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The Unreliable Narrator Theatre Group and The Pluto Tapes a Laugh-Outloud Cyberpunk Delight

Posted by eila at 3:16 pm on August 25, 2010

[ August 26, 2010 8:00 pm to August 28, 2010 8:00 pm. ] The combined talents of Somerville writer and Artistic Director Carl Danielson, composer and Musical Director Andy Hicks; and a savvy, funny cast and crew called “Unreliable Narrator Theater Group” benefit Equality Now!

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Events | No Comments »

Street Reconstruction Project: Promises Never Kept

Posted by eila at 2:08 pm on August 7, 2010

Three years after the Somerville Avenue Reconstruction Project began, Union Square businesses are still hindered by lack of thoughtful pedestrian planning during construction; and Union Square residents, visitors and workers are still unable to walk these streets with confidence and comfort.

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Posted in Accessibility, Development and Zoning, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety, Seniors, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square, Ward 2, Ward 3 | 7 Comments »

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

Posted by eila at 3:48 pm on July 11, 2010

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

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

Superintendent of Inspectional Services Misleads Architectural Access Board

Posted by eila at 9:55 am on May 20, 2010

The Architectural Access Board will hold a Hearing on 18 Architectural Access Code Violations for Arts at the Armory facility on Monday, May 24, at 1 p.m.

back story: On February 8, Building Inspector Eddie Nuzzo provided sworn testimony to the Architectural Access Board (AAB) at a Variance Hearing to support the owner Joseph Sater’s request [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Government Reform, Public Health & Safety | 40 Comments »

Gubanatorial Candidates To Speak at All-Accessible Forum Tuesday May 18

Posted by eila at 4:02 pm on May 16, 2010

An all-present and accounted-for Gubernatorial Candidates Forum will be held May 18, 2010 from 1 p.m. – 3:30p.m. at the Perkins School in Watertown. WBUR’s Bob Oakes will be the Moderator.

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Posted in Accessibility, Announcements, Media, Politics | No Comments »

Power Outage in Somerville

Posted by eila at 8:04 am on April 22, 2010

On April 22, 2010, between 5:55 a.m. and approximately 7:21 a.m., power was out in Somerville.  NStar’s explanation is that a manhole blew and there was a fire. This writer experienced the effects in Ward 3.  How far-reaching were the effects for you, dear Villens?

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Posted in Union Square, Ward 3 | 5 Comments »

4/23/10 MA Open Meeting Law Changes- Public Comments Due

Posted by eila at 9:16 pm on April 19, 2010

The AGO, through its Division of Open Government is requesting public comment on proposed alternatives to the notice posting requirement in the Open Meeting Law. Comment should be submitted by April 23, 2010.

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Posted in Announcements, Beat Reporter, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Investigative Reports, Politics, Press Release, Special | 5 Comments »

Joe’s All American Barriers- the DPW Facility

Posted by eila at 11:23 pm on March 25, 2010

The City of Somerville was one of 10 cities honored as an All America City by the National League of Cities in 2009. During the announcement, the audience was informed that, “this is a community that uses information to improve the lives of its residents.” Here’s some information about the inaccessible DPW facility.

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Posted in Accessibility, City Finances, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Government Reform, Somerville By The Numbers | 2 Comments »

Somerville’s Cherry Sheets Challenge

Posted by eila at 3:52 pm on March 23, 2010

A town cannot set its tax rate until it has received the Cherry Sheet. But what does it mean?

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Posted in Accessibility, City Finances, Economy & Poverty, Schools and Youth | 3 Comments »

Disability Discrimination Rocks in Somerville, MA- again

Posted by eila at 6:52 pm on March 12, 2010

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick spoke in the inaccessible Somerville High School auditorium this past Monday March 8, 2010, celebrating the fact that Somerville, MA was named one of the 10 All America Cities, 2009, by the National League of Cities.
A week later, the Somerville Arts Council- which enjoys American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) funding, [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, Announcements, Arts and Culture, City Finances, Civil and Human Rights, Historical, Neighborhoods and Squares | 4 Comments »

It ain’t wicked smaht to exclude people

Posted by eila at 2:58 pm on February 23, 2010

The City of Somerville, with it’s clear mandates and civil rights obligations from Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, continues to be really , truly, obviously unskilled at inclusive community-building.

