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 each earn a salary of $24,521.03 in FY2010.…

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 extra money will be spent?…

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…

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 year the route changed for the better, and I’m declaring victory.…

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. …

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

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Bullying, is it a problem in Somerville-Why or why not? Prevention and how to deal with bullying in school.

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 your help. …

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 anyone to authenticate him or herself and then display a “badge” on blogs to prove their identity.…

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…

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 that you care about.…

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.

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…

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…

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 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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

Click here to listen: link

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? We will analyze the ticket data to see who is paying or not and for which types of tickets.…

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…

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…

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…

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)…

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)…

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…

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…

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

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…

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 Monday…

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…

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

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.

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.

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!

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 see the recent articles on Somerville Voices/Journal/News.…

‘Nuff talkin’. DRAW! Live comics creation, artistic head-to-head showdowns, live music, and PRIZES to benefit Boston Comics Roundtable.

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.

Pig out and enjoy a cool drink and cooler music to benefit SHC!

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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.

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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!…

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)

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.…

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…

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.

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

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…