Four Malden banks have committed $8 million to a loan pool for first and second time homebuyer program run by the Malden Redevelopment Authority.
Eastern Bank,Century Bank and bank Malden each pledged $2 million to fund the program for the next two years.
Malden with a population of about 57,000 has a homeownership of 43% compared with the State average of 62% according to census data.
The loan pool will make below market rate loans to low and moderate home buters in Malden.
In Malden the medium price of a single family home was #340,000 for the first 11 months of last year,accoring to the most recent sales data from the Warren Group a Boston Firm that tracts the real estate industry.
Income limits are capped at $99,000 for a household plus $1500 for each dependant.
Buyers must make a 5% down payment
Loans are capped at $417,000 for a single family home, 4533,850 for a two family and $645,300 for a three family according to the redeveloment authority.
Application are available the the authority office at City Hall
The number is 781 324 5720
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Friday, September 19, 2008
HELP UTILITY BILLS
CHECKLIST OF KEY PROTECTIONS FOR UTILITY CONSUMERS
1. SERIOUS ILLNESS: ALWAYS ask your client if there is ANY person in the household (adult or child) who has a serious illness. Utilities cannot shut off (and must restore) utility service if anyone in the house has a serious illness. An illness can be physical (pneumonia, etc.) or mental (depression, bipolar, ADHD), short-term (e.g., flu) or long-term (cancer). The utility company does NOT get to decide what is a serious illness. All you need is a letter from a doctor. A phone call from the doctor to the company is initially ok, if later followed by a letter. We should expect and demand that utility service be restored the same day (at worst, the next day) whenever we document a serious illness, by phone, fax or letter from a doctor. You will also need to document that the client has a “financial hardship” in paying bills. The regulations are 220 CMR 25.03 (see #8 below). Any client who receives LIHEAP (fuel assistance) is automatically presumed to have a financial hardship.
3. CHILD UNDER 12 MONTHS: ALWAYS ask if there is a child under the age of 12 months in the household. A utility company cannot terminate service if there is a young child in the home, and must restore service that has been terminated if the child was in the home at or prior to the time of termination. The child’s age can be documented by birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or any other reasonable means. “Financial hardship” must also be shown. 220 CMR 25.03 (see #8 below).
4. WINTER MORATORIUM: Utilities cannot terminate service that is heat-related (meaning: natural gas service, if used to heat the home; or electricity, if the tenant pays for heat because electricity is needed for furnace/boiler controls) between Nov. 15 and Mar. 15, if the household has a “financial hardship.” These dates are often extended to April 15 or April 30. 220 CMR 25.03 (see #8 below).
5. ELDERLY CLIENTS: If every person in the household is age 65 or over, the company needs the explicit approval of the DPU to terminate service, which is almost never granted. ALWAYS notify the company if everyone in the household is age 65 or over. If service has been terminated, it should be restored. 220 CMR 25.03 (see #8 below).
6. DISCOUNT RATES: ALWAYS determine if your client is on the low-income discount rate. However, many clients will not know. When in doubt, call the company to see if your client is on the rate. It’s very easy for the company to check. Many advocates have been able to get their clients on the rate retroactively to the date that the client became income eligible. This can be extremely helpful if the client has been terminated and owes a large amount because a retroactive adjustment will reduce or eliminate the arrearage. However, get advice from NCLC if you are trying to do this. Discount rates are mandated by law, and all companies have them. Clients on LIHEAP and with income at or below 200% of poverty are eligible for the discount and will usually get the discount automatically via the fuel assistance agency notifying the utility (but worth checking). Clients on TAFDC, Food Stamps, Mass Health, WIC, and other income-tested programs with income at or below 200% of poverty are also eligible, but may have to apply to the utility directly; some of these are being automatically enrolled as of 2005. Some of the companies post their discount rate applications on the web).
7. PAYMENT PLANS: ALL clients are entitled to PAYMENT PLANS. This allows a client who is behind on her bills to spread the payments over several months. If the client has NOT yet been terminated, the company MUST offer a payment plan of AT LEAST four months. Some payment plans go 12 months or longer. If the client has been terminated, the rules are not as favorable, and are strictest during the fall (because the winter moratorium is about to begin and companies are most aggressive in trying to shut off service). ALWAYS insist on a payment plan that your client can afford. 220 CMR 25.01(2), 25.02(6).