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Posted in Accessibility, Arts and Culture, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Government Reform, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Uncategorized | 19 Comments »

Haitian Coalition Leads Community-Wide Meeting Friday @ Healey, 6 pm

Posted by eila at 7:41 pm on January 13, 2010

The Somerville Haitian Coalition, in an effort to mobilize care and support for the Haitian community, will hold a community-wide meeting on Friday January 15 at 6:00 at the Healey School, located at 2 Meacham St.

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

Hey! Will Capuano’s Hometown Be Accessible on Primary Day?

Posted by eila at 2:25 am on December 6, 2009

Judging by the fumbles on Election Day, 11/3/09, we can’t assume that Somerville will provide Accessible Voting on Primary Day, December 8. Despite the fact that the Secretary of State’s Office ordered structural accessibility changes at 7 Somerville polling sites after an audit in July, a spot-check of 9 Somerville Polling sites on Election Day 2009 proved that the current Mayor’s heart is still not in the game.

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Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Government Reform | No Comments »

Caveat emptor

Posted by eila at 1:29 pm on December 5, 2009

1.  The Disability Policy Consortium hoped to be able to offer some guidance to its constituency on the candidate most likely to fill the late Senator’s big shoes on disability issues. In mid-November, DPC sent briefing materials to each campaign along with a simple questionnaire. (The 3 page document can be found at:   www.dpcma.org [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Politics | No Comments »

Public Meeting re: Senior Housing Zoning Amendment

Posted by eila at 6:42 pm on November 27, 2009

[ December 3, 2009; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] From SOMERVILLE, MA City website: There will be a joint public hearing by the Board of Alderman Land Use Committee and the Somerville Planning Board regarding proposed amendments to the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to define senior housing types, add design guidelines, establish Senior Housing Zoning and Dimensional Requirements and incorporate relevant parking requirements. WHEN: Thursday, December 3rd at 7:00 pm

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | 5 Comments »

Groundwork Somerville Fundraiser Nov. 6th

Posted by eila at 1:17 pm on November 2, 2009

Groundwork Somerville is holding its first “Doughraiser” at Pizzeria Uno’s in Porter Square on Friday November 6th.  Uno’s will donate 20% of the check to Groundwork, if you write “Groundwork” on your check!
Groundwork Somerville works to improve the environment through community-based partnerships which empower people, businesses and organizations.  They can be reached at (617) 628-9988.  [...]

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Posted in Announcements, Environment and Open Space, Uncategorized | No Comments »

A 12% Running Slope Is 100% Inaccessible

Posted by eila at 11:41 pm on October 25, 2009

Here’s a 12% slope in Union Square, at the crosswalk between 2 HP parking spaces, nearest curbcut to the Union Square Bus stop, necessary to access the commercial area and the SCAT building:

And here’s what that steep slope does to a friend just trying to get out for a meal in Union Square- it [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety | 2 Comments »

Amy Goodman comes to town! Launch of “Inside the Activists’ Study”

Posted by eila at 10:28 am on September 29, 2009

[ October 9, 2009; 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. ] On Friday, October 9 at 51 Winthrop Street, Amy Goodman, host of the award-winning “Democracy Now!” and David Goodman, prominent investigative journalist, will have a lively discussion about the problems and promise of media to bring about social change.

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

Middle School Students sought for paid SA Prevention Program

Posted by eila at 2:10 pm on September 27, 2009

Somerville Cares About Prevention is seeking middle school students interested in community substance abuse prevention for its new Somerville Positive Forces Junior (SPF, Jr.) program.  Participants will be paid $100 for 2-4 hours per month from October until June.  For more information, contact Lovelee Heller at lheller@somervillema.gov.

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Posted in Announcements | No Comments »

Did Mayor Mike Capuano “Turn Somerville Around?”

Posted by eila at 10:54 am on September 22, 2009

Rep. Michael Capuano, Democrat from Somerville, MA,  is running for the seat left by Senator Edward M. Kennedy.  He says that he is the candidate “most like Kennedy,” and his first TV Campaign ad claims: “As Mayor, he turned Somerville around.”
Let’s hear it from Somervillians who’ve been there:  What was Mayor Mike like?

