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Aldermen Are More Than Just Overpaid 311 Technicians

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 8:14 pm on August 31, 2009

Almost half of the Aug 27th BOA mtg agenda (pdf) basically consists of 311 service requests like orders to fix potholes and sidewalks. The other half contains some interesting items including these highlights (emphasis added by me):
Note that Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane was the only member to not have sponsored any items. The Aldermen [...]

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Posted in City Finances, Civic Action, Politics | 7 Comments »

Aldermen Raise Meals and Hotel Taxes

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 11:37 am on

On Aug 27th, the Board of Aldermen raised taxes on meals by 0.75% and on hotels by 2% effective Oct 1st, according to Danielle Dreilinger’s report today on Boston.com. These taxes will generate an estimated $620,715 in revenue. One wonders why this item did not appear on the meeting agenda (pdf) and also how the [...]

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Posted in Announcements, City Finances | 40 Comments »

Comment Period for Status of Public Transit Projects Required by State Implementation Plan

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:15 am on

[ August 30, 2009 to September 15, 2009. ] Comment Period for Status of Public Transit Projects Required by State Implementation Plan

Ends Tues. Sep. 15, 5 PM

MassDEP Main Office
Washington Street Conference
One Winter Street
Boston, MA 02108 (directions)

Status letter (PDF)

On July 1, the Executive Office of Transportation submitted a letter to the Massachusets DEP describing the status of the public transit projects required under [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »

89 Bus Route: Declaring Victory

Posted by Greg a 4:35 pm on August 29, 2009

It was over a year ago, in May of 2008, that I posted to Somerville Voices my idea for changing the 89 bus route to better serve Somerville residents. My chief complaint being that there was no easy return trip from Davis Square after 7pm on weekdays and no service on weekends. Well, earlier this [...]

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Posted in Buses | No Comments »

August 31 Public Hearing on the Issue of Inter-District Choice

Posted by Gretchen Kinder a 7:33 pm on August 28, 2009

[ August 31, 2009; 6:45 pm; ] On Monday, August 31, 2009 beginning at 6:45 p.m., the Somerville School Committee will conduct a public hearing on the issue of participating in the inter-district-choice program for the 2009-2010 school year.

All members of the public are invited to attend on Monday, August 31, 2009 beginning at 6:45 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chambers [...]

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Posted in Announcements, Civic Action, Events, Schools and Youth | 1 Comment »

Welcome back message from the Superintendent of Schools

Posted by Gretchen Kinder a 10:32 am on August 27, 2009

Superintendent Tony Pierantozzi provides advice to families as they prepare for the new school year on Wednesday, September 2nd (Grades 1-12) or Tuesday, September 8th (Grades PK-K).
Read it online at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/administration

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Posted in Announcements, Schools and Youth | No Comments »

Somerville Stories about Senator Kennedy

Posted by eila a 6:03 pm on August 26, 2009

I don’t have a personal story on how Senator Kennedy’s office helped me but I’ve heard quite a few astonishing stories over the years that gave me an impression of a truly compassionate public servant.  For example, one person’s immigration papers got afu’d (as in SNAFU) and the situation was desperate (despite the fact that [...]

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Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments »

350 Coast to Coast Kick-Off in Davis Square

Posted by Vanessa Rule a 1:26 pm on

[ August 29, 2009; 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. ] Sign a 350-ft. banner for a national climate change project – first stop Somerville! Send a message to the Obama administration
for strong global climate policy.

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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Civic Action, Environment and Open Space, Events | No Comments »

The Self-Interested Memorial Vote

Posted by Joeb a 10:35 am on

A five month delay in filling Kennedy’s seat with a similarly minded temporary successor guarantees a health care bill to the advantage of current insurers. Can it be coincidental that CEO of the largest of those insurers in Massachusetts, Pilgrim Health Care, would not materially benefit from a delay in filling this seat? How much [...]

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Posted in Health Care, Politics | 4 Comments »

Public Records Request : 311 Service Requests

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 10:07 am on

to Jaclyn Rossetti <JRossetti(at)somervillema.gov>
cc Thomas Champion <TChampion(at)somervillema.gov>,
John Gannon <JGannon(at)somervillema.gov>
date Wed, Aug 26, 2009 at 9:16 AM
subject Public Records Request : 311 Service Requests
Dear Public Information Officer Jackie Rossetti, (cc Thomas Champion, Exec Dir of Communications and John Gannon, City Solicitor)
In the public interest and per MA public records law M.G.L. Chapter 66: Section 10, which states that
“A custodian of [...]

