Costa calls for a more thoughtful Waterfront development

By Darren Costa Special to the Leader Herald

The current Rivergreen waterfront development proposal in Everett needs more oversight and consideration before it can be approved. Our City certainly needs more housing, but we cannot afford to continue developing haphazardly. We can and should consider our community along the way.

Here are my suggested considerations to get this project up and running properly, which include flooding protections, public space, transportation and traffic, affordable housing, accountability and ongoing support. I recently expressed these concerns during the Planning Board meeting on September 5th because our City and its residents deserve consideration while we create the future of Everett’s unique river walk.

First, let me acknowledge that I am a City Councilor representing Ward 3 and this project sits in Ward 6. That said, I am always concerned about the well-being of our entire City. Poorly planned overdevelopment affects us all. That’s why I’ve been working tirelessly to amend outdated zoning laws in our Business District, which apply to all Wards in Everett. We should approach every development project with the same level of scrutiny and consideration, regardless of its location, and build a strong community that we all can enjoy.

Flooding

This project sits directly between water and even more water. We already know that rising water and ever-stronger storm fronts are an issue. So the project must be designed to protect residents from flooding and other wastewater issues. Ensuring that our new development is environmentally responsible and resilient is not a matter of choice; it’s an obligation. We cannot compromise on the safety and well-being of our residents.

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Councilor Costa Endorsed by the Greater Boston Labor Council

Special to the Leader Herald

I am thrilled and honored to share some remarkable news with you all today. Our journey to build a stronger, more inclusive Everett has reached an exciting milestone – I am proud to announce that our campaign for the Everett City Council has been officially endorsed by the prestigious Greater Boston Labor Council!

This endorsement holds significant meaning to me personally, as well as for our community. The Greater Boston Labor Council represents the dedicated workforce that fuels our city’s progress, and their trust in our vision reinforces our commitment to representing the interests of every resident, ensuring a brighter future for all.

As we embark on this campaign journey together, it is crucial to reflect on the values and principles that underpin our collective aspirations. We believe in unity, progress, and equity, and this endorsement is a testament to the fact that we are on the right path. Together, we can advocate for workers’ rights, fight for fair wages, and create new opportunities that empower families and individuals across Everett.

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Councilor Darren Costa announces bid for re-election in Ward 3

Darren Costa is your independent voice at City Hall. On Tuesday November 7 remember the candidate that listens and works for everyone in the Community, not any special interests. Vote Darren Costa for Ward 3 Everett City Council.

Dear Ward Three Neighbor,

I am writing to announce my candidacy for re-election as your Ward Three City Councilor. Please allow me to tell you a few reasons why you will be interested in this topic. You may remember that I was suddenly called to office last June after the incumbent (and now my opponent) was forced to quit. I’ve learned so much since then and I’ve decided: We deserve better.

The good news is that Everett has made a lot of progress during my first year in office.

I’d like to share how this impacts you, what I’ve done so far, and ask for your vote on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 so I can continue to serve our community!

Zoning Protections

Zoning ordinances sound boring, but they are critical because, when done correctly, they can protect our neighborhoods from overdevelopment, traffic congestion and parking shortages. Our current zoning ordinances are old, outdated and overlooked. These important issues have been ignored for decades, resulting in developers benefitting more than residents. Developers have been allowed to build in Everett at any cost, regardless of pollution, congestion and other negative effects. We deserve better. So, I’ve been working with the Planning Board to amend our zoning ordinances to better suit the needs of our community — now and in the future — and to require developers to deliver more benefits to our community. I have also organized stakeholders to create a Master Plan for Ward 3, including Glendale Square. I am an independent voice representing our residents and advocating for our health and safety.

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Costa wants more money, program ideas from Wynn

Urges richer Host Agreement for city

By Darren Costa
For the Leader Herald

The Mass Gaming Commission (MGC) held a public hearing on April 25th in the Everett City Council Chambers to discuss the proposed Encore Casino East of Broadway expansion project. A major topic was whether to hold a vote for the expansion of the Encore Casino. Overall, I support a Wynn LLC expansion in Everett’s “Entertainment District” — under some critical conditions.

Given the material increase in the Encore Casino’s gaming footprint and operations, including sports gaming, Everett and Wynn need to renegotiate the original Host Agreement.

I support Wynn because they have been a partner in cleaning toxic land, but there is more to be done. Unfortunately, Everett came up short in the first negotiation of the Host Agreement with Wynn. I would not approve expansion until we have an updated agreement that supports the interests of Everett’s residents much more thoroughly. Until now, there has been minimal contact between Wynn and Everett’s City Council. In 2022, during a City Council meeting, Wynn acknowledged and committed to a negotiation, in good faith, that considers current economic conditions and beyond. We should be ready to bring great ideas forward during this process. Here are a few of mine.

Moving forward, Wynn should lead programs in collaboration with the City of Everett. Everett needs a well-considered and enforced strategy for solving our affordable housing crisis. Currently, Everett only receives a (small) community impact fee and frankly we don’t have the capacity to develop and manage the programs necessary to drive solutions alone.

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Costa versus DiPierro a temperature gauge for the Everett electorate

By Josh Resnek

The Ward 3 race is worth covering because there is a great deal at stake.

For Councilor Darren Costa, everything is on the line in a newer, fresher, unblemished political career than his opponent. Former councilor Anthony DiPierro is attempting a comeback following a resignation which shocked many of his followers and people around the city.

His comeback, however, is something he is nurturing by presenting himself around the city again as a better person than he was when he resigned.

Costa’s support does not likely run as deep as DiPierro’s. Costa’s incumbency helps. DiPierro faces an uphill battle to get himself re-elected.

However, he is an avid campaigner, lives for the Everett political life, and remains popular with supporters who have never deserted him.

Can he win?

Of course he can.

Can Costa hold his seat?

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