Some ground rules:  [...]

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Posted in Politics | 3 Comments »

Joe’s Original Crosswalks

Posted by eila at 1:23 pm on September 17, 2009

Q:  Why Didn’t the Rolling Somerville Pedestrian Cross the Road at the Crosswalk?
A:  Because the City of Somerville Deciders have been playing chicken with standards.
This photo essay will show 30 lost opportunities to create a safer community on Mayor Curtatone’s watch. All of these streets or sidewalks were reconstructed between 2004- 2008.  This is just [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Government Reform, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety, Traffic & Parking, Transportation Projects | 20 Comments »

Davis Square Pedestrian Environment Not Up To Code

Posted by eila at 10:45 pm on September 6, 2009

My long-lived friends keep telling me stories about pedestrian accidents in Davis Square.  Fractured a jaw.  Twisted knees.  Fractured elbow, shoulder, wrists.  Slipped and broke an ankle, on crutches for 5 months, still don’t feel safe walking.  Couldn’t even drive for 5 months.  Davis Square bricks.
Yep, reported it, tried to.  Told the Aldermen.  Told them [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety, Transportation | 11 Comments »

Somerville Stories about Senator Kennedy

Posted by eila at 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 »

SomSigns Lie

Posted by eila at 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 at 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 »

Public Information Response from ADA Coordinator Raises Red Flag

Posted by eila at 3:23 pm on August 17, 2009

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 »

OPENAIR Circus A Blast!

Posted by eila at 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 »

Radical Organizing Methods Workshop this Sunday at CAAS

Posted by eila at 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 »

Lady Liberty Says…

Posted by eila at 1:40 pm on July 4, 2009

Lady Liberty 2009
…what say this Lady, Dear SomervilleVoices Reader?…

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Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights | 2 Comments »

Somerville, MA ARRA Funding Watch

Posted by eila at 6:58 pm on June 24, 2009

This Somerville ARRA Funding Watch is gleaned from the Massachusetts Area Planning Council’s Municipal Resource Guide on the Federal Economic Stimulus,
Pending all final approvals, Somerville is in line for $30,196,052 in American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. (The above-linked MAPC document was updated on May 13, 2009. )

1.  COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG-R) [...]

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Posted in City Finances, Economy & Poverty, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Transportation | 14 Comments »

Disability Reframed: A Community Film Series

Posted by eila at 6:36 pm on May 20, 2009

[ June 6, 2009; 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm. ] June 6   Disability Reframed: A Community Film Series -

Come to a FREE matinee screening, as we kickoff our new film series. We will be showing Tim Burton’s “Edward Scissorhands” at MIT Stata Center, 32 Vassar St., Room 32-124

June 6, from 2 pm to 5 pm.  

 

The film will be followed by a moderated discussion about [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, Announcements, Events | No Comments »

10 Days to Go! Submit your Comments about the use of $772,044

Posted by eila at 2:29 pm on May 4, 2009

The City of Somerville, as an Entitlement Community, receives millions of Federal dollars from HUD each year from the Community Development Block Grant, Emergency Shelter Grant, and HOME programs.  These monies must be spent on activities that primarily benefit low and moderate income Somerville residents in three areas:  
Provide decent affordable housing;
Eliminate slums and blight;
Enhance [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, City Finances, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Government Reform, Neighborhoods and Squares, Politics | 3 Comments »

Lowell Zero, Somerville 221. Mistakes, that is.

Posted by eila at 6:12 pm on April 19, 2009

On March 19, 2009, the City of Somerville was one of the 118 recipients of an “e-government Award,” from Common Cause. This citation is given for providing online access to Board of Alderman agenda and minutes, budget information, and general by-laws. But, on closer inspection, Somerville came in “number one” for the most inaccessible website, [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Government Reform, Media, Politics | 7 Comments »

PUBLIC HEARING 4/23- Somerville Hospital Inpatient SA Services

Posted by eila at 8:25 pm on April 8, 2009

[ April 23, 2009; 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. ] NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CONCERNING
CAMBRIDGE HEALTH ALLIANCE – SOMERVILLE HOSPITAL
INPATIENT SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES

On March 18, 2009, the Department of Public Health received
notification from Marlborough Hospital of their intent to discontinue
providing Inpatient Substance Abuse Services provided at 230 Highland
Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143.