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Posted in 311 Requests, Public Records / FOIA Requests, Special | No Comments »

Public Records Request : Parking Meter Revenues

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:56 am on

In preparation for the parking tickets story, I have submitted the following request for public records to the City:
—————–
to Jaclyn Rossetti <JRossetti(at)somervillema.gov>
cc Thomas Champion <TChampion(at)somervillema.gov>
date Tue, Aug 25, 2009 at 10:16 AM
subject Public Records Request : Parking Meter Revenues
Dear Public Information Officer Jackie Rossetti, (cc Thomas Champion, Exec Dir of Communications)
In the public interest and per MA public records [...]

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Posted in Public Records / FOIA Requests, Special, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »

Public Records Request : Parking Officer Data

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:54 am on

In preparation for the parking tickets story, I have submitted the following request for public records to the City:
—————–
to Jaclyn Rossetti <JRossetti(at)somervillema.gov>
cc Thomas Champion <TChampion(at)somervillema.gov>
date Tue, Aug 25, 2009 at 10:10 AM
subject Public Records Request : Parking Officer Data
Dear Public Information Officer Jackie Rossetti, (cc Thomas Champion, Exec Dir of Communications)
In the public interest and per MA public records [...]

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Posted in Public Records / FOIA Requests, Special, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »

Public Records Request : Car Towing Information

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:51 am on

In preparation for the parking tickets story, I have submitted the following request for public records to the City:
——————
to Jaclyn Rossetti <JRossetti(at)somervillema.gov>
cc Thomas Champion <TChampion(at)somervillema.gov>
date Tue, Aug 25, 2009 at 10:00 AM
subject Public Records Request : Car Towing Information
Dear Public Information Officer Jackie Rossetti, (cc Thomas Champion, Exec Dir of Communications)
In the public interest and per MA public records [...]

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Posted in Public Records / FOIA Requests, Special, Traffic & Parking | 7 Comments »

Public Records Request : Parking Ticket Appeals

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:47 am on

In preparation for the parking tickets story, I have submitted the following request for public records to the City:
——————
to Jaclyn Rossetti <JRossetti(at)somervillema.gov>
cc Thomas Champion <TChampion(at)somervillema.gov>
date Tue, Aug 25, 2009 at 9:55 AM
subject Public Records Request : Parking Ticket Appeals
Dear Public Information Officer Jackie Rossetti, (cc Thomas Champion, Exec Dir of Communications)
In the public interest and per MA public records [...]

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Posted in Public Records / FOIA Requests, Special, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »

Public Records Request : Parking Ticket Data

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:43 am on

In preparation for the parking tickets story, I have submitted the following request for public records to the city:
——————
to Jaclyn Rossetti <JRossetti(at)somervillema.gov>
cc Thomas Champion <TChampion(at)somervillema.gov>
date Tue, Aug 25, 2009 at 9:21 AM
subject Public Records Request : Parking Ticket Data
Dear Public Information Officer Jackie Rossetti, (cc Thomas Champion, Exec Dir of Communications)
In the public interest and per MA public records [...]

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Posted in Public Records / FOIA Requests, Special, Traffic & Parking | 8 Comments »

Bullying in Somerville-Is it a problem?

Posted by ChristinaMarie a 2:16 pm on August 25, 2009

[ August 27, 2009; 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. ] Bullying, is it a problem in Somerville-Why or why not? Prevention and how to deal with bullying in school.

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Posted in Civil and Human Rights, Crime, Events, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Teens | 1 Comment »

CAFEH Needs your Help…

Posted by dmeglio a 11:20 am on August 24, 2009

As many of you may be aware, STEP and Tufts University have come together in a community partnership to form CAFEH (the Community Assessment of Freeway Exposure). We have just begun a year long study to learn whether living very near major highways poses health concerns for residents’ health. I am writing to ask for [...]

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Posted in Announcements, Environment and Open Space, Investigative Reports, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Tufts | 4 Comments »

30-Day Comment Period on MPO Transportation Improvement Plan

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:46 pm on August 23, 2009

[ August 24, 2009 to September 23, 2009. ] 30-Day Comment Period on MPO Transportation Improvement Plan

Starts Mon. Aug. 24
Ends Wed. Sep. 23

The draft Transportation Improvement Plan 2010-2013 (TIP) and Regional Transportation Plan 2010-2030 (RFP) are available from the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) as of Monday, August 24, 2009, for a 30-day comment period.