8. GO TO http://www.mass.gov/Eoca/docs/dte/cmr/220cmr2500.pdf AND BOOKMARK THIS PAGE. (If you don't know how to bookmark, ask someone in your office). This page includes the most relevant state regulations governing the billing and termination practices of utility companies. In this Checklist, the regulations are referred to as “220 CMR, (section #)” because these regulations are found in Title 220 of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations.
9. If you have trouble getting a utility to comply with any of the protections or programs described above, call the DPU’s Consumer Division at 800 392-6066. The front-line phone representative should intervene on your client’s behalf. If not, ask to speak to his or her supervisor. Ultimately, you can speak to Karen Robinson, Director of the Consumer Division. If you need to take the complaint this far, contact Charlie Harak (see below).
Charles Harak, Esq.
National Consumer Law Center
77 Summer Street, 10th flr.
Boston, MA 02110-1006
617 542-8010 (voice)
617 542-8028 (fax)
charak@nclc.org
1. SERIOUS ILLNESS: ALWAYS ask your client if there is ANY person in the household (adult or child) who has a serious illness. Utilities cannot shut off (and must restore) utility service if anyone in the house has a serious illness. An illness can be physical (pneumonia, etc.) or mental (depression, bipolar, ADHD), short-term (e.g., flu) or long-term (cancer). The utility company does NOT get to decide what is a serious illness. All you need is a letter from a doctor. A phone call from the doctor to the company is initially ok, if later followed by a letter. We should expect and demand that utility service be restored the same day (at worst, the next day) whenever we document a serious illness, by phone, fax or letter from a doctor. You will also need to document that the client has a “financial hardship” in paying bills. The regulations are 220 CMR 25.03 (see #8 below). Any client who receives LIHEAP (fuel assistance) is automatically presumed to have a financial hardship.
3. CHILD UNDER 12 MONTHS: ALWAYS ask if there is a child under the age of 12 months in the household. A utility company cannot terminate service if there is a young child in the home, and must restore service that has been terminated if the child was in the home at or prior to the time of termination. The child’s age can be documented by birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or any other reasonable means. “Financial hardship” must also be shown. 220 CMR 25.03 (see #8 below).
4. WINTER MORATORIUM: Utilities cannot terminate service that is heat-related (meaning: natural gas service, if used to heat the home; or electricity, if the tenant pays for heat because electricity is needed for furnace/boiler controls) between Nov. 15 and Mar. 15, if the household has a “financial hardship.” These dates are often extended to April 15 or April 30. 220 CMR 25.03 (see #8 below).
5. ELDERLY CLIENTS: If every person in the household is age 65 or over, the company needs the explicit approval of the DPU to terminate service, which is almost never granted. ALWAYS notify the company if everyone in the household is age 65 or over. If service has been terminated, it should be restored. 220 CMR 25.03 (see #8 below).
6. DISCOUNT RATES: ALWAYS determine if your client is on the low-income discount rate. However, many clients will not know. When in doubt, call the company to see if your client is on the rate. It’s very easy for the company to check. Many advocates have been able to get their clients on the rate retroactively to the date that the client became income eligible. This can be extremely helpful if the client has been terminated and owes a large amount because a retroactive adjustment will reduce or eliminate the arrearage. However, get advice from NCLC if you are trying to do this. Discount rates are mandated by law, and all companies have them. Clients on LIHEAP and with income at or below 200% of poverty are eligible for the discount and will usually get the discount automatically via the fuel assistance agency notifying the utility (but worth checking). Clients on TAFDC, Food Stamps, Mass Health, WIC, and other income-tested programs with income at or below 200% of poverty are also eligible, but may have to apply to the utility directly; some of these are being automatically enrolled as of 2005. Some of the companies post their discount rate applications on the web).