Pursuant to 105 CMR 130.122(E), notice is hereby given that the
Massachusetts [...]

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Posted in Events | No Comments »

Somerville’s Multimodal Roadways Planning

Posted by eila at 8:09 pm on

Thanks to the interdependence of everything, Barry Rafkind’s post Keep Big Brother ouf of Somerville has morphed into a discussion about whether or not traffic cameras can induce more folks to obey traffic laws (see comments starting from # 7). I’m saying that, with regards to the specific pedestrian safety issues that Steve Roix has [...]

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Posted in Accessibility, Development and Zoning, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Transportation | 3 Comments »

Somerville’s JAG monies

Posted by eila at 12:23 am on March 7, 2009

March 6, 2009:  Today, President  Obama and Attorney General Holder announced funding allocations for state and local law enforcement assistance.  MA is allocated State joint funding, plus 148 MA cities will also receive local government individual shares.  Somerville’s allotment is only exceeded by 20 other cities in MA.
This program is called the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance [...]

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Posted in Crime, Public Health & Safety, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Marx in Soho, followed by a conversation with Howard Zinn. ASL provided.

Posted by eila at 1:01 am on March 6, 2009

posted on behalf of Debra Wise and the Underground Railway Theater
 
Dear Friends,
I want to invite you to an ASL-interpreted production of Marx in Soho this Saturday March 7, 2009 at 4PM.
This delightful play is masterfully acted by Max Wright – winner 2008 Best Actor Elliott Norton award from the Boston Theater critics – and directed [...]

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Posted in Announcements | No Comments »

Attention, Women Bloggers!

Posted by eila at 6:12 pm on March 2, 2009

Perhaps a SomervilleVoices.org blogger can be the next Elizabeth Neuffer Fellow?
The International Women’s Media Foundation announces the Elizabeth Neuffer Fellowship for  full-time, part time or freelance journalists working (for at least 3 years) on human rights or social justice issues.  This fellowship will allow recipients to spend 9 months in a research program at MIT. [...]

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Posted in Announcements, Contests, Media, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Dec. 9: Civil rights advocates ramp it up for accessible communities

Posted by eila at 7:04 pm on December 5, 2008

A focus group of Civil and DisAbilities Rights advocates will join with the longest-running TV Access producers group in the country during Civil Rights Week in MA to tackle the challenges of designing equal opportunity communities.

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Posted in Accessibility, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Economy & Poverty, Media, Politics | No Comments »

JOE THE MAYOR’S IRRESOLUTE PLEDGE

Posted by eila at 12:11 am on November 12, 2008

On Martin Luther King day, January 15, 2006, during his introduction to invited speaker (then-candidate) MA Governor Deval Patrick in front of a full house at the East Somerville Community School, Mayor Joe Curtatone pledged to search far and wide in order to hire the very best possible staff leadership to implement the civil rights of constituents with disAbilities in Somerville… But meaningful change and independent choice still seems out of reach for some voters here in the ‘Ville.

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Posted in Accessibility, Government Reform | 1 Comment »

City holds public hearing on 2008 Charter Committee

Posted by eila at 9:32 pm on November 1, 2008

[ November 10, 2008; 7:00 pm; ] The following is quoted from the City of Somerville Website PR of October 27, 2008:

The City of Somerville’s Charter Advisory Committee (CAC) will hold a public hearing to discuss the City’s municipal charter and the work of the CAC over the last several months. The hearing will be held on Monday, November 10th at 7pm [...]