Everyone who wants the Green Line extended into Somerville and [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 4 Comments »

Somerville Committee on Public Health and Public Safety

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:35 pm on

[ August 26, 2009; 7:30 pm; ] Somerville Committee on Public Health and Public Safety

Wed. Aug. 26, 7:30 PM

2nd Floor Committee Room
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda (MS DOC)

This is the regular meeting of the Aldermanic Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting to discuss safety conditions surrounding the MaxPack site near Lowell Street. This [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Special, Sports, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Housing Trends in Somerville

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:35 pm on

[ August 25, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] Housing Trends in Somerville

Tues. Aug. 25, 6:30 PM

Tufts Admin. Building (TAB)
167 Holland St.
Somerville MA (map)

This important meeting, sponsored by the City of Somerville, provides an opportunity for citizens to learn about and give their views on housing issues in Somerville.

For background and issues to monitor, see Somerville Comprehensive Plan Process.

No child care provided

This event [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »

4th Annual Viva la Vinal Music Festival 8/28-29

Posted by Candy Leonard a 6:25 pm on

[ August 28, 2009; 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. August 29, 2009; 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. ] The 4th annual Viva la Vinal Festival will take place on Friday and Saturday, August 28th and 29th (rain date Sunday, August 30th) at the Vinal Avenue Growing Center located at 22 Vinal Ave. in Union Square, Somerville.

The event will run from 4pm to 10pm both days (see schedule and artist info below) and will feature [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Arts and Culture, Events | No Comments »

SomSigns Lie

Posted by eila a 8:57 pm on August 22, 2009

Whoda thunk that a simple sign could be a liar?  Here’s a photo essay of some misleading signage in three City of Somerville facilities.
1.  Somerville Schools Administration Building, 181 Washington Street:   At the inaccessible front entrance, we see a blue International Symbol of Access sign informing folks that “REAR ACCESS PARKING” exists to the right [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Government Reform, Schools and Youth, Sports | 4 Comments »

Somerville Parks & Recreation Spaces, Part II: Access, Safety & Equity Considerations

Posted by eila a 2:34 am on August 21, 2009

Our friend reports that her son (22 months) fell while walking on bricks at the Walnut Street Park, fractured his right femur, and is in a cast for four weeks.  She says that bricks at the park were loose and the city attempted to repair them cheaply- and that they were also slick from the [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Investigative Reports, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Sports | 6 Comments »

Towards a Safer, More Trustworthy, and More Accountable Online Community

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 10:28 pm on August 19, 2009

How do you know that I, Barry Rafkind, am a real person who is authoring this blog post? Maybe this name is just a pseudonym for somebody else? Until now, you’ve had to trust that I am who I say I am. But, now there is a brand new online service called Validize which allows [...]

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Posted in Announcements | 1 Comment »

Free Bike Maintenance/Tune-Up Workshop

Posted by Linda Conte a 6:01 am on August 18, 2009

[ August 18, 2009; 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] Free workshop with Ace Wheelworks, TONIGHT!
Come learn how to maintain and tune-up your bike!
Bike on Over with a Picnic
The Growing Center, Vinal Avenue, Union Square

(will be rescheduled the event of rain)

SPONSORED BY SOMERVILLE CLIMATE ACTION

Also, learn how to get involved in the Oct. 24th International Day of
Climate Action !

Posted by: “Vanessa Rule”

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Posted in Events | No Comments »

Tracking 311 Service Requests on a Map

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 12:22 am on

The SeeClickFix tool on the Globe’s local Somerville website allows anyone to report and track 311 service requests on a map of the city.  You can even include a photo of the problem. All reported requests are visible to everyone, so it’s easy to view what others have submitted and add your support to those [...]

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Posted in 311 Requests | No Comments »

Is Prospect Hill Academy Selective?

Posted by Alain Jehlen a 9:58 pm on August 17, 2009

The Prospect Hill Academy Charter School enrolls much smaller percentages of special education and limited English proficient students than the two districts where it is based.

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Posted in Schools and Youth | 11 Comments »

Public Information Response from ADA Coordinator Raises Red Flag

Posted by eila a 3:23 pm on

Thanks to SomervilleVoices for providing this venue to post our Public Information Requests -and to share the responses (or lack therof) that we receive.
Here’s one example of a PIR response that raises red flags.
June 15, 2009 Request for ADA Transition Plans of 10 City facilities
“TO:  Carlene Campbell,  ADA Coordinator for City of Somerville,  
93 Highland [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Government Reform, Investigative Reports, Public Health & Safety, Public Records / FOIA Requests | 12 Comments »

ResiStat Request for 311 Information

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 9:17 am on

I just submitted the following query through ResiStat’s public Q/A tool called SomerBlog:
What types of information are stored with each 311 request? (e.g. request, date + time of request / resolution, service location, requester’s name, address, and phone, language, ethnicity, gender, etc…) Which parameters are required and which are optional? How long is the data [...]

