Council Shocker, Bike Trail News and More

Today is Wednesday, May 18. Here are five things you need to know:

Clouds in my coffee. And the sky. And everywhere else: It’s still gray and depressing outside. The only difference in today’s forecast is the chance of thunderstorms.

Council showdown: In a surprise move, the City Council failed to approve a bond measure for the South Broadway park restoration, leaving nearly $2.2 million in state and private commitments on the table. The night was punctuated by the extended verbal sparring of Mayor Richard Howard Ward Six councilor Neil Kinnon. The two traded barbs and accusations of financial sophistry.

The final vote actually went 6-5 in favor of the bond, but required a two-thirds vote to pass. That means the park project is mostly dead. One of the five dissenting voters could move to reconsider the matter; otherwise, it’s off the boards for the foreseeable future. 

Check back in later today, when we’ll have more on the vote, the fallout, and the money turned away by the city as a result of the decision.

Column Contest Winners: If you haven’t had a chance to check out the written by Malden school students, take some time and do so today. The kids did a tremendous job writing about people in their lives, and deserve the recognition.  

Pass the salt: Cooking with Gloria returns to the senior center at 2 p.m.. Space is limited, so call ahead to reserve your space.

Pedal power: Are you interested in the Bike to the Sea project? Not sure what exactly the Northern Strand Trail is, where it’ll go in town, and what’s involved in the construction? Then head down to the Salemwood School at 6:30 p.m. to find out everything you need to know about the project and more.

To find more things to do today, check out our event listings.