Request for License Fee Reduction Is Sent to Town Council Finance Committee
At the February 16 meeting of the Winthrop Town Council, a late communication from the Winthrop Board of License Commission was forwarded to the Finance Committee.
The licensing commission had received a request at its February meeting from Casey Goll of the Winthrop Arms seeking a reduction of about one-third in the town’s yearly licensing fees for 2021 because of the negative impact of the pandemic on his and similar businesses.
The commissioners said that they did not have the authority to reduce the fees however, and sent the request to the council.
Although the communication missed the deadline for the February 16 meeting, Council President Philip Boncore allowed the late-filed communication to be received after the deadline and referred the request to the Finance Commission for its review to determine whether a fee reduction could be approved.
Commenting on the matter, Boncore said, “These small businesses are the backbone of our business community. Seeing the urgency of the situation, I allowed a late communication to be brought before the Council, rather than have this matter delayed until the March 9 meeting.”
The Finance Committee is now reviewing the request.
Officials Accepting Applications for Rental Relief Program
Town Manager Austin Faison and the Winthrop Town Council announce applications are now being accepted for a rental assistance program for Winthrop residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline to apply is March 26.
Applications for the Rental Relief Program will be accepted starting today, March 1. The Program can pay rent arrearage to avert displacement from housing. Funding is limited and applications do not guarantee that you will receive assistance. Priority will be given to those currently facing eviction.
The Town is working with Project Coordinator Bob Repucci to administer the program and collaborating with Mi-Amore, a community service organization to facilitate referrals for the program.
Renters eligible to apply must:
• Live in Winthrop
• Have a reduced income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and are unable to pay rent as a result
• Have an annual income at or below 50% of the Area Median Income, which are as follows:
Households receiving a subsidy from another rental assistance program, or who have received financial assistance from another emergency rental program are not eligible. This includes programs such as Section 8, public housing, or the Massachusetts Rental Voucher program.
Landlords will be required to verify the rent amount as well as the amount that is past due. Assistance will be awarded to those who qualify on a first come, first serve basis. The maximum allowable disbursement will be equivalent to three months of an eligible rental obligation, or $4,000, whichever is less.
Applications and other required forms can be found here or can be requested by calling the number listed below.
Completed applications can be submitted by email to [email protected] or in hard copy addressed to the Winthrop Public Health Department and submitted via the Town drop box located at Town Hall.
Those with questions can email [email protected] or call 617-539-5837 or Mi-Amore at 614-209-6211.
Detective Mario Oliveira Scholarship Announced
Fisher College is excited to announce the Detective Mario Oliveira Scholarship. Awardees will receive a 25% tuition discount for the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program.
This scholarship is dedicated to Detective Mario Oliveira, who not only took a bullet in the line of fire, but also made a miraculous recovery after nearly losing his life on the operating table. Today, Detective Oliveira shows his commitment to protecting and serving by educating and advocating for police officers, namely fallen and injured officers.
In order to be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be a current law enforcement officer employed for at least one year, an officer permanently injured on the job, or the immediate family member of a fallen officer. In addition, multiple scholarships will be awarded annually. Learn more about the scholarship and eligibility requirements at https://www.fisher.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships/mario-oliveira-scholarship.
Brian Perrin, Chief of Police at Fisher College, who has also held high ranking positions within the Massachusetts Environmental Police and the Winthrop Police Departments, believes that Detective Oliveria is a positive role model for anyone looking to pursue a career in Criminal Justice.
“Detective Oliveira is a hero to his community and to his fellow brothers and sisters in blue. It is my pleasure to see those attending Fisher College joining him in the force for positive change,†Chief Perrin said.
Learn more about Fisher College’s Master of Science Program in Criminal Justice https://www.fisher.edu/academics/graduate/master-of-science-in-criminal-justice.
MassPort Noise Complaint Line
Residents who are being disturbed by airplane noise are encouraged to call the MassPort Noise Hotline 24 hours a day. The phone number is (617) 561-3333.