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Posted in 311 Requests, Public Records / FOIA Requests | No Comments »

Are Two Head Houses Better Than One At Future Assembly Square T Stop?

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 7:45 pm on August 16, 2009

As Wig Zamore and others explain, adding a second entrance to the future T Stop at Assembly Square would expand public transportation ridership there and improve air quality in East Somerville, an environmental justice neighborhood.
This from the Mystic View Task Force website (with bold face added by me):
On June 29th, 2009 the MBTA sponsored a [...]

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Posted in Environment and Open Space, Trains, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Somerville Traffic Commission Meeting

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:15 pm on

[ August 20, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] This is the regular meeting of the Traffic Commission to discuss extending resident-only parking throughout Somerville and increasing meter rates and time periods. Thurs. Aug. 20, 6 PM , Tufts Admin. Building (TAB) 167 Holland St.

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Posted in All Ages, Events, Traffic & Parking, Transportation | No Comments »

Somerville Planning Board and Land Use Committee Joint Meeting

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:12 pm on

[ August 20, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] Somerville Planning Board and Land Use Committee Joint Meeting

Thurs. Aug. 20, 6:00 PM

Aldermanic Chamber
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda (MS DOC)

This is a joint meeting of the Housing and Community Development and Land Use Committees. On the agenda is to discuss amending three industrial [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »

MPO Transportation Planning and Programming Committee Meeting

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:11 pm on

[ August 20, 2009; 9:00 am; ] MPO Transportation Planning and Programming Committee Meeting

Thurs. Aug. 20, 9 AM

State Transportation Building
Conf Rms 2-3
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)

Agenda (PDF)

This is the regular meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Organization transportation planning committee. This meeting includes review of the draft 2010-2013 Transportation Improvement Program document, which must include the new Green Line and Orange Line T-Stops [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Buses, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Special, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership Meeting

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:03 pm on

[ August 17, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership Meeting

Mon. Aug. 17, 7 PM

Community Room
Visiting Nurses Association
259 Lowell St.
Somerville MA (map)

The monthly meeting of STEP provides an opportunity for citizens to get informed and involved in transportation developments around Somerville.

For background and issues to monitor, see

Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership (STEP)
Transportation Projects

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Are Somerville’s parking regulations available online?

Posted by arbitor a 1:58 pm on

I would like to read Somerville’s official parking regulations, including the schedule of fines, the hearing process, etc. Does anyone know if this information is available online? Thanks.

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Posted in Traffic & Parking | 1 Comment »

Evening of civility ends with abrupt rejection at Traffic Board Meeting

Posted by glevy01 a 12:39 pm on August 15, 2009

Thursday’s event at City Hall was a far cry from the tense, emotion-high fracas that went down at the Traffic Commission meeting two weeks ago. The stately Aldermanic chamber was likewise filled with concerned Somerville citizens, but this time, the city’s controversial May 21 vote was the agenda.
Listen to the public hearing (thanks to [...]

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Posted in Civic Action, Government Reform, Investigative Reports, Neighborhoods and Squares, Politics, Traffic & Parking | 3 Comments »

Recording of August 13 Traffic Board Meeting

Posted by arbitor a 7:18 am on

Click here to listen: link
An mp3 audio recording of the August 13 Somerville Traffic Board meeting can be downloaded at
http://teafortwo.us/somerville.html
for those who may want to review it.

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Posted in Civic Action, Traffic & Parking | 1 Comment »

Fund This Story : Somerville Parking Tickets

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 1:14 am on

Although parking tickets are meant to punish violators and provide maximum street access to those who live, work, or visit here, the city depends on this revenue to shore up its budget. We intend to find out whether all residential neighborhoods and business districts pay an equitable share of parking fines. If not, why? [...]

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Posted in Announcements, Investigative Reports, Traffic & Parking | 16 Comments »

quick update on garbage

Posted by Nan Levinson a 1:41 pm on August 14, 2009

The clerk in the health inspection office/trash pick-up just told me that they had access to the system to abate citations up until a few months ago, but it was taken away from them.

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Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

“Back in the ‘Ville” is a Hit!

Posted by Linda Conte a 5:01 pm on August 13, 2009

Last night’s performance by Project Star at the Somerville High auditorium was a lot of fun.  Jimmy DelPonte’s original musical showed his talent as a storyteller, humorist, and song writer.  He can be forgiven as director for giving the leading role to his son Joey who has theatrical presence and a really good voice.  Many [...]

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Schools and Youth | 5 Comments »

8/18 Bike-tune up workshop

Posted by Vanessa Rule a 11:35 am on

Get some bike tune-up help and tips with Ace Wheelworks
and learn how to get involved in the International Day of Climate Action on October 24th
with Somerville Climate Action!

Bike on Over with a Picnic
The Growing Center, Vinal Avenue, Union Square
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18TH   6:00pm to 8:00pm
(will be rescheduled the event of rain)

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Posted in All Ages, Bicycles, Civic Action, Environment and Open Space | No Comments »

Seed Saving Workshop-Vinal Ave. Garden

Posted by Linda Conte a 10:17 pm on August 12, 2009

[ August 15, 2009; 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. ] Learn how to save your own seeds for next year or to share with friends and family. Two experienced gardeners share their secrets and tips, Union Square’s own fabulous Guy “the tomato guy” and Aviva from Groundwork Somerville.

Saturday, August 15, 2-4 pm (rain date August 16 from 12:30-2:30)

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Posted in Events | No Comments »

Theatre in the Garden: Wiley and the Hairy Man

Posted by Linda Conte a 10:12 pm on

[ August 14, 2009; 7:00 pm; August 15, 2009; 6:00 pm; August 16, 2009; 3:00 pm; ] Out of the mists of the mysterious Tombigbee Swamp, comes a tale of magic, trickery, and courage. This coming-of age adventure is appropriate for children of all ages.

All events and programs are open to the public, free and take place at The Somerville Community Growing Center 22 Vinal Ave., Somerville (near Union Square)

Friday August 14 [...]

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Posted in Events | No Comments »

fighting city hall, garbage division

Posted by Nan Levinson a 5:12 pm on

So I get a trash violation citation in the mail — all but illegible & addressed to a misconception of my name — dunning me for $50 for putting out trash too early and in paper bags.  Now, I’m all for clean streets and garbage in containers and doing my part.   Only problem is [...]

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Posted in City Finances, Civic Action | 11 Comments »

Boston.com Launches Somerville Your Town

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 11:59 pm on August 11, 2009

Today, Somerville became the 4th community in the “North of Boston” region to have its own Your Town portal on Boston.com. Your Town websites are local hubs for real estate, events, sports, news, schools, and discussions.
The Your Town sites are grouped by region (North of Boston, Metro West, and South Shore). Somerville joins Malden, Melrose, [...]

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Posted in Announcements | 5 Comments »

Help Strategize to Vaccinate Against Flu

Posted by Linda Conte a 9:43 pm on

[ August 29, 2009; 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. ] H1N1 Vaccination Strategy Meeting, Saturday, Aug. 29th, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the Center for Arts at the Armory. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has selected Somerville as one of ten national sites for an H1N1 vaccination strategy and information session.  For more information on the event and how to participate see http://www.somervillema.gov/NewsDetail.cfm?instance_id=1492

The United [...]

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Posted in Events, Public Health & Safety | No Comments »

Planning to walk or bike to school in the Fall?

Posted by Gretchen Kinder a 12:57 pm on

Crossing guard posts have been announced.
Please visit the Somerville Public Schools’ website to download a copy of the crossing guard list and see a google map of posts.
Or browse the list of crossing guard posts below:
Planning to walk or bike to the Argenziano School beginning in the Fall?
Crossing guards will be posted at:
Bow St. & [...]

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Posted in Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth | No Comments »

Afterschool planning

Posted by Gretchen Kinder a 12:56 pm on

Information about the new and improved elementary after-school programs offered by the Somerville Public Schools will soon be available in print copy and online. We apologize for the delay and have been waiting for funding information, internal negotiations and translations to be completed. We go live online on Friday and to print on [...]

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Posted in Schools and Youth | No Comments »

Lively Election Picks Tenant Executive Board

Posted by Dennis Fischman a 10:02 am on

Election Day in July?  Yes, for residents of Clarendon Hill Public Housing Development.
This summer, the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) helped the Clarendon Hill Tenant Association (CHTA) to hold elections.  Twelve candidates ran for the CHTA Executive Board, making this the most competitive election in recent memory. 
Tenants Jose Rivera, Jocelyn Scott, Abdul Reyes, Cindy [...]

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Posted in Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Housing | No Comments »

Human Rights Commission Public Meeting

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 11:24 pm on August 10, 2009

[ August 11, 2009; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ] 2nd Floor Conference Room
Super Stop & Shop
775 Mcgrath Hwy

Agenda:

Director’s Report

Immigrant Police Dialogues
Snow Removal Committee
Other activities

Recruitment

Evaluate events since last meeting : Art Beat, Commission’s Cookout, and National Night Out
Next recruitment steps

Recent Complaints to the HRC
The Romelus case
Investigation Process
Other business

This is a public meeting and everyone is welcome. This is a wheel-chair accessible venue.

See the original meeting [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Civil and Human Rights, Events, Special | No Comments »

Tufts Hosts Panelists on Honduran Resistance Movement Against Recent Coup D’Etat

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 10:22 pm on

Over 60 people filled a lecture hall at the Fletcher School of Diplomacy at Tufts University on Thursday (Aug 6) to hear a panel of Honduran social movement leaders speak about the growing resistance movement against the recent coup d’etat in their country.

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Posted in Civil and Human Rights | No Comments »

Somerville Actions to Support Rite Aid Workers

Posted by Bill Bumpus a 1:20 pm on

[ August 10, 2009; 5:00 pm; ] Rite Aid warehouse workers in Lancaster, California need our support. Before workers voted to form a union in 2008, Rite Aid committed dozens of unfair labor practices. And since then, in an effort to prevent them from achieving a first contract, the warehouse workers have faced continuing anti-union terror.

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Posted in Announcements, Civic Action, Events, Workers' Rights | 2 Comments »

Let Your Voice Be Heard on Somerville Cable

Posted by Bill Bumpus a 11:37 am on

Bill Bumpus and regular Somerville Voices contributor Fred Berman are the co-hosts of a live, (roughly) biweekly show on Somerville Cable Access Television (SCAT, Channel 3) titled “Progressive Voices”. If you or your organization are working to make a difference on a local, state, national or world level, we’d like to interview you!

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Posted in Announcements, Media | 1 Comment »

Traffic Board Meeting and Hearing

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:54 pm on August 9, 2009

Traffic Board Meeting and Hearing
Thurs. Aug. 13, 6 PM
Aldermanic Chamber
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)
Agenda (PDF)
This is a special meeting of the Traffic Board. It includes a public hearing on petitions challenging the decision to extend parking meter hours, increase parking meter rates, and extend residents-only parking throughout Somerville.
For background [...]

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Posted in All Ages, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Neighborhoods and Squares, Traffic & Parking, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

Movies and Music in the Garden

Posted by Linda Conte a 8:15 pm on

[ August 14, 2009; 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. ] On Friday, August 14 from 7 to 10 pm Somerville Community Access Television is the producer of “Somerville….In Shorts!” SCAT comes in under the Arts Council’s ArtsUnion umbrella to present an evening of locally produced experimental and animated films outside on the Union Square Plaza. It’s an impressive line-up of filmmakers, including some who have [...]

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Events | No Comments »

MBTA Fare Increases and Service Cuts: Somerville Workshop

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:38 pm on

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED
MBTA Fare Increases and Service Cuts: Somerville Workshop
Thurs. Aug. 13, 5:30 PM
Auditorium
Somerville High School
81 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)
This is one of a series of public workshops on the coming MBTA fare increases and service cuts. The written comment period ends Sept. 4, 2009.
For background and issues to monitor, see MBTA Budgeting [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Buses, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Trains | 2 Comments »

Broadway Rezoning Community Meeting

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:37 pm on

[ August 12, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] Broadway Rezoning Community Meeting

Wed. Aug 12, 6:30 PM

Cross Street Senior Center
165 Broadway
Somerville MA (map)

This is the last of a series of community meetings on rezoning Broadway in East Somerville to introduce a transit-oriented development district.

For background and issues to monitor, see Broadway Redevelopment Project.

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | No Comments »

“Back in the ‘Ville”

Posted by Linda Conte a 7:34 pm on

[ August 12, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] Project STAR (Summer Theater Arts Recreation) presents this original musical written and directed by Jimmy Del Ponte at the Somerville High School Auditorium.  Admission is FREE.  Assistant Director, Sophia Carafotes

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Posted in Events | No Comments »

Aug 13 Public Hearing on Parking Changes

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 4:30 pm on August 8, 2009

[ August 13, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] This public hearing will be convened by the Traffic Board in the Aldemanic Chamber at City Hall. I initially noticed this in Deb Filcman’s Aug 7 SJ blog post.  For background about the parking changes, visit the SPARC blog , check out the just-posted video of the 7/27 interview on SCAT’s Progressive Voices of SPARC-co-founder Courtney Koslow,  or [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, City Finances, Civic Action, Events, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »

WILD INK: Live Comics, Live Music

Posted by Columbine a 11:01 am on

[ August 20, 2009; 9:00 pm; ] ‘Nuff talkin’. DRAW! Live comics creation, artistic head-to-head showdowns, live music, and PRIZES to benefit Boston Comics Roundtable.

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Posted in Ages 18+, Announcements, Arts and Culture | 1 Comment »

Somerville Parks & Recreation Spaces, Part 1

Posted by Cat Scott a 11:20 pm on August 7, 2009

Many Somerville residents are not aware that the City manages 46 parks, playgrounds and ball fields for residents. With this astonishing number comes certain responsibilities on the part of the city, such as upkeep and accessibility.

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Posted in Accessibility, Environment and Open Space, Investigative Reports, Neighborhoods and Squares, Schools and Youth | 10 Comments »

Pig Pickin’ for Somerville Homeless Coalition

Posted by Columbine a 3:12 pm on

[ August 10, 2009; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] Pig out and enjoy a cool drink and cooler music to benefit SHC!

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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »

First official Somerville Weatherization Barnraising!

Posted by Vanessa Rule a 3:07 pm on

[ August 15, 2009; 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. ] Take action on climate change, learn skills, and build community! · Help to weatherize a Somerville house · Learn skills you can take back to your own home · Decrease carbon-emissions · Make new friends. … Here’s your chance to make a difference and learn something in the process…

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Posted in Announcements, Civic Action, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing | 4 Comments »

“New” Somerville Youth Recreation Groups Page!

Posted by John Teves a 1:39 pm on August 6, 2009

For the latest clinics, programs and events related to Somerville youth sports and organizations – please log on to the ‘NEW” Somerville Youth Recreation Google Groups page.
Get email updates for the latest youth recreation programs in the City of Somerville and surrounding areas.
Note: Privacy Statement for members – members who choose to sign up will be informed of [...]

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Posted in Announcements | No Comments »

Attend town hall meetings and get active!

Posted by Xumi a 8:56 pm on August 5, 2009

How do we get the silent majority of residents in Somerville — most in this city are either blue-dog, conservative or liberterian — more active and attend city meetings to voice our displeasure with the agenda of the city/state and federal government? We all need to wake up – things are out of control now.

I [...]

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Posted in Civic Action, Politics | 45 Comments »

Community Conversation on Bullying

Posted by Linda Conte a 6:33 pm on August 4, 2009

[ August 27, 2009; 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. ] Are you, your friends, or your children being affected by bullies?
A discussion for YOUTH, PARENTS, AND SOMERVILLE RESIDENTS to discuss
• What is Bullying
• Types of Bullying
• Tips for youth to assist them with bullying
• Tips for parents to assist youth with bullying

SOMERVILLE CARES ABOUT PREVENTION
50 Evergreen Avenue
Somerville MA 02145

Sponsored by the City of Somerville,

Phone: 617-625-6600 [...]

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Posted in Events, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Teens | No Comments »

Comment Period for Mass Highway Improvements around Assembly Square

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:36 pm on August 2, 2009

[ August 3, 2009; ] Comment Period for Mass Highway Improvements around Assembly Square

Ends Mon., Aug. 3, 2009.

The comment period for the proposed highway changes around Assembly Square ends Mon., Aug. 3, 2009. The existing proposals emphasize automobile access.

For background and issues to monitor, see Assembly Square Mixed-Use Development Project.

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Comment Period for Transportation Improvement Plan 2007-2010 (Correction)

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:10 pm on

[ August 4, 2009; 5:00 pm; ] Comment Period for Transportation Improvement Plan 2007-2010 and Unified Planning Work Program 2010 (Correction)

Ends Tues., Aug. 4, 2009, 5 PM

The comment period for the Federal Transportation Improvement Plan 2007-2010 and Unified Planning Work Program 2010 is ending. The Assembly Square Orange Line T-Stop and the Green Line Extension aren’t in the 2007-2010 TIP. They both [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Public Hearing: Proposed Amendments to Mass Air Quality Standards

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:15 pm on

[ August 4, 2009; 10:00 am; ] Public Hearing: Proposed Amendments to Mass Air Quality Standards

Tues. Aug. 4 10 AM

MA Department of Environmental Protection
2nd Fl. Atlantic Conf. Rm.
One Winter St.
Boston MA (map)

This important hearing is to discuss amending the state ambient air quality standards to align them with the national standards for lead, ozone, and fine particles. The comment deadline August [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Public Health & Safety, Special, Transportation | No Comments »

Special Meeting, Somerville Board of Aldermen

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:15 pm on

[ August 4, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] Special Meeting, Somerville Board of Aldermen

Tues. Aug. 4 6:30 PM

Aldermanic Chamber
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

This special meeting of the Board of Aldermen is being held to discuss economic proposals for the Assembly Square development project, and other financial issues.

For background and issues to monitor, see:

Assembly [...]

