Author: Joey Ciaramitaro

All night preparations for a Grand Opening of Meat & Sweet has a welcoming fragrance early Saturday morning. I picked up an order of ribs, brisket, chocolate chip cookie and a brownie. Just heaven. Wow!

Massachusetts will officially join other states, including our neighbors VT, NY, NJ and CT, to allow all immigrants regardless legal status, who prove MA residency to have a driver’s license, effective July 23, 2023.

The MA House and Senate voted this week to overrule Governor Baker’s veto of the Work and Family Mobility bill which allows opportunity for MA immigrants learn the rules and law of the road, pass a driver’s test, and be properly licensed, registered and insured — improving safety on the road for all of us as well as boosting our economy.

Under Federal Law, any immigrant without legal status can attain an Individual Tax ID Number (ITIN) to comply with U.S. tax laws and it’s estimated they contribute $185M in MA state and local taxes annually. With an ITIN, they an immigrant can lawfully register a business and attain a loan to buy a home or buy a car — they just couldn’t lawfully drive that car. 

This is a big victory for all of us as at end of the day when the only thing that really matters when you are behind the wheel is how well you know the rules and the law of driving and how prepared will be in case of emergency.

The Work and Family Mobility bill previously passed the House in February (119 to 36) and the Senate in March (32 to 8).

Maiuza Alves 

Immigrant’s Rights Advocate 

Member of GHRC

The Private Roads Working Group will utilize their experience and expertise to formulate a recommended action plan to address the City of Gloucester’s private roads.

Today, Mayor Greg Verga officially announced the creation of the Private Roads Working Group. From day one of this administration, it has been a priority to find strategic and creative ways to address the state of our City’s roads. The Private Road Working Group will work together to explore what can be done under the City’s private ways ordinance and State law to address the unique circumstances surrounding private roads.

“My office receives an overwhelming number of inquiries from constituents regarding the state of our City’s roads,” said Mayor Greg Verga. “Private roads present several challenges, but I feel confident that this group will come together to present a realistic action plan.”

The group consists of City Council members and several Gloucester residents – each member bringing a wide range of knowledge and experience to the group. Suzanne Egan, City of Gloucester General Counsel, will support the group as they explore the legal limitations and policy associated with the private roads system. Over the next several months, the members will examine the existing ordinances and laws to explore ways for the City to improve the process and conditions of Gloucester’s private roads.

The members include:

●       Valerie Gilman, Ward 4 City Councilor and City Council President

●       Sean Nolan, Ward 5 City Councilor and City Council Vice President

●       Bill Hellmuth, Gloucester Resident

●       John Bourneuf, Gloucester Resident

●       Karen Bell, Gloucester Resident

●       Doug Fifield, Gloucester Resident

In addition to creating the Private Roads Working Group, Mayor Verga has made a significant investment into the Department of Public Works budget for the City’s public streets. The Mayor has committed $300,000 in a supplemental appropriation for this fiscal year and increased the pothole budget for Fiscal Year 2023 to more than five times the current budget. This financial support will allow the DPW to make significant improvements to Gloucester’s public ways.

Sushi Sang Lee
Omakase bar open 6/16/2022
Open from Thursday to Sunday
Two seatings a night.
6:15pm & 8:00pm
8 seats each seating.
Located inside of Savour Wine & cheese.
Back parking lot side.
76 Prospect st
Gloucester, MA 01930
Reservation only.
Email to book your seats : sushisanglee@gmail.com
We look forward to serving you soon.

10% of the proceeds from any sales of this print go to the Phyllis A restoration fund.

Contact me to purchase goodmorninggloucester@yahoo.com

Enza forwards-

I LOVE these hand crafted Wingaersheek Driftwood Sailboats by local artisan Vito. Sails are recycled burlap from a Ipswich Coffee small biz. Along with his daughter and wife he searches for the perfect wood on local beaches. These would make a stunning centerpiece on your table. #localartists #recycledmaterials