike riders. Mass Audubon wrote of the state's "responsibility to protect the Reservation's natural character and features for all citizens of the Commonwealth."
Ultimately Fells bike use was authorized by the predecessor agency to the DCR based on two conditions: effective Fells ranger enforcement of regulations to restrict bike riding to the thirty five miles of Fells trails and fire roads, and compliance with the rules by bikers. This authorization was to be reviewed after one year, a review which has never been performed. The two conditions set forth in 1991 – enforcement and compliance - have never been met. Staffing for trail use enforcement has been absent in the Fells, and as a result, many of the narrow Fells hiking trails have been converted by knobby tires into eroded gullies, and wildflower and animal habitats have been decimated along trail margins, with bikers riding cross-country creating new trails at will. With so much damage already done, many are convinced that the unique nature of the Fells is on the verge of being destroyed.
Bike use in the Fells is warranted based on sufficient enforcement of and rider compliance with the regulations which protect natural resources and the quality and safety of all visitor experiences. It is disturbing that in the absence of enforcement and compliance of existing riding regulations, mountain biking advocates are now calling on DCR to increase bike access, including biking on all Fells hiking trails. To protect Fells natural and cultural resources and the quality of visitor experiences, the limited DCR Fells Trails Planning process currently underway is not a substitute for a full-fledged Resource Management Plan, mandated by Massachusetts law, establishing a rigorous process to examine in detail the best possible resource management of this unique forest Reservation. To consider changes in use of the Fells without compliance with the Resource Management Planning process is not acceptable. Additionally, the original conditions for biking in the Fells – enforcement and rule compliance – should be met. Details of the current DCR Fells Trail Planning process can be found at: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/news/publicmeetings/greenways.htm. We are asking those who cherish the unique oasis that is the Fells Reservation to make their voices heard. Mike Ryan - Executive Director Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation

Malden Rotary's 7TH Annual Road Race - St. Patrick’s Day Race Set to Attract Hundreds of Runners & Walkers - The Malden Rotary Club will hold the Seventh Annual St. Patrick’s Day Road Race on Sunday March 14, 2010. This year’s event is shaping up to be the biggest yet, due in large part to both of the race courses, 5K & 10K, being certified by USA Track & Field, USATF. Road Race Chairwoman Virginia Bowen is thrilled about this year’s race and when reached for comment was quoted as saying, “This year’s race is special because both of our courses have been certified by USA Track & Field. As you may remember, last year’s race attracted over 200 runners. So, we are anticipating that our new race course certifications will attract an even larger contingent of the area’s best runners.” Runners can register online at www.runreg.com or call contact Virginia Bowen at 781 842-1950 for a Runner’s Registration Form. Race day registration will take place at 10:00 AM with the race(s) start time at 11:00 AM. The first 300 runners to register will receive a free race day T-Shirt. The Dockside restaurant has once again graciously agreed to host a post-race awards ceremony, which will be held immediately following the race. For over 80 years the Malden Rotary Club has been servicing the charitable needs of our community. 100% of the net proceeds from this event will help support The Malden Rotary Club and its mission of Service Above Self. To learn more visit http://www.maldenrotary.org

Temple to stay in Malden - continued “We're really working on marketing and getting our name out there.” On its website, Tifereth Israel emphasizes its “inclusive and diverse climate” that welcomes innovation while honoring tradition. The temple operates a religious school for students in prekindergarten through 10th grade and offers adult educational programs to the public. Its Salem Street building is also home to Malden's Tri-CAP Head Start Program. Like many religious organizations, Tifereth Israel has watched its congregation shrink in recent years while costs continue to escalate. The decision to explore selling the 20,000 square-foot building came three years ago after several members requested a reduction in their dues and fuel costs made upkeep more expensive than ever, Cherkas said. “It seemed to be a bit overwhelming at one point,” she said of the building. The temple received a fair amount of interest in the property and one party made an offer that prompted the Board of Trustees to seek legal counsel, Cherkas said. Tifereth Israel ultimately withdrew from the deal after the buyer requested it to vacate the premises three months after the sale was finalized.
“We couldn't have uprooted an entire community in three months,” Cherkas said. “It's a process.” The Board's decision to take the Salem Street property off the market was spurred partially by its inability to secure a satisfactory buyer but also by the results of a report issued by Combined Jewish Philanthropies that ranked Malden as having the highest percentage of Jewish residents among communities north of Boston. Although the percentage is still lower than it was in years past, Cherkas said remaining in Malden makes sense for the congregation. Currently, Tifereth Israel serves 120 families and 29 students attend its religious school. Rabbi David Kudan was hired last fall and Cherkas became president last July. The temple will celebrate its 80th anniversary in the spring, and Cherkas can think of no better place to honor the milestone than in the halls she grew up in. “I walk through the classrooms and I still get chills,” she said.

Council approves property tax increase and exemptions - At Tuesday's Council meeting an increase to property taxes was approved. Mayor Howard and the Mass Department of Revenue must approved the change. The new residential rate will jump to $12.39 per $1,000 of assessed value, up from $9.91. Owner-occupied homes will receive a 20 percent exemption, up from 10 percent. The average tax bill for the year for a single-family home will be $2,896 with the exemption, and $3,769. without it, according to city estimates. The average single family home in Malden is valued at $304,241. The average condominium bill will be $1,786 with the exemption, and $2,659 without it. The average condominium in the city is valued at $214,646. The city expects to grant just over 8,000 exemptions in the coming year. On the commercial side, the rate will jump from $18.17 to $21.38 per $1,000 of assessed value.

Robots come to the Senior Center - There are always many wonderful projects going on at Malden's Senior Center. The Executive Director, Christine DiPietro and her staff provide excellent ongoing services to seniors and also conduct many special projects. One such project started last fall and has just completed. It was a study by students at MIT to find the best design of robot faces. The group selected several cities around the area and set up for a few days at each senior center. "This group from MIT and Toyota just dropped in to see me, said Christine. "I thought their project was very interesting and we had the space to help them out with their study" The robots arrived over the weekend and a space was set up for them. Several of the youth workers at the had an opportunity to assist. "I went to other classes and groups of people to attract test subjects for the project. We filled a schedule of interested seniors willing to sit and be interviewed," said Chris.
The project was described as finding effective methods whereby robots might help seniors. Robot could assist with simple chores around the house, but the faces need to be well designed. The study group which included Jun Ki Lee, Joanne Shih and Haeyeon Lee felt confident that they could determine the most acceptable face design for their robot applications. Seniors sat, one at a time and answered questions given by the robot. The reaction of each one, to the facial expressions of the robot, were then recorded. Jun Ki Lee explained that some test subjects found the faces and movement humorous, while others were a bit "freaked-out." Christine felt that the interaction brought more awareness to the seniors of new types of technology and how they can help people. It was also helpful in expanding the seniors imagination as well as being educational and fun. The study group was happy with the turnout and grateful for the opportunity to work at the Malden Senior Center. The robot testing ran for several weeks before moving on. The results are in. "From what I heard, the study results were positive. I don't think they think this robot is ready to help them now, but maybe in the future. I am glad we participated," said Chris

Feds declare Malden fire site disaster area - loans available - The US Small Business Administration declared the Mystic Side Estates apartment complex in Malden to be a disaster area, making its tenants available for low-interest federal disaster loans. Dozens of people were left homeless after the Jan. 9 six-alarm fire on Pleasant Street, which caused an estimated $6 million in damage and destroyed much of the 60-unit brick building. Widespread looting added to residents’ woes. The fire was caused by an electrical malfunction, investigators said. Governor Deval Patrick requested the federal relief last Wednesday. Jan. 13 “I am grateful to the Small Business Administration for recognizing the hurt that was caused by this terrible fire,” Patrick said in a statement. “This additional assistance will give our friends and neighbors and their community the resources they need to rebuild and recover.” Victims of the blaze can apply for the long-term, low-interest Physical Disaster Loans to replace any uninsured property lost in the fire. SBA officials will be on hand to meet victims at the Malden Senior Community Center on Washington Street from Wednesday through Jan. 27. People unable to visit the center can obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at at 800-659-2955 (800-877-8339 for the hearing impaired) or by sending e-mail to disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Victims can also visit hpps://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/. State Representative Paul J. Donato, who represents Malden, said he was pleased that victims will be able to secure these loans. "These people can have can have the opportunity not only to rebuild their homes, but to rebuild their lives as well,” Donato said. In a statement, US Senator John Kerry said, "This assistance will give the residents displaced by the fire the much needed lift they need to get back on their feet and begin the process of rebuilding."

DiPietro - it's time to make a decision on City Hall - Incoming City Council President Paul DiPietro says he and his colleagues must commit soon to either relocating City Hall or sprucing up the existing facility at 200 Pleasant St. And if councilors choose the latter, DiPietro said, they could set aside renovation money this session, which begins Tuesday. "I would think we might actually be forced to," DiPietro said. He voted in favor of a plan - which failed 6-5 in 2008 - to move City Hall next to Jenkins Auditorium as part of the Malden High renovations. DiPietro said that in light of the current fiscal woes, he'd be open to renovating City Hall, which he said needs upgrades to the elevators, windows, and the roof, among other areas. But still, he said, the foundation of the brick facility remains strong. "It's built well," he said. "It's built like a fortress, I can tell you that. We can do some amazing stuff [architecturally]. Look what they've done to Fenway Park." DiPietro said his other priorities will include measures to improve operations in the treasurer's office and prevent layoffs in the municipal workforce - a tall order with more local aid cuts expected from Beacon Hill, he said. "I don't know if we can get out of [layoffs]," DiPietro said. By Travis Andersen

Swearing In - Mayor Richard Howard administered the oath of office to all elected members of the council and School Committee. For the council, newly elected councilors Deborah Fallon and Barbara Murphy were installed for the first time. School Committee newcomers Kevin Casucci and Adam Weldai also took the oath of office. Outgoing Ward 5 Councilor John Furlong, who served for 10 years, said he'll remain active in city affairs. Councilors also bade adieu to John Matheson, who lost to DiPietro in November and served as a councilor-at-large for seven months after the Paul Anderson resignation. Matheson said that he'll treasure the friendships he made on the council. Outgoing School Committee members Lisa D'Arcangelo and Gladys Rivera Rogers were also recognized. Rivera Rogers thanked her family and Ward 7 constituents in her remarks.

Paul DiPietro elected council President - The Council elected Ward 3 Councilor Paul DiPietro as president during inauguration ceremonies on Monday. DiPietro takes the reins from Craig Spadafora, who is running as a Republican for a state Senate seat up for grabs in November. In his remarks, DiPietro told about 200 guests that he's depending on his colleagues and constituents to help the city weather a continuing fiscal crisis. As if to underscore the point, the lights went out briefly during DiPietro's speech, and he soldiered on in the dark, to the delight of the crowd. "Let's get to work," he said. "Let's get it done, let's do the business of Malden." The council president makes committee assignments and procedural decisions, among other powers.

Malden Assessor response - The following is a press release from Robert Donnelly, Chairman of the Board of Assessors, in response to a Dec. 22 press release from the Malden Taxpayers for Accountability. In this release, Donnelly wants to call taxpayer attention to several inaccuracies in the MTFA statement.
They said: The Malden Taxpayers for Accountability wants to laud the City Council and Controller for the increase in this year's property tax exemption for home owners that live in Malden and own their own home. - In fact: The City Controller has no authority to create a Residential Exemption. Under Massachusetts General Laws only the Mayor with the approval of the City Council may adopt a Residential Exemption.
They said: The 16,000 non-exempt property owners will pay an additional estimate of $13.9 million dollars. - In fact: There are only 12,524 residential taxpayers in the City of Malden. Even if one factors in Commercial, Industrial and Personal Property taxpayers, the total number of property taxpayers in the City of Malden is 13,890. Their contention that there will be an additional $13.9 million dollars is erroneous. The Residential Exemptions being returned to owner-occupants will total $7,000,000.
They said: When threats and (sic) are being made by the Mayor's Office of city services being cut if certain programs are eliminated (sic). These types of comments should be viewed with skepticism. After this exemption, the residential property tax is an increase of approximately 15% as the taxpayer's watchdog group estimates an additional 3.5 to 4.5 million dollars is added to the city's budget. - In fact: In Fiscal Year 2009, the City of Malden was authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue to collect $60,095,900 in taxes from the taxpayers of Malden. For FY2010 the number, pursuant to Proposition 2½, was increased to $62,347,717, a difference of $2,251,817. This represents an increase of 3.75% NOT 15% as stated in the MTFA press release. As chairman of the Board of Assessors, I believe it was important to set the record straight and present the taxpayers of Malden with accurate information.

High School Renovation gets state funds continued - The renovation of Malden High School is an important construction project for this community, and I am pleased to present this check," state Treasurer Tim Cahill said. "The MSBA's Progress Payment system will save Malden approximately $31 million in avoided local interest costs. This money will go a long way toward improving the teaching and learning environment for Malden students and faculty in a cost-effective way," said Katherine Craven, MSBA executive director. Malden continues to benefit from a strong relationship that has been maintained throughout the years between the local and state officials," said state Rep. Christopher Fallon. I am pleased with the much needed funds for the renovation to Malden High School," said state Rep. Paul J. Donato. "The timely reimbursement is important to the city of Malden, particularly in these tough economic times."
The MSBA is collaborating with municipalities to equitably invest $2.5 billion in schools across the commonwealth by finding the right-sized, most fiscally responsible and educationally appropriate solutions to create safe and sound learning environments. The MSBA is committed to protecting the taxpayer's dollar by improving the school building grant process and avoiding the mistakes of the past in the funding and construction of school facilities. The MSBA has reformed the commonwealth's formerly rampant and unsustainable program, which had accumulated $11 billion in debt.
To date, the MSBA has made approximately $6.5 billion in reimbursements to cities, towns and regional school districts for school construction projects. These timely payments have saved municipalities over $2.9 billion in avoided local interest costs and have provided much needed cash flow to municipalities in these difficult economic times.