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Posted in All Ages, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special, Transportation | No Comments »

Transportation and Infrastructure Trends in Somerville

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:14 pm on

[ August 4, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] Transportation and Infrastructure Trends in Somerville

Tues. Aug. 4, 6:30 PM

Tufts Admin. Building (TAB)
167 Holland St.
Somerville MA (map)

This important meeting, sponsored by the City of Somerville, provides an opportunity for citizens to learn about and give their views on the transportation options in Somerville.

For background and issues to monitor, see Somerville Comprehensive Plan Project

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special, Transportation | No Comments »

End of Comment Period Urban Ring Phase 2

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:13 pm on

[ August 7, 2009; ] End of Comment Period Urban Ring Phase 2 EEA #12565

End of comment period:
Aug. 7, 2009

The Executive Office of Transportation has filed a Notice of Project Change that modifies the Urban Ring plan to bypass Assembly Square with the main loop, providing only a spur with bus service. The last day for written testimony is [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Gilman Square T-Stop Community Corridor Planning Meeting

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:13 pm on

[ August 5, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] Gilman Square T-Stop Community Corridor Planning Meeting

Wed. Aug. 5, 6 PM

Community Room
Pearl Street Park
238 Pearl St.
Somerville MA (map)

This important event is sponsored by the Somerville Community Corporation as an opportunity for citizens to have input into the Green Line Extension to Gilman Square.

For background and issues to monitor, see Green Line Extension to Somerville [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Somerville Voices now on Facebook

Posted by Barry Rafkind a 1:41 pm on

Thanks to the Socialite plugin, you can now follow Somerville Voices on Facebook as well as Twitter. Befriend the blog and help spread the word to all your friends!

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Posted in Announcements | No Comments »

OPENAIR Circus A Blast!

Posted by eila a 10:26 pm on August 1, 2009

[ August 2, 2009; 2:00 pm; ] Today at 2 pm, a bunch of kids and grownups laughed, danced, clapped, sang, screamed with laughter and marvelled in unison. The OpenAir Circus is again in Somerville- and you’ve got one more day to catch it! (with pics)

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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Arts and Culture, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Schools and Youth | No Comments »

National Night Out Against Crime & Drugs

Posted by Linda Conte a 5:00 pm on

[ August 4, 2009; 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] For the sixth consecutive year, Somerville Cares About Prevention (SCAP) will partner with the City of Somerville and the Somerville Police Department to host the local celebration of the National Night Out Against Crime and Drugs. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, August 4th starting at 5 pm at Foss Park – activities will begin [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Crime, Events, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Teens | No Comments »

Citizen Scientist Training Workshop

Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:06 pm on July 26, 2009

[ August 1, 2009; 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. ] Citizen Scientist Training Workshop

Sat. Aug 1 PM – 4 PM

Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH)
143 Border St.
East Boston MA (map)

This workshop sponsored by the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA) is intended to train volunteers to join MyRWA’s water quality monitoring program. This important program keeps tabs on the Mystic year round regardless of weather.

See: MyRWA [...]

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Posted in All Ages, Environment and Open Space, Events, Public Health & Safety, Special | No Comments »

Radical Organizing Methods Workshop this Sunday at CAAS

Posted by eila a 3:20 pm on July 15, 2009

[ July 19, 2009; 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. July 26, 2009; 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. August 2, 2009; 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. ] We will look at what makes a radical organizing method by examining winnability, strategy/tactics, coalitions, spirituality, building a majority movement, role of political education, and the effectiveness of well known organizing methods such as 1-1’s, story-telling, relationship-building. The format will be group discussion.

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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Civic Action, Events | 4 Comments »

New England Revolution vs L.A. Galaxy – Fundraiser Night!

Posted by John Teves a 9:32 am on July 7, 2009

[ August 8, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] The Somerville Youth Soccer League is putting together a Somerville Youth Soccer Fundraiser Night! … On Behalf of myself and the Somerville Youth Soccer League – we thank you for your support! Best, John Teves – Somerville Youth/Recreation Commissioner

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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Events, Schools and Youth, Sports, Teens | No Comments »

Green Line Community Meetings!

Posted by Jennifer Lawrence a 2:37 pm on July 6, 2009

[ July 8, 2009; 6:15 pm; July 14, 2009; 6:15 pm; July 16, 2009; 6:15 pm; July 25, 2009; 10:00 am; July 29, 2009; 6:15 pm; August 5, 2009; 6:15 pm; ] Interested in better public transportation? Open spaces? Affordability? Healthy communities? … The Community Corridor Planning Project will host station-based meetings throughout summer 2009 to engage the community in conversations about how the Green Line will affect their neighborhood. Our goals include…

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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line | No Comments »