Somerville news blog city forum massachusetts journal newspaper MA

7/28/10 Boston Region MPO Certification Review Public Meeting — Beat Report

Posted by a 3:42 pm on July 30, 2010

This meeting was held at 6:30 at the State Transportation Building, around the corner from the Boylston T-Stop. A half-dozen officials from the Federal transportation authorities were present, along with some translators (never called upon) and a half-dozen or so members of the MPO. Only about a half-dozen members of the public showed up, all from Somerville.

Read More.>>

Posted in Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Buses, Green Line, MBTA, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Somerville Dog Festival – September 19, 10am to 3pm @ Conway Field

Posted by a 10:38 am on July 29, 2010

Welcome to DogFest 2010!  It is sure to be a day of fun for your whole family, including your dog!  Exciting demonstrations, educational opportunities and lots of fun are all here, rain or shine.  Well-mannered dogs, current on vaccinations and on-leash, are welcome.  All proceeds benefit Northeast Animal Shelter.Admission is free!…

Read More.>>

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

Project STAR-SOS…Save Our Songs!

Posted by a 6:51 pm on July 24, 2010

Project STAR , Summer Theatre Arts Recreation, sponsored by the mayors’s office,the recreation Commission and the communications department presents Project STAR. A 6 week music and theater camp for kids ages 11 to 18. Last…

Read More.>>

Posted in Events, Special | No Comments »

Moroccan Rap Music at SCAT

Posted by a 4:50 pm on

This Tuesday evening, SCAT will be hosting what is likely the first Moroccan
Rap Music event ever to occur in our
beautiful little town of Somerville!
Did you even know there was such a thing…

Read More.>>

Posted in Events, Special | No Comments »

OPENAIR Circus This Weekend!

Posted by a 4:09 pm on

Kids, Clowns, Talent, Crazy Fun.

OPENAIR Circus presents its 25th season Big Top performance

July 30 & 31, and August 1, 2010

Families from Greater Somerville will be amazing

Read More.>>

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

Civic/Community Engagement

Posted by a 9:09 am on

Harvard and Tufts try to help solve Somerville organizing and calendar problems

Read More.>>

Posted in Accessibility, Civic Action, Schools and Youth, Tufts | No Comments »

Volunteer Hockey Assistant Coaches – 2010-2011 Season

Posted by a 3:45 pm on July 21, 2010

Somerville Youth Hockey is seeking energetic men & women (ages 25 +)  to be good teachers and be willing to develop, mentor and administer our growing program for our Mites, Squirts, Pee Wee, Bantams &amp…

Read More.>>

Posted in Announcements, Schools and Youth, Sports | No Comments »

7/15/10 Planning Board Meeting — Beat Report

Posted by a 12:40 pm on July 20, 2010

299 Broadway (Ocean State Job Lot): Case postponed. 90 Hudson Street: Granted unanimously. One Benton Road: Heard testimony of traffic study, hearing to be reopened, Executive Session to be scheduled to deal with litigation strategy. 67 Florence St.: 2/3 variances denied. 16 Browning Road: Variance allowed unanimously. Historic Group C Designation: Approved with understanding that a person who wants out should say so and BOA is to investigate the case and decide.

Read More.>>

Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing | 2 Comments »

Incredible Edible Garden Club Tour

Posted by a 8:51 am on

The ”Incredible Edible Gardens of Somerville” is the theme of this year’s Somerville Garden Club tour. The self-guided event celebrates the old and new “urban farms” of Somerville.

Tickets

Read More.>>

Posted in Events, Special | No Comments »

Introducing the Beat Reporter Project

Posted by a 11:14 pm on July 18, 2010

The Beat Reporter Project was begun in Spring 2010 to help Somerville residents keep up with what the city and state governments are doing. Government boards from the Board of Aldermen to the Metropolitan District Commission are covered by the Open Meeting Law, but no one has time to go to everything. Often important decisions are made with no one from the public present. We’ll start small and cover as much as we can, taking our inspiration from Jadwiga Forbes, a long-time Somerville activist who saw government as a participatory sport.

