masks she exchanged for food donations during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Photo by Jim Mahoney)
“The city is not offering anything,” Adrien says
By Josh Resnek
Shutting down the city. Calling an early emergency.
“These were a must. As this crisis continues, we need to act for our residents and our businesspeople,” Councilor at Large Gerly Adrien told the Leader Herald.
“The city needs to be doing more to protect those cannot pay their mortgages. The city should protect rent payers who cannot pay for their apartments because they’ve become unemployed,” she added.
“Without mortgage and rent relief like Mayor Curtatone has instituted in Somerville, without small business relief, Everett faces a Coronavirus catastrophe,” she said.
Everett has not yet announced such moratoriums on paying rent and mortgages.
This has been done by Mayor Marty Walsh in Boston.
Everett is not offering aid in applying for unemployment and SBA loans as is being done in Somerville and other cities.
“When you compare the resources being offered by the mayor in Everett, they pale in comparison to other cities like ours,” she added.
“People need help here very badly.The mayor isn’t offering any help beyond enforcing social distancing. Everett can and must do better,” she said.
City Council President Rosa DiFlorio told the Leader she is growing concerned about the next budget.
“Look, the fiscal year ends June 30. How are we going to cope with next year’s budget needs…which are going to be great?” she asked.
“I can get any updates. No one has this kind of financial information. This concerns me,” she said.
DiFlorio said she was also concerned about virtual meetings be- ing held to conduct city business instead of meetings held inside the city council chamber at city hall.
“I mean, I want to be there, but I can’t. This virus is serious,” she said.
Like so many thousands of Everett residents stuck inside their homes, she said she was trying to be hopeful.
“It is very depressing to be a prisoner in my home every day. Staying inside every day is very repetitive. So I’ve been outside in my yard gardening. Everyone I speak with I try to be upbeat about the difficulties we will all be facing,” she added.
“You have to give people hope,” she said.
Councilor at Large Wayne Matewsky has been caring for his mother at home. If and when he goes outside, he said he now wears a mask and gloves – which he said he wore when he shopped for Easter Sunday dinner at McKinnon’s on Broadway.
Councilor at Large John Hanlon said he, too, was gardening and staying at home but wearing a mask when he goes outside.
“Its tough. I like getting around. I can’t get around as I am used to doing,” he added.
Hanlon said he went to the bank in Glendale Square.
“The line of cars was around the bank and into the road that used to lead to the entrance to Glendale Park. What a backup,” he said.
“I drove him,” he said.
Councilor at Large Mike Marchese said the virus and its restrictions were keeping him inside.
“Hey, if we have to do virtual meetings, so be it.”
DiFlorio said she knew the virus was coming because she has many relatives and dear friends in Italy who have been suffering the disaster there.
“I saw what was happening in Italy early on. I knew it was coming sooner or later. And it did.”