7. PAYMENT PLANS: ALL clients are entitled to PAYMENT PLANS. This allows a client who is behind on her bills to spread the payments over several months. If the client has NOT yet been terminated, the company MUST offer a payment plan of AT LEAST four months. Some payment plans go 12 months or longer. If the client has been terminated, the rules are not as favorable, and are strictest during the fall (because the winter moratorium is about to begin and companies are most aggressive in trying to shut off service). ALWAYS insist on a payment plan that your client can afford. 220 CMR 25.01(2), 25.02(6).
8. GO TO http://www.mass.gov/Eoca/docs/dte/cmr/220cmr2500.pdf AND BOOKMARK THIS PAGE. (If you don't know how to bookmark, ask someone in your office). This page includes the most relevant state regulations governing the billing and termination practices of utility companies. In this Checklist, the regulations are referred to as “220 CMR, (section #)” because these regulations are found in Title 220 of the Code of Massachusetts Regulations.
9. If you have trouble getting a utility to comply with any of the protections or programs described above, call the DPU’s Consumer Division at 800 392-6066. The front-line phone representative should intervene on your client’s behalf. If not, ask to speak to his or her supervisor. Ultimately, you can speak to Karen Robinson, Director of the Consumer Division. If you need to take the complaint this far, contact Charlie Harak (see below).
Charles Harak, Esq.
National Consumer Law Center
77 Summer Street, 10th flr.
Boston, MA 02110-1006
617 542-8010 (voice)
617 542-8028 (fax)
charak@nclc.org
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Malden Government notes
GOVERNMENT
Municipal Offices
Main Number: (781) 397-7116
Telephone Numbers for Public Information
Form of Government
Mayor-Council
Year Incorporated
As a town: 1649
As a city: 1882
Registered Voters (Secretary of State 1994)
Number %
Total Registered 25,319
Democrats 12,853 50.8 %
Republicans 1,793 7.1 %
Other parties 2 0.0 %
Unenrolled Voters 10,671 42.1 %
Legislators
Senators and Representatives by City and Town
Municipal Offices
Main Number: (781) 397-7116
Telephone Numbers for Public Information
Form of Government
Mayor-Council
Year Incorporated
As a town: 1649
As a city: 1882
Registered Voters (Secretary of State 1994)
Number %
Total Registered 25,319
Democrats 12,853 50.8 %
Republicans 1,793 7.1 %
Other parties 2 0.0 %
Unenrolled Voters 10,671 42.1 %
Legislators
Senators and Representatives by City and Town
Monday, July 7, 2008
Malden Square Transportation Problems
Friday, May 2, 2008
TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS
We are concerned about getting to the downtown area and to have accessed th the New Senior Center.
It appreciated that since calling the senior concerns to the attention of Human Services Director Christine DiPietro the problem of getting to the New Community Senior Center with the moving of the buses from Pleasant Street and elimination of the stop on Washington Street will be addressed before the opening planned for December 2008
We still find that it is still an issue with not only the Seniors and disabled but for all the "shoppers" and "dining out" people the get "downtown" conveniently with a bus service that turns out to be an "express Service" around the downtown area circling right to the Malden Orange Line Rapid Transit Service to travel to areas outside Malden Center.
Since this issue affects all of the citizens of 8 wards of the City I think that ALL
of the Ward City Councilors to look into methods to improving access of the downtown area (with the backing of our at large councilors)
Concerns: Safety in crossing the dangerous intersections, shuttle service to the downtown area, local taxi service ,
We now have a service provided to the Seniors for Medical Transportation that is working well and because it is so in demand it is stressed to the "breaking point"
There is a limited service for Grocery shopping.
In checking out options that are available for seniors and disabled in the local area
mostly the City of Somerville, Cambridge and Medford (limited availability Malden residents) I talked to a representative of SCM about the services they provide and find that they are expanding services to meet the demands for better access to "giving the community a left" They have a service called "Paul Ride"
"They will take you somewhere instead and not limited to Drs Appointment.
617 625 1191
Since MSAC and the writer are supporters on this service we receive their news letter
and I would like to take THE points from the SCM Executive director Reed Cochran
It is another part of the puzzles facing Seniors.
"It should be easier to give up driving"
Many stories appear every day about elderly drivers in tragic driving accidents
Our State calls for mandatory driver testing for the elderly.
Unfortunately this response alone would not fully solve the problem
The real question at hand is: How do we provide reasonable transportation options to
those who can neither drive, nor easily navigate public transportation, nor afford
a taxi (IF ONE IS AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL SERVICE)
Now not only around the country but right here in Malden citizens who fall into this category are dependent on the generosity of family friends, neighbors as well as under-funded Council on Aging in order to get out and about.
(We have some non profits who should and promise to provide service but come up short with a program no "warm bodies" volunteers)
Im Malden the Vans are always fully booked up getting Seniors to medical appointments.
We all have tragically few transportation options if we wish to age with dignity in our homes and also maintain an enjoyable lifestyle.Visits to friends, theaters, library's, shopping malls OR THE POLLS Should not be coveted luxuries.
Inconvenient bus stops to our Malden Downtown area for a difficult treacherous walk especially on stormy days.
Transportation for all of us as we age is not just a convenience. It is a critical link back to our communities and vital to our ability to control our own lives.
Rather than spending money making it difficult for seniors to drive, why not spend it making it easier for them to give up driving?
Councils on Aging, community transportation agencies, and even for profit companies should be working to create inexpensive options that span 24 hours and all kinds of destinations.
Policy makers might spend their dollars funding organizations-across sectors- that can solve the larger problem.
AS LONG AS NOT DRIVING MEANS BEING STRANDED, WE ARE SURE SENIORS ALL ARE GOING TO TRY TO STAY BEHIND THE WHEEL
Posted by marine41 at
1.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
State Subsidizing Housing in Malden Ma
Malden receives #20,000 planing grant for Housing Authority.
Housing and Community Development
DHCD
Masachusets Housing Partnership
MHP
approved a planning grant this week
$20,000 to suport the Malden Housing Authority
(used to evaluate al available options for redeveloping the Linden family housing site
SEE DAVE FINN
Improving and recreate the State Housing Linden Site
----
Salem Towers in the planing stage of being sold a new management company to renovate
completely (Mayor Howard)
Housing and Community Development
DHCD
Masachusets Housing Partnership
MHP
approved a planning grant this week
$20,000 to suport the Malden Housing Authority
(used to evaluate al available options for redeveloping the Linden family housing site
SEE DAVE FINN
Improving and recreate the State Housing Linden Site
----
Salem Towers in the planing stage of being sold a new management company to renovate
completely (Mayor Howard)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
City Retiries Into Medicare
THIS IS A PROPOSAL BEFORE THE MALDEN CITY COUNCIL SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR AT LARGE MICHEAL SHEEHAN. TIME FOR CITY EMPLOYEES AND THE TAXPAYERS TO TAKE A LOOK
What do your think?
PART I. ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT
1. TITLE IV. CIVIL SERVICE, RETIREMENTS AND PENSIONS
CHAPTER 32B. CONTRIBUTORY GROUP GENERAL OR BLANKET INSURANCE FOR PERSONS IN THE SERVICE OF COUNTIES, CITIES, TOWNS AND DISTRICTS, AND THEIR DEPENDENTS
Chapter 32B: Section 18. Medicare extension plans; mandatory transfer of retirees
Section 18. In a governmental unit which has accepted the provisions of section ten and which accepts the provisions of this section, all retirees, their spouses and dependents insured or eligible to be insured under this chapter, if enrolled in medicare part A at no cost to the retiree, spouse or dependents or eligible for coverage thereunder at no cost to the retiree, spouse or dependents, shall be required to transfer to a medicare extension plan offered by the governmental unit under section eleven C or section sixteen; provided, that benefits under said plan and medicare part A and part B together shall be of comparable actuarial value to those under the retiree’s existing coverage. Each retiree shall provide the governmental unit, in such form as the governmental unit shall prescribe, such information as is necessary to transfer to a medicare extension plan. If a retiree does not submit the information required, he shall no longer be eligible for his existing health coverage. The governmental unit may from time to time request from any retiree, a retiree’s spouse and dependents, proof certified by the federal government of their eligibility or ineligibility for medicare part A and part B coverage. The governmental unit shall pay any medicare part B premium penalty assessed by the federal government on said retirees, spouses and dependents as a result of enrollment in medicare part B at the time of transfer into the medicare health benefits supplement plan.
This section shall take effect in a county, except Worcester county, city, town or district upon its acceptance in the following manner:— In a county by vote of the county commissioners; in a city having a Plan D or Plan E charter by a majority vote of its city council; in any other city by vote of its city council, approved by the mayor; in a district, except as hereinafter provided, by vote of the registered voters of the district at a district meeting; in a regional school district by vote of the regional district school committee; and in a town either by vote of the town at a town meeting or, by a majority of affirmative votes cast in answer to the following question which shall be printed upon the official ballot to be used at an election of said town:— “Shall the town require that all retirees, their spouses and dependents who are enrolled in Medicare Part A at no cost to a retiree, their spouse or dependents, or eligible for coverage thereunder at no cost to a retiree, their spouse or dependents, be required to enroll in a medicare health benefits supplement plan offered by the town?”.
What do your think?
PART I. ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT
1. TITLE IV. CIVIL SERVICE, RETIREMENTS AND PENSIONS
CHAPTER 32B. CONTRIBUTORY GROUP GENERAL OR BLANKET INSURANCE FOR PERSONS IN THE SERVICE OF COUNTIES, CITIES, TOWNS AND DISTRICTS, AND THEIR DEPENDENTS
Chapter 32B: Section 18. Medicare extension plans; mandatory transfer of retirees
Section 18. In a governmental unit which has accepted the provisions of section ten and which accepts the provisions of this section, all retirees, their spouses and dependents insured or eligible to be insured under this chapter, if enrolled in medicare part A at no cost to the retiree, spouse or dependents or eligible for coverage thereunder at no cost to the retiree, spouse or dependents, shall be required to transfer to a medicare extension plan offered by the governmental unit under section eleven C or section sixteen; provided, that benefits under said plan and medicare part A and part B together shall be of comparable actuarial value to those under the retiree’s existing coverage. Each retiree shall provide the governmental unit, in such form as the governmental unit shall prescribe, such information as is necessary to transfer to a medicare extension plan. If a retiree does not submit the information required, he shall no longer be eligible for his existing health coverage. The governmental unit may from time to time request from any retiree, a retiree’s spouse and dependents, proof certified by the federal government of their eligibility or ineligibility for medicare part A and part B coverage. The governmental unit shall pay any medicare part B premium penalty assessed by the federal government on said retirees, spouses and dependents as a result of enrollment in medicare part B at the time of transfer into the medicare health benefits supplement plan.
This section shall take effect in a county, except Worcester county, city, town or district upon its acceptance in the following manner:— In a county by vote of the county commissioners; in a city having a Plan D or Plan E charter by a majority vote of its city council; in any other city by vote of its city council, approved by the mayor; in a district, except as hereinafter provided, by vote of the registered voters of the district at a district meeting; in a regional school district by vote of the regional district school committee; and in a town either by vote of the town at a town meeting or, by a majority of affirmative votes cast in answer to the following question which shall be printed upon the official ballot to be used at an election of said town:— “Shall the town require that all retirees, their spouses and dependents who are enrolled in Medicare Part A at no cost to a retiree, their spouse or dependents, or eligible for coverage thereunder at no cost to a retiree, their spouse or dependents, be required to enroll in a medicare health benefits supplement plan offered by the town?”.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
VETERANS COURT
I Know that everyone has a slogan and everyone agrees that" we owe a lot to our veterans" is a great slogan.
We have a chance to consider an innovative program to help a segment of the population that remain neglected and improve the
"way of life" and the mission to provide services to some of our most vulnerable citizens HERE IN MALDEN
We have many non-profit organizations and grant programs that could be brought in to sponsor this program
We must have people in Malden who are in touch with those in our court system that could help with setting up a Malden and area towns
Any interest and suggestions?
Buffalo Veteran's Court, Only One In U.S.
Posted by: Josh Boose, Reporter
Created: 5/22/2008 8:34:14 PM, Updated: 5/23/2008 11:51:53 AM
http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=58115
There's a new program in Buffalo aimed at helping local veterans.
It's called Veteran's Court. It's a program designed by the Buffalo City Court to keep non-violent offenders, who are veterans, out of jail.
2 On Your Side's Josh Boose asked Judge Robert Russell, "Did you see veterans locally here, falling through the cracks in a sense?"
"We seemed to notice, here locally, we may have been working with veterans in a drug treatment court, we worked with a number of veterans in a mental health treatment track; however, when one veteran was working with one veteran, peer to peer, it appeared to increase our probability of success with that population," said Russell.
After a year of planning, Veteran's Court kicked-off in January.
Here's what happens: If a veteran is arrested for a non-violent offense, they can ask to enter Veteran's Court where they can get proper treatment, mentors who can help them and assistance with any military benefits from the Veteran's Hospital.
"It's a group that many may not have the same degree or understanding or appreciation for," said Russell.
There are some strict rules, if you're in the program you must remain sober, lead a law abiding life and find a stable job or schooling.
Judge Russell says there are no additional costs. The court expenses already exist and there are some volunteers.
"So there's no out of pocket expenses for the city or something like that," Boose asked Russell.
"No," the judge replied.
So far, Buffalo is the only city in the country to focus in on the needs of veterans like this.
Russell and Buffalo City Court Projects Director Hank Pirowski say it's something other cities are taking note of.
"Where do you see this a year from now," Boose asked Pirowski.
"One hundred vets without a problem in the next twelve to eighteen months and I hope to see 15, 20, 25 other veteran's courts open across the country," he replied.
Right now about 35 veterans are in the program. They are right in the middle of it now. Those who complete the program will graduate at the beginning of next year.
Veterans who need some help but are not violating the law in anyway can go through the program too. For more information about Veteran's Court, call 716-845-2697.
1053428523010486955.jpg
29K View Download
We have a chance to consider an innovative program to help a segment of the population that remain neglected and improve the
"way of life" and the mission to provide services to some of our most vulnerable citizens HERE IN MALDEN
We have many non-profit organizations and grant programs that could be brought in to sponsor this program
We must have people in Malden who are in touch with those in our court system that could help with setting up a Malden and area towns
Any interest and suggestions?
Buffalo Veteran's Court, Only One In U.S.
Posted by: Josh Boose, Reporter
Created: 5/22/2008 8:34:14 PM, Updated: 5/23/2008 11:51:53 AM
http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=58115
There's a new program in Buffalo aimed at helping local veterans.
It's called Veteran's Court. It's a program designed by the Buffalo City Court to keep non-violent offenders, who are veterans, out of jail.
2 On Your Side's Josh Boose asked Judge Robert Russell, "Did you see veterans locally here, falling through the cracks in a sense?"
"We seemed to notice, here locally, we may have been working with veterans in a drug treatment court, we worked with a number of veterans in a mental health treatment track; however, when one veteran was working with one veteran, peer to peer, it appeared to increase our probability of success with that population," said Russell.
After a year of planning, Veteran's Court kicked-off in January.
Here's what happens: If a veteran is arrested for a non-violent offense, they can ask to enter Veteran's Court where they can get proper treatment, mentors who can help them and assistance with any military benefits from the Veteran's Hospital.
"It's a group that many may not have the same degree or understanding or appreciation for," said Russell.
There are some strict rules, if you're in the program you must remain sober, lead a law abiding life and find a stable job or schooling.
Judge Russell says there are no additional costs. The court expenses already exist and there are some volunteers.
"So there's no out of pocket expenses for the city or something like that," Boose asked Russell.
"No," the judge replied.
So far, Buffalo is the only city in the country to focus in on the needs of veterans like this.
Russell and Buffalo City Court Projects Director Hank Pirowski say it's something other cities are taking note of.
"Where do you see this a year from now," Boose asked Pirowski.
"One hundred vets without a problem in the next twelve to eighteen months and I hope to see 15, 20, 25 other veteran's courts open across the country," he replied.
Right now about 35 veterans are in the program. They are right in the middle of it now. Those who complete the program will graduate at the beginning of next year.
Veterans who need some help but are not violating the law in anyway can go through the program too. For more information about Veteran's Court, call 716-845-2697.
1053428523010486955.jpg
29K View Download
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