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Posted in Announcements, Events, Government Reform | No Comments »

US Enabled Voters

Posted by eila at 8:59 pm on October 8, 2008

This week’s Somerville Journal includes an Op-Ed regarding our rights as voters. Voting is a fun community activity, and no voters should be steered to vote absentee-unless they prefer it that way (or will be out of town on the 4th). Here are 2 photos showing a polling site that was entirely inaccessible (right at the entrance), for wheelchair using voters of Ward 7, Precinct 2, during the Primary, September 16, 2008:

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Posted in Accessibility, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Tibetans Speak Out in Somerville

Posted by eila at 11:12 pm on July 29, 2008

[ August 5, 2008; 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] On August 5, from 8 – 9 p.m. on SCAT’s celebrated DEAD AIR LIVE show, the Tibetan community will offer viewers a first-hand report of what Tibet was like before the Chinese invasion, and talk about what it was like to have to flee their beloved homeland and become exiled citizens of the world. Tune in to SCAT Channel 3 next Tuesday, for a fascinating and moving account of a beautiful culture and people, who cultivated the roof of the world.

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Posted in Events | No Comments »

Tibetans Speak Out in Somerville

Posted by eila at 10:57 pm on

On August 5, from 8 – 9 p.m. on SCAT’s celebrated DEAD AIR LIVE show, the Tibetan community will offer viewers a first-hand report of what Tibet was like before the Chinese invasion, and talk about what it was like to have to flee their beloved homeland and become exiled citizens of the world. Tune in to SCAT Channel 3 next Tuesday, for a fascinating and moving account of a beautiful culture and people, who cultivated the roof of the world.

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Immigration, Media | 6 Comments »

Metropolitan Planning Organization Open House

Posted by eila at 5:08 pm on July 27, 2008

[ July 30, 2008; 12:30 pm to 7:00 pm. ]

PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY FOR

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLANNING INPUT

UNTIL AUGUST 5, 2008:

The Boston Region MPO will hold two Open House sessions on July 30, 2008 from 12:30 pm – 2 p.m.

and from 5:30 pm – 7 pm

AT: Suite 2150, State Transportation Building

10 Park Plaza, Boston…

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Posted in Development and Zoning, Events, Transportation | No Comments »

This day in Civil Rights history

Posted by eila at 9:39 pm on July 25, 2008

In the first week of May 2008, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone placed a “Welcome Desk” in the foyer of City Hall that utterly disregards MA Access Building Code. [snip] It seems that yesterday’s design standards are as tenacious as yesterday’s attitudes, even today: the 18th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Posted in Accessibility, Government Reform | 3 Comments »

Inspiring Radio Interview with Representative Sciortino at…

Posted by eila at 11:45 am on July 20, 2008

Here’s just a short post to encourage folks to take a listen to the Open Media Boston interview with incumbent Representative Carl Sciortino. I was lucky to stumble upon it!

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Posted in Politics | No Comments »

Somerville’s FY09 Budget trivializes Human Rights agenda

Posted by eila at 6:44 pm on July 19, 2008

I certainly agree with Barry’s post of 7/15/08 in this SomervilleVoices blog entitled, “City’s Commission Staffing Plan Hurts Human Services.” Three questions seem particularly germane to this issue: 1. Are Somerville’s municipal resources distributed equally and fairly to all residents? 2. Are all residents offered equal participation within public programs, without regard to differences in age, income, birth culture, abilities, religions, race, gender, job status, or city address? 3. Do certain Somerville residents experience social and economic inequities that would support the fuller engagement and investigation of the specialized Human Rights Commissions?

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Posted in Accessibility, Government Reform, Politics | No Comments »

Ward 7 Sidewalk Access Report, Endicott to Alewife along Broadway

Posted by eila at 8:37 pm on June 29, 2008

If a municipality’s Bus stops are unreachable and inaccessible, due to badly built street facilities, then its residents are restricted from accessing public transportation systems, etc..For some individuals, the challenges created by these issues cause them to be nearly or fully housebound.
Do you think such quality of life issues should continue to be put off until “tomorrow?” …

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Posted in Accessibility, Government Reform, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians | 4 Comments »

National Council on DisAbility Seeks Your Input

Posted by eila at 11:12 pm on June 26, 2008

The National Council on Disability (NCD) is gathering public input for a study of emerging issues and trends affecting the lives of people with disabilities. Information gathered will be used in the development of NCD’s next annual progress report to the President and Congress, “National Disability Policy: A Progress Report,” which is required by Section 401(b) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.

