STONEHAM- May 9, 2025- Representative Michael S. Day and Senator Jason Lewis welcomed Governor Maura Healey and Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba to Stoneham on Monday, May 5.
They were joined by Stoneham Town Administrator Dennis Sheehan, Fire Chief Matt Grafton, Police Chief James O’Connor, Director of Public Works Brett Gonsalves, Stoneham Town Planner Erin Wortman, Select Board Chair Tim Waitkevitch and other leaders in downtown Stoneham to discuss recent state grants and ways in which the state can continue to partner with the Town.
“The partnership with the state will help us to continue to reinvigorate our downtown, making Stoneham a destination for families and individuals who want to take advantage of boutique shopping, outstanding restaurants and cultural attractions like our theatre and zoo.” Said Representative Michael Day. “I thank the Governor and Secretary Stolba for their collaboration and applaud the Chamber of Commerce, downtown business owners and our community leaders for putting Stoneham’s best foot forward for this visit.”
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The Governor had the chance to speak with town officials on redevelopment plans and how the town is using the $4 million in MassWorks grants awarded to Stoneham last year for improvements to the downtown area.
Several small business owners and leaders joined the Governor and Secretary Stolba at the Greater Boston Stage Company, a historic theatre that was renovated into a professional theatre that serves as an anchor for many downtown activities. Business owners included Heather Mell and Weylin Symes of the Greater Boston Stage Company; Lisa Farrel of Food rEvolution; Heidi Bilbo of Patina’d; Dan and Deb Sullivan of Book Oasis; Ed Doherty of Stoneham Bank; Eric Bergstrom of Stoneham Financial Services; and Reem Rajeh of Salem Five Bank.
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The group then walked to Ceramica Paint Studio, a woman-owned small business on Main Street, owned by Yenny Cantu and Claudio Prodero. Ceramica offers arts and painting activities and events to the community. While there, the Governor and Secretary met with leaders of various Community Groups, including representatives of: Friends of Stoneham Veterans; Stoneham Alliance Against Violence; Boys & Girls Club of Metro North; Stoneham 300th Anniversary Committee; Zoo New England; Fuller House of Stoneham and Stoneham TV.
Governor Healey commended Stoneham for being one of the first 10 communities to submit zoning to comply with the MBTA Communities Law, which will increase the production of reasonably priced housing near transit stops and lower costs across the state.
“Our downtowns are essential hubs for community gatherings and economic development. Our administration was happy to support improvements to Stoneham’s incredible downtown, and it was great to meet some of the business owners who will benefit from these investments,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Stoneham is also an excellent example of housing leadership, as they’ve passed new zoning to comply with the MBTA Communities Law, which will make a tangible impact in our efforts to lower housing costs across the state.”
“Small businesses are the heart of our communities and a critical engine of our economy," said Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba. "Through programs like the Community One Stop for Growth and MassWorks, and our quasi-government agencies like MassDevelopment, we are helping cities and towns invest in the infrastructure and public spaces that allow small businesses to grow and thrive. It's exciting to see how Stoneham is leveraging these resources to strengthen its downtown and support the entrepreneurs who bring energy, creativity and jobs to the region.”
“It was wonderful to bring together Stoneham town officials, community leaders, and small business owners to welcome Governor Healey to Stoneham,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “Representative Day and I are extremely grateful for the $4 million MassWorks grant from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to make improvements to the downtown which will support local businesses and housing development, while increasing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.”
“Bringing our shared vision for a better downtown Stoneham to life wouldn't be possible without the support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration,” said Stoneham Town Administrator Dennis J. Sheehan. “I sincerely thank Governor Healey, Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba, our local merchants, legislative delegation, and the Chamber of Commerce for their commitment to this effort. We look forward to welcoming our state partners back to a more vibrant, revitalized downtown.”
“The Stoneham Chamber is grateful to Governor Healey and Secretary Stolba for visiting Stoneham during National Small Business Week and for taking time to connect with local business owners who will benefit from the downtown revitalization,” said Megan Day, Executive Director of the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud of our small business community and local leadership and are excited for the improvements to Stoneham Square that will allow the business district to fulfill its potential thanks to the MassWorks grant.”
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