Read More.>>

Posted in Beat Reporter | 3 Comments »

7/28/10 Boston Region MPO Certification Review Public Meeting

Posted by a 11:00 pm on

The Boston MPO must be certified by the federal government in order for the Boston area to receive federal funding for transportation improvements. Citizen input is an important part of this process.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Buses, Events, Green Line, MBTA, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »

9/9/10 Designing for Pedestrian Safety Part 4: Intersection Geometry

Posted by a 10:50 pm on

This is the fourth in the 8-part Free Webinar Series on Designing for Pedestrian Safety being given by the Federal Highway Administration and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. Pedestrian and bicycle safety is essential to the success of the new Assembly Square roadways and Orange Line T-Stop and around the new Green Line stops.

Read More.>>

Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Assembly Square, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »

8/17/10 Designing for Pedestrian Safety Part 3: Treatments at Unsignalized Pedestrian Crossings

Posted by a 10:47 pm on

This is the third in the 8-part Free Webinar Series on Designing for Pedestrian Safety being given by the Federal Highway Administration and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. Pedestrian and bicycle safety is essential to the success of the new Assembly Square roadways and Orange Line T-Stop and around the new Green Line stops.

Read More.>>

Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Assembly Square, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Events, Green Line, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Trains, Transportation, Union Square | No Comments »

8/3/10 Designing for Pedestrian Safety Part 2: Sidewalk Design

Posted by a 10:43 pm on

This is the second in the 8-part Free Webinar Series on Designing for Pedestrian Safety being given by the Federal Highway Administration and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. Pedestrian and bicycle safety is essential to the success of the new Assembly Square roadways and Orange Line T-Stop and around the new Green Line stops.

Read More.>>

Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Assembly Square, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Events, Green Line, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »

7/20/10 Designing for Pedestrian Safety Part 1: Introduction to Pedestrian Safety Design and Planning Principles

Posted by a 10:39 pm on

This is the first in the 8-part Free Webinar Series on Designing for Pedestrian Safety being given by the Federal Highway Administration and the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center. Safe pedestrian and bicycle access is essential to the success of the new Assembly Square Orange Line T-Stop and new Green Line stops.

Read More.>>

Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Assembly Square, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Events, Green Line, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 1 Comment »

2010-2011 Somerville Youth Hockey Registration – July 26, 28, & 29th

Posted by a 11:51 pm on July 17, 2010

Welcome to the 2010-2011 SYHA Season. We are very excited about the upcoming season and look forward to the opening of our new rink. Somerville Youth Hockey is always looking for more players.…

Read More.>>

Posted in Announcements, Events, Schools and Youth, Sports, Ward 4 | No Comments »

Good Fences Make a Bad Neighbor

Posted by a 10:29 pm on

An invasive weed threatens the monarch butterflies.

Read More.>>

Posted in Environment and Open Space, Wildlife sightings | 5 Comments »

Somerville Online Media Meetup

Posted by a 9:23 am on July 14, 2010

If you run a blog or email list (sometimes called a listserv) or distribute information on Facebook or YouTube that supports kids and families, you’re invited to the OneVille Project’s Online Media Meetup on Thursday…

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Events, Media, Schools and Youth, Teens | 2 Comments »

Somerville student work on display online!

Posted by a 9:21 am on

Somerville student work is on display in the Department of Education’s virtual art galleryhttp://www.doe.mass.edu/resources/kidart.aspx?page=51! See samples of youth art made in schools. Are you there? Is your child or teen’s work there?

For…

Read More.>>

Posted in Announcements, Arts and Culture, Schools and Youth | No Comments »

Community meeting about the renovation of the East Somerville Community School site at 115 Pearl Street

Posted by a 6:53 am on

The entire public, and particularly the neighbors and members of the East Somerville Community School community are invited to the next public meeting to discuss/learn about the progress of the renovation of the East Somerville…

Read More.>>

Posted in Announcements, Events, Schools and Youth, Ward 1 | No Comments »

Guess how much scholarship money was pledged to SHS graduates in the Class of 2010?

Posted by a 10:05 pm on July 13, 2010

Enter your guess online at www.somerville.k12.ma.us/contest. The person who comes closest to guessing the total amount by Thursday, 7/15 at 5:00 will win a Borders Gift Card.

You can also tweet your guess…

Read More.>>

Posted in Announcements, Contests, Schools and Youth | No Comments »

Somerstreets + FossFest

Posted by a 9:26 pm on

* Somerstreets will be combined with FossFest on Sunday, JULY 25th, 12:00-4:00 p.m. Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone invites all community members to join the City of Somerville

Read More.>>

Posted in Events, Special | No Comments »

7/6/10 Somerville Historic Preservation Commission Public Hearing – Beat Report

Posted by a 10:09 pm on July 11, 2010

At issue was consolidating an undesignated historic property at 221 Morrison Avenue (near Davis Square) with two previously designated properties on Morrison (222 and 197) to form the Morrison Avenue Historic District. The two owners of 221 Morrison Ave. were present to testify in favor. Passed after discussion. Question addressed of why designate single buildings? Answer: easier to execute than a whole street.

Read More.>>

Posted in Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Historical, Housing | 2 Comments »

7/13/10 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by a 9:10 pm on

At this meeting we will be discussing the policies and actions derived from the comprehensive plan goals. This meeting is important because Somerville’s citywide development for the next twenty years will be shaped by the comprehensive plan.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Glen Park: Beautiful Park, Complicated Park. Somerville Parks & Recreation Spaces, Part III

Posted by a 3:48 pm on

Environmental and safety concerns haunt this lovely park. Joe’s Astroturf and Streetscape SNAFUS don’t help, either…

Read More.>>

Posted in Accessibility, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth | 8 Comments »

7/13/10 MassDOT Bridge Program Bicycle/Pedestrian Outreach Meeting

Posted by a 5:34 pm on July 9, 2010

This meeting is important because bridges are in need of repair in and around Somerville, and these repairs should include pedestrian and bicycle access.

Read More.>>

Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Events, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Debate Over Choices for the Healey

Posted by a 5:51 pm on July 8, 2010

Here are the complete texts of selected posts to the Somerville-4-Schools email list about the merging on the Choice and Neighborhood programs at the Healey School. These posts are excerpted in a comment on “6/21/10…

Read More.>>

Posted in Schools and Youth, Special | No Comments »

Artbeat, Davis Square

Posted by a 10:35 pm on July 7, 2010

Huge arts festival in Davis Square, Somerville.  This year’s theme is water.  See schedule here:

http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/programs/artbeat/2010/schedule.html

Read More.>>

Posted in Events, Special | No Comments »

Artbeat-Seven Hills Park

Posted by a 10:30 pm on

Huge arts festival in Davis Square, Somerville.  This year’s theme is water.  See schedule here:

http://www.somervilleartscouncil.org/programs/artbeat/2010/schedule.html

Read More.>>

Posted in Events, Special | No Comments »

Kids’ Art Show: In their World

Posted by a 9:34 pm on

We are inviting all kids 5 years old and under to submit original art for a show at True Grounds Café. This first-of-its-kind show will display the individuality, diversity and development of young children’s artistic…

Read More.>>

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

Lincoln Park Teddy Bear Picnic/Parade

Posted by a 5:59 pm on

You are all welcome to join neighbors and friends at Lincoln Park for a `BBQ’ Teddy Bear Picnic and Parade on Thursday, July 8.

5:30-6:30pm Picnic and Parade Registration
6:30pm Parade
7:00 Sunsetters Performance…

Read More.>>

Posted in Events, Special | No Comments »

7/15/10 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 9:03 pm on July 5, 2010

This meeting is important because it deals with ongoing and sometimes controversial Somerville developments. At this meeting, the Planning Board is scheduled to hear testimony on the Ocean State Job Lots special permit (a Large Format Retail use at 299 Broadway) and may address the 1 Benton Road special permit.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing | 2 Comments »

July 7th: Public Forum To Be Held In Police Chief Selection Process.

Posted by a 4:14 pm on

The public is invited to this hearing as part of the selection process for the next Chief of Police in Somerville. Community members are also invited to submit questions and comments in advance of the…

Read More.>>

Posted in Announcements, Events, Public Health & Safety | 5 Comments »

7/6/10 Somerville Historic Preservation Commission Public Hearing

Posted by a 6:37 pm on July 4, 2010

This meeting is important because historic districts on the one hand preserve historic properties for later generations, and on the other hand can prove expensive and inconvenient for property owners in the district.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Events, Historical, Housing | 3 Comments »

happy 4th of july

Posted by a 3:01 pm on

Truthsayer gives gratitude to Villens on Lady Liberty’s Day

Read More.>>

Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

6/30/10 Ocean State Job Lot Introductory Meeting – Beat Report

Posted by a 7:11 pm on July 2, 2010

This meeting was unexpectedly testy. Apparently the neighborhood isn’t convinced that Ocean State Job Lot is the best use for the site. What was said in the meeting is NOT part of the official record. There is a special permit process before Planning Board, including determination of consistency with purpose of zoning. If you want to send written testimony before July 15 Planning Board hearing, send to OSPCD (Rob May), Planning Department, Planning Board. Otherwise, go to Planning Board hearing July 15 @ 6 PM and provide oral testimony.

Read More.>>

Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 1 | 7 Comments »

6/24/10 Planning Board Meeting – Beat Report

Posted by a 5:38 pm on

Controversial cases carried over: 1 Benton Road, Ocean State Job Lot. Other cases: NSTAR employee parking lot, SCC/CASPAR ex-homeless permanent housing, parking variance at 308 Beacon Street. Important discussion of historic preservation policy.

Read More.>>

Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | 2 Comments »

6/21/10 School Committee Votes to Combine the Healey School’s Choice and Neighborhood Programs

Posted by a 4:40 pm on

The Somerville School Committee decided in a 5 to 3 vote on Monday, June 21, 2010 to unify the Healey School and charge the School Improvement Council with creating a school redesign plan. This plan will use the Choice program educational practices and governing document as a starting point for discussion. In a second action, the members of the School Committee voted 6 to 2 to define a set of guiding principles to help the School Improvement Council with their Fall 2010 planning work.

Read More.>>

Posted in Beat Reporter, Schools and Youth | 2 Comments »

Cambridge-Somerville for Change Campaign Kickoff: July 14th

Posted by a 11:17 am on

Come to CSfC’s 2010 Election Campaign Kickoff on Wednesday, July 14, at 7pm and learn about how you can help us re-elect the governor, help Mac D’Alessandro win the Democratic nomination in the 9th Congressional District, and defeat the states Sales Tax Reduction initiative.

Read More.>>

Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »

7/18/10 Citizen Scientist Training Workshop

Posted by a 11:17 am on June 30, 2010

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.

Read More.>>

Posted in Ages 18+, Beat Reporter, Environment and Open Space, Events, Public Health & Safety | No Comments »

7/23/10 End of Comment Period on Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) on Green Line Extension

Posted by a 8:54 pm on June 20, 2010

All citizens of Somerville and Medford should evaluate this document and give feedback, because this is one of the final steps before the project begins implementation. Written comments will be accepted until July 23.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Buses, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square, MBTA, Pedestrians, Somerville By The Numbers, Teele Square, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 1 Comment »

6/16/10 Start of Comment Period on Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) on Green Line Extension

Posted by a 8:33 pm on

All citizens of Somerville and Medford should evaluate this document and give feedback, because this is one of the final steps before the project begins implementation. There will be a public meeting on June 30. Written comments will be accepted until July 23 at holly.s.johnson@state.ma.us.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square, Neighborhoods and Squares, Teele Square, Trains, Transportation, Uncategorized, Union Square | No Comments »

Summer Media Workshop for Middle School Students

Posted by a 1:56 pm on June 13, 2010

Somerville Community Access Television’s Next Generation Producer’s youth media program is offering an eight-session workshop in July for Somerville students ages 11 to 14. The workshop will be fun, educational, and creative.…

Read More.>>

Posted in Announcements, Events, Media, Schools and Youth | No Comments »

Haitian youth embark on Book Release Tour

Posted by a 10:03 pm on May 5, 2010

This May, local Haitian youth living in Somerville’s Mystic Housing Projects set off on a 10-stop book tour, called the Mystic Ink Tour, to bring their stories to communities across New England. The DIY tour will take the teens out of their economically-challenged neighborhood and bring them to some of the most celebrated spoken word venues and bookstores in the region. www.booksofhope-ma.org

Read More.>>

Posted in Arts and Culture, Events, Schools and Youth | No Comments »

Shaken, Not Speared?

Posted by a 10:01 pm on April 25, 2010

Shake Up Shakespeare with Theatre@First! Auditions May 10-12 for performances July 16-18 and July 22-24.

Read More.>>

Posted in Arts and Culture, Events, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Coffee with Carl

Posted by a 10:01 pm on February 20, 2010

Approximately fifteen people crowded around two small tables this afternoon at the Danish Pastry House in Medford to share their concerns and questions in a wide-ranging conversation with State Representative Carl Sciortino at his first district coffee hour of the year.  …

Read More.>>

Posted in Civic Action, Events, Politics | No Comments »