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Posted in Accessibility, Arts and Culture, Government Reform, Health Care, Housing, Politics, Schools and Youth, Sports, Transportation, Workers' Rights | No Comments »

East Broadway Streetscape Planning

Posted by eila at 9:23 pm on June 21, 2008

[ June 25, 2008; 6:00 pm; ] Below, from City’s PR:

June 25th Meeting to Showcase Preliminary Designs for Public Discussion; …residents and business owners in East Somerville are invited to a community meeting to discuss preliminary plans and designs for a streetscape and roadway improvement project for Broadway, between McGrath Highway and the City Line near Sullivan Square. The meeting…

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Posted in Events | No Comments »

FY09 City Budget Hearing

Posted by eila at 9:09 pm on

[ June 23, 2008; 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. ] There will be a Public Hearing before the Board of Aldermen on Monday, June 23, 2008, at 6:30 PM, in the Aldermen’s Chambers, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue, on the Order of Alderman Maryann M. Heuston, Chairman of the Committee on Finance, for public input on the proposed FY 2009 budget. THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND AND BE HEARD.

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Posted in Events, Politics | No Comments »

From Davis to Teele Square, Holland Street sidewalks are inaccessible

Posted by eila at 9:10 pm on June 19, 2008

Today, 2 residents from the Community Access Project of Somerville (CAPS) took their digital levels and measuring tapes and perambulated down Holland Street. We checked both sides of the sidewalk, from Winter Street to the Traffic and Parking Building (133 Holland St.) and then went back to Davis Square via the other side

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Posted in Accessibility, Development and Zoning, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »

WARD 7 ACCESS REPORT

Posted by eila at 10:11 pm on June 10, 2008

So, you are a blind pedestrian at Weston and Broadway and you need to cross after getting off the bus. Because there is no curbcut on the bus stop side of Weston to cross to Dickson, you cross Weston to the corner pictured below. You rely on the tactile strips to guide you straight into the crosswalk and to the curbcut exactly opposite. Now, here: how many steps will it take before you’re a smashed pumpkin at rush hour?

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Posted in Accessibility, Neighborhoods and Squares | 7 Comments »

Union Square Access Report, Pedestrian Signal

Posted by eila at 9:50 pm on

The Pedestrian Signal post at the raised island mid-crossing in Union Square, at Somerville and Washington Street is inaccessible to wheelchair-mobile pedestrians. The pedestrian-activated button is at least seven feet – 84 inches- away from the wheelchair pedestrian’s hand!

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Posted in Accessibility, Neighborhoods and Squares | 1 Comment »

Somerville Ave./ Milk Row Cemetery Access Report

Posted by eila at 9:47 pm on

The Milk Row Cemetery is a Historic Preservation Commission project, and its improvements triggered sidewalk accessibility improvements by 2005. Below is the copy of the complaint I submitted today. This is at least the third time this issue has been brought to the attention of the City ADA Coordinator in the past year.

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Posted in Accessibility, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians | No Comments »

Union Square Citizen’s Bank Gaining Access!

Posted by eila at 11:01 pm on June 7, 2008

On Friday, June 6, 2008, the Union Square Citizen’s Bank began breaking up the large platform front step that has been dividing this Bank and its services from people with mobility restrictions. Barack Obama won the nomination in 16 months. This access project for just one public accommodation has taken over 18 months already…

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Posted in Accessibility, Neighborhoods and Squares | 1 Comment »

Union Square Access Report 06/03/08

Posted by eila at 7:42 pm on June 3, 2008

In the ordinary course of business, one notices accessible route problems throughout Union Square’s Somerville Reconstruction Project area. During construction, it is very important for the City to maintain continuous, unobstructed, level and safe sidewalks, as well as safe curbcuts and walkways for everyone.

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Posted in Accessibility, Development and Zoning, Neighborhoods and Squares | 2 Comments »

How many zeros to the right of One?

Posted by eila at 1:27 pm on

Here’s an idea for formulating one’s beneficial worth to a community:

If you have a job serving the public, and you’re not doing it, then take the number of people you are not serving adequately, divide it by 10, and place those zeros to the left of one. Then put a decimal point at…

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What makes a Community?

Posted by eila at 10:41 pm on June 2, 2008

Even though today I feel like words are ultimately meaningless, I’m gonna start a little idea train here, asking what makes a community:

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Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments »