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2/2/12 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 3:57 pm on January 29, 2012

Agenda includes further discussion and possible vote on the Porter Square/Wilson Square zoning change, which has proved controversial.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Porter Square, Red Line | No Comments »

Beat Report: 1/19/12 Finance Committee Meeting of the Whole

Posted by a 11:39 am on January 21, 2012

Mayor Curtatone announced memo of agreement with Firefighters Local 76 deferring retroactive payments to next fiscal year. This agreement means no layoffs this fiscal year (including closing West Branch Library). Asked for executive session to discuss next steps, and continuing negotiations with fire alarm operators.

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Posted in Beat Reporter, City Finances, Davis Square, Ward 6, Workers' Rights | 2 Comments »

1/25/12 Green Line Extension Corridor-Wide Public Meeting

Posted by a 8:01 pm on January 15, 2012

Agenda includes the early bridge and demolition package, affecting the Medford Street Rail Bridge (Somerville), the Harvard Street Rail Bridge (Medford), and 21 Water Street (Cambridge).

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

1/18/12 Somerville Housing Authority

Posted by a 7:58 pm on

Agenda includes resident concerns and report of committees on Resident Services, Public Safety, Safety, Major Projects, and Finance.

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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »

1/19/12 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 7:43 pm on

Agenda includes further discussion and possible vote on the Porter Square/Wilson Square zoning change, which has proved controversial.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Porter Square | 1 Comment »

1/18/12 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 7:41 pm on

Agenda includes (16 Linden St.) a variance to add a 5-unit residence to a lot that already has a 3-unit structure and (485 Mystic Valley Pkwy.) convert the Mystic Water Works property into 60 affordable housing units.

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

1/12/12 Somerville Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 9:18 pm on January 8, 2012

Agenda not available (1/1/12). The Design Review Committee provides design criteria, guidance and recommendations to permit applicants. Its mandate is to maintain and enhance the natural, aesthetic, and cultural heritage of the City and to preserve the value of land and buildings.

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

1/10/12 Minuteman Bikeway Arlington Public Meeting

Posted by a 2:35 pm on January 1, 2012

This meeting will present five options for fixing the break in the Minuteman Trail at Mass Ave. and Rt. 60 in Arlington Center, which forces bicyclists onto the streets and sidewalks.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Events, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking | 2 Comments »

1/5/12 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 2:31 pm on

Agenda includes the proposed zoning changes to Somerville Avenue from Wilson Square to Porter Square, White Street, and Elm Street from White Street to Wilson Square. “What’s in it for us?”

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Porter Square, Red Line | 2 Comments »

1/4/12 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 2:28 pm on

Agenda includes converting the existing Mystic Water Works into a 25 unit affordable housing apartment building.

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

12/15/11 – 1/31/12 Comment Period for Porter Square Zoning Change

Posted by a 10:09 pm on December 18, 2011

The City of Somerville is proposing zoning changes to Somerville Avenue from Wilson Square to Porter Square, White Street, and Elm Street from White Street to Wilson Square. While this zoning change can bring definite benefits to the city in tax revenue, some abutters are asking “What’s in it for us?”

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Porter Square, Red Line, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »

12/15/11 Somerville Redevelopment Authority Meeting

Posted by a 9:48 pm on December 11, 2011

According to state law, Redevelopment Authorities are empowered to buy and sell property, acquire property through eminent domain, and grant tax concessions. Agenda not available (12/11/11).

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »

12/15/11 Somerville Planning Board and Land Use Committee Joint Hearing

Posted by a 9:47 pm on

Agenda includes zoning changes to set minimum pervious area requirements and to modify zoning maps for Somerville Ave. from WIlson Square to Porter Square, White St., and Elm St.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Union Square | 1 Comment »

12/14/11 Green Line Extension Public Meeting

Posted by a 9:45 pm on

Public participation in station designs is essential to making them work with the neighborhoods.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Environment and Open Space, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Union Square | No Comments »

12/14/11 MBTA Capital Investment Program Public Hearing

Posted by a 9:43 pm on

The CIP includes the Green Line Extension and the Assembly Square T-Stop.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, East Somerville, Green Line, Magoun Square, Orange Line, Teele Square | No Comments »

12/14/11 MWRA Board of Directors Meeting

Posted by a 9:42 pm on

Agenda includes contract awards and (in executive session) watershed land acquisition approval and ratification of collective bargaining agreements with Steelworkers and Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists.

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

11/23/11 – 12/30/11 Comment Period for Mystic Valley Parkway Green Line Extension Visioning Report

Posted by a 10:23 pm on December 4, 2011

Continuing the Green Line Extension to Mystic Valley Parkway will complete the integration of West Somerville and Medford into the Green Line.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Green Line, Ward 7 | No Comments »

12/8/11 Grand Junction Commuter Rail Feasibility Study Public Meeting

Posted by a 6:48 pm on

Light rail mass transit is a good thing, but directing commuter rail trains, including diesel trains, through the middle of Cambridge is controversial.

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

12/8/11 Somerville Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 6:45 pm on

This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Design Review Committee. Agenda not available (12/4/11).

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | No Comments »

12/7/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Public Hearing

Posted by a 6:43 pm on

Agenda includes 343-351 Summer St., a controversial development that includes residential and a replacement for the existing VFW club.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Housing, Red Line, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »

12/7/11 Green Line Extension Design Working Group

Posted by a 6:41 pm on

Interactive Somerville is running a design competition for the area around the proposed Gilman Square station.

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

12/7/11 Mystic River Watershed Steering Committee Meeting

Posted by a 6:40 pm on

This is the regular meeting of the Mystic River Watershed Steering Committee. This committee, sponsored by the Federal EPA, works to improve water quality and environmental conditions in the Mystic River watershed. Agenda not available (12/4/11).

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Environment and Open Space, Orange Line, Special | No Comments »

12/6/11 Mystic River Reservation Riverfront Park Improvements Public Meeting

Posted by a 6:38 pm on

The Mystic Riverfront Park upgrades are a big part of the improvements to Assembly Square resulting from the Assembly Square PUD.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Orange Line | No Comments »

12/1/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 10:54 pm on November 29, 2011

Agenda contains 379 Somerville Ave., signage for a by-right restaurant.

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

12/1/11 Board of Assessors Meeting

Posted by a 10:51 pm on

Agenda not available (11/29/11). This meeting will most likely discuss property tax percentages for fiscal year 2012.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »

11/30/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 7:57 pm on November 27, 2011

Agenda includes 485 Mystic Valley Pkwy, a project converting the exising Mystic Water Works into 25 affordable units of housing and replacing an existing office building with 35 affordable units.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing, Ward 6 | No Comments »

11/28/11 Somerville Redevelopment Authority Meeting

Posted by a 4:51 pm on

Agenda includes the acquisition of 258 Somerville Ave. and updates on Assembly Square and Union Square. Note: the Somerville Redevelopment Authority does not have a web page.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Green Line, Housing, Orange Line, Union Square | 7 Comments »

11/22/11 Somerville Board of Assessors Public Hearing

Posted by a 4:19 pm on November 20, 2011

This public hearing will affect property tax percentages for fiscal year 2012, giving revenue implications of various rates. Every Somerville property owner will be affected by this hearing.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Somerville By The Numbers | No Comments »

11/22/11 Conservation Commission Meeting

Posted by a 4:16 pm on

Agenda includes an update on the Order of Conditions for Assembly Square and a new fence for the Bike Path Community Garden.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Orange Line | No Comments »

11/22/11 Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 4:14 pm on

Agenda includes 343-351 Summer St., a mixed-use building including a new VFW hall near Davis Square.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Red Line | No Comments »

11/14/11 Launch Party for interactivesomerville.org

Posted by a 5:11 pm on November 13, 2011

Attend the launch party for interactivesomeville.org, a new forum for discussions about the Green Line Extension and other events. Managing the GLX extension and its integration with the community requires public participation.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | 1 Comment »

11/21/11 Public Hearing on Community Path Design

Posted by a 4:13 pm on

This is a first look at the proposed design for the Community Path. All concerned with the path and the Green Line Extension should show up and comment.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »

11/17/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 4:11 pm on

Agenda includes an update on the Somerville Comprehensive Plan and a signage change at a restaurant at 379 Somerville Ave. Note change of venue.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares | 1 Comment »

11/15/11 Assembly Square Station Project Meeting

Posted by a 7:59 pm on November 6, 2011

It is very important that the public catch up with the Assembly Square T-stop project progress and decisions.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Orange Line, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Proposed Rights-of-Way Federal Guidelines Comment Period

Posted by a 7:15 pm on

The comment period ends 11/23/11. This is your chance to provide input to Federal guidelines on access by persons with disabilities.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety | 4 Comments »

Fall Resistat Community Meetings

Posted by a 6:59 pm on

These meetings are an important way to make your needs known to Somerville government. Show up and make your voice heard.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Historical, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3, Ward 4, Ward 5, Ward 6 | No Comments »

11/2/11 MBTA Community Meeting

Posted by a 10:31 pm on October 31, 2011

This meeting is called by the MBTA to discuss temporary changes in Red Line Service due to construction from Harvard to Alewife Station. The Red Line is a crucial connection between West Somerville and the rest of Boston. If you need it, find out what’s going on.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Events, Porter Square, Red Line, Special, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

10/25/11 Conservation Commission Meeting

Posted by a 8:02 pm on October 23, 2011

Agenda includes Assembly Square Blocks 1 and 4 and sewer and drain work in Ten Hills. This work helps fulfill the financial conditions needed for the success of the Assembly Square DIF and iCubed programs.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | 1 Comment »

10/25/11 Mystic River Watershed Association Annual Meeting

Posted by a 8:00 pm on

Melissa Hoffer of the Conservation Law Foundation will speak on the role of legal advocacy in environmental protection and restoration.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line, Public Health & Safety, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

10/26/11 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Posted by a 7:57 pm on

The group will review the draft comprehensive plan document and discuss the stakeholder’s presentation.

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

10/27/11 Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 7:55 pm on

This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Design Review Committee. Agenda not posted (10/23/11).

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | 1 Comment »

11/2/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 7:53 pm on

Agenda includes 16 Linden St., constructing 5 dwelling units on a lot with 3 existing units for a total of 8.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares | 1 Comment »

11/3/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 7:50 pm on

Agenda includes a special permit for dry boat storage at 74 Foley Street in Assembly Square, possibly for boats from the Winter Hill Yacht Club.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »

10/19/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 5:29 pm on October 16, 2011

Agenda includes 343-351 Summer St. for a special permit to develop a new two to three story mixed-use building consisting of a VFW hall and 31 residential units.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Red Line, Special, Ward 6 | No Comments »

10/20/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 5:27 pm on

Agenda includes Assembly Square Block 3, a Special Permit for two levels of retail and restaurant, including a 12-screen cinema, with residential above. This development helps fulfil the financial conditions needed for the success of the Assembly Square DIF and iCubed programs.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | 1 Comment »

11/2/11 Mystic Valley Parkway Green Line Extension Final Public Meeting

Posted by a 8:38 pm on October 9, 2011

Completing the Green Line Extension to Route 16 is essential to Somerville’s future. Make your voice heard.

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

10/20/11 Green Line Extension Environmental Assessment and Public Comment Period

Posted by a 8:36 pm on

This hearing is preceded at 6:00 by a Shovel Ready Rally and Mock Groundbreaking in front of Somerville High School to protest Green Line delays. It is essential that the Green Line Extension be carried out on time with responsible attention to environmental impacts.

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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, East Somerville, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square, Teele Square, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 1 Comment »

10/18/11 Charlestown Neighborhood Council Meeting

Posted by a 8:32 pm on

The Surface Option presented accommodates traffic from the redevelopment of Assembly Square in Somerville (IKEA). We should support it.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Events, Special, Traffic & Parking, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

10/12/11 Green Line Public Workshop on Maintenance Facility

Posted by a 8:29 pm on

The Maintenance Facility is currently located at Option L, as far as possible from Brickbottom. This is a good opportunity to weigh in on this design.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, East Somerville, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, MBTA, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »

10/11/11 Key Bus Route Improvement Program: Bus Route 77

Posted by a 8:27 pm on

Route 77 connects Porter Square, which adjoins Cambridge, with Harvard, Central, and Kendall Squares, along with Boston and Arlington. If you live near Porter Square, this can affect you directly.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Buses, Events, Porter Square, Red Line, Special | No Comments »

10/5/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 1:49 pm on October 1, 2011

Agenda includes 343-351 Summer St. developing a new two to three story mixed-use building consisting of a VFW hall and 31 residential units.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Pedestrians, Red Line, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »

10/6/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 6:58 pm on September 25, 2011

Agenda includes public hearings on proposed developments at Blocks 1 and 4 of Assembly Square. These developments help fulfill the financial conditions needed for the success of the Assembly Square DIF and iCubed programs.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Orange Line, Transportation Projects | 2 Comments »

9/29/11 Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 6:34 pm on

Agenda likely includes Assembly Square mixed use buildings on Block 3, including a cinema. These proposals help fulfill the financial conditions needed for the success of the Assembly Square DIF and iCubed programs.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Orange Line | 1 Comment »

9/26/11 Assembly Square Public Advisory Committee Meeting

Posted by a 6:32 pm on

Agenda will likely include the Avalon Bay developments at Blocks, 1, 3, and 4 and may include prospects for further development.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Orange Line, Transportation | 1 Comment »

10/5/11 Mystic View Task Force Annual Meeting

Posted by a 7:21 am on September 19, 2011

We will present a summary of the City’s almost finished Comprehensive Plan, followed by discussion. The plan is the product of over two years of work by the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

9/19/11 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Posted by a 7:18 am on

The group will review the zoning change maps, begin to review the comprehensive plan draft document, and create a map describing future transportation improvements.

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

9/22/11 Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 6:54 pm on September 18, 2011

Agenda likely includes Assembly Square mixed use buildings on Block 3, including a cinema. These proposals help fulfill the financial conditions needed for the success of the Assembly Square DIF and iCubed programs.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special | 1 Comment »

9/22/11 Somerville Community Path Workshop

Posted by a 6:49 pm on

Extending the Community Path along the proposed Green Line spur will encourage people to bike and walk through central Somerville.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Pedestrians, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

What Is the Boston MPO and Why Is It Important?

Posted by a 7:29 pm on September 11, 2011

The Boston MPO is a Federally-mandated organization responsible for conducting transportation planning for the Boston region. Among other documents, it produces a yearly Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), which allocates funding for transportation improvements. A project must be included in the TIP to receive Federal funds. The Green Line Extension has been omitted from the 2012-2015 TIP. As a result, Massachusetts is in danger of losing its Federal transportation funding.

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Posted in Assembly Square, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Green Line, Orange Line, Porter Square, Red Line, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »

9/21/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 5:51 pm on

The agenda includes 149-151 Washington St. seeking a Special Permit with Design Review to establish a tattoo parlor.

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Posted in All Ages, Arts and Culture, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Public Health & Safety, Union Square | No Comments »

9/18/11 Walking Tour of Union Square

Posted by a 5:44 pm on

Free walking tour highlighting American Tube Works complex, workers’ housing in Duck Village, and brick row houses along Summer Street with refreshments served at India Palace.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Historical, Housing, Special, Union Square | No Comments »

9/22/11 Boston Region MPO Meeting – MPO vote on TIP and LRTP

Posted by a 3:44 pm on

At this meeting the MPO will vote on whether to ignore the needs of Somerville and Medford residents and push back the Green Line Extension to 2018.

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Posted in Ball Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, East Somerville, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square, MBTA, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »

9/20/11 Grounding McGrath: Public Information Meeting

Posted by a 3:35 pm on

An important improvement to McGrath Highway would be to return it to its original concept, as a ground-level boulevard with predestrian crossings.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »

9/8/11 Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 8:05 pm on September 6, 2011

Agenda includes Assembly Square mixed use buildings on Blocks 1, 3, and 4, including a cinema. These proposals help fulfill the financial conditions needed for the success of the Assembly Square DIF and iCubed programs.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Orange Line, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 1 Comment »

9/13/11 DEP Public Meeting on Green Line Delay

Posted by a 9:41 pm on September 5, 2011

This is a critical meeting to give your comments on the Green Line extension delay. If you can’t attend either meeting, please send your comments by Sept 13.

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

9/15/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 9:01 pm on

The agenda should include removing a loading area from the Block 10 restaurant at 133 Middlesex Avenue in Assembly Square.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special, Transportation | 1 Comment »

9/15/11 Walking Routes to the Mystic River

Posted by a 8:57 pm on

MAPC is working with neighboring communities to create a network of safe walking routes to connect neighborhoods with the lower Mystic River, Chelsea Creek, Mill Creek, and the Malden River. You can help.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Pedestrians, Special, Transportation | No Comments »

9/14/11 Porter Square Visioning – Community Meeting

Posted by a 8:55 pm on

At this meeting, the city will present a proposed rezoning map depicting zoning changes that will allow for mixed-use development in the key gateways of the Porter and Wilson Square areas.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Buses, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, MBTA, Porter Square, Trains, Transportation, Ward 6 | No Comments »

9/14/11 Come Shape McGrath/O’Brien Redesign Goals

Posted by a 11:05 pm on August 29, 2011

It is important to reunite neighborhoods, lower traffic speeds, and add more trees to make McGrath Hwy a boulevard.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »

9/6/11 and 9/7/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meetings

Posted by a 11:02 pm on

The agenda includes upgrades to a building on 70 Inner Belt Road.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | 1 Comment »

9/1/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 11:00 pm on

The agenda includes removing a loading area from the Block 10 restaurant at 133 Middlesex Avenue in Assembly Square.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | 1 Comment »

8/8/11 – 9/13/11 FY 2012-2015 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Comment Period

Posted by a 10:58 pm on

The Green Line Extension, a legal obligation of the Commonwealth, has been dropped from the 2012-2015 TIP and delayed until 2018. This not only deprives Somerville of long-needed transit access, it jeopardizes the state’s access to Federal transportation funding.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Transportation | 3 Comments »

8/17/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 2:15 pm on August 7, 2011

The agenda includes a continuance of the review of 343 – 351 Summer St. (site of the existing George Dilboy VFW Post #529) to August 24.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special | 1 Comment »

8/10/11 Regional Transportation Advisory Council Meeting

Posted by a 2:10 pm on

The agenda includes a staff update on transportation plans for the Boston region, and most likely includes postponing the Green Line Extension another 5 years.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Events, Green Line, Orange Line | No Comments »

8/3/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 8:51 pm on July 24, 2011

The agenda includes 343 – 351 Summer St. (site of the existing George Dilboy VFW Post #529) to build a new two to three story mixed-use building consisting of a VFW hall and 31 residential units with parking lot.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, MBTA | No Comments »

7/20/11 – 8/20/11 Comment Period on Assembly Square Riverfront Park Plans

Posted by a 8:49 pm on

Check out the conceptual proposals and make your views known. Written comments submitted will be posted on the DCR website.

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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »

WalMart Wants to Come to Assembly Square

Posted by a 2:32 pm on

According to articles in the Boston Globe, Somerville Journal, Somerville Patch, and Boston Herald this week, WalMart wants to open “a grocery store” at the site of the defunct Circuit City next to Home Depot…

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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Orange Line | 4 Comments »

7/20/11 Public Meeting on Improvements to Assembly Square Riverfront Park

Posted by a 8:17 pm on July 17, 2011

This is a good chance for Somerville residents to help improve our river frontage in Assembly Square.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | 1 Comment »

7/14/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 10:37 pm on July 1, 2011

The agenda includes a public hearing on another extension of the IKEA permits and a continuation of the 378-390 Somerville Avenue development, which is controversial.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Housing, Union Square | 1 Comment »

7/13/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 10:35 pm on

Among other business, extending a permit to replace a one-story commercial structure at 292 Beacon Street with a larger 2-1/2 story commercial and residential development.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | 1 Comment »

6/27/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 7:33 pm on June 26, 2011

The agenda includes a (continued) public hearing for final approval of the PUD for Assembly Square Block 10 and a hearing for constructing a restaurant on the site. The 378-390 Somerville Avenue hearing is being continued to July 14.

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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Ward 1 | No Comments »

6/20/11 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

Posted by a 7:17 pm on June 19, 2011

The agenda includes annotating city maps with possible locations of transformational districts, neighborhood infill districts, and other land use categories.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line | No Comments »

6/23/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 2:09 pm on June 12, 2011

The agenda includes a (continued) public hearing for final approval of the PUD for Assembly Square Block 10 and also a hearing for constructing a restaurant in Assembly Square.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Orange Line | 1 Comment »

6/22/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 2:05 pm on

Among other business, the agenda includes converting an auto parts warehouse business to personal trainer and artist studios.

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

6/13/11 Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 1:56 pm on

Among other business, the agenda includes reviewing the PUD for Assembly Square Block 10 and a proposed restaurant in Assembly Square.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »

6/25/11 Inner Belt Brickbottom Plan Public Meeting and Walkshop

Posted by a 12:14 pm on June 4, 2011

The Inner Belt, soon to have a new Green Line T-Stop, is one of the few locations in Somerville still available for transformation into an economic powerhouse for Somerville.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Transportation Projects, Ward 1 | No Comments »

6/9/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 7:09 pm on May 30, 2011

The agenda includes a public hearing for final approval of the PUD for Assembly Square Block 10 and also a hearing for constructing a restaurant in Assembly Square.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »

6/8/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 7:06 pm on

Among other business, the agenda includes establishing a bus and taxi rental, storage and servicing use on 21 Third Avenue in the Inner Belt. (Somerville could want to use the Inner Belt for a higher use at this point.)

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Ward 1 | No Comments »

6/11 Green Line Station Design Public Workshops

Posted by a 7:00 pm on

MassDOT and the MBTA are hosting a series of Green Line station design workshops, one for each proposed stop. It is important to integrate the new Green Line stations with the community and with the proposed Community Path. Your participation can help with this process.

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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, East Somerville, Events, Green Line, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 2 Comments »

5/24/11 Porter Square Visioning Community Meeting

Posted by a 4:20 pm on May 22, 2011

Potential zoning changes include architectural design, height, uses, setbacks, dimensional configuration, and parking for each of the key gateways: Wilson Square, Somerville Avenue, White Street, Elm Street, and Mossland Street, as well as the MBTA Air Rights.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Porter Square, Special | No Comments »

5/26/11 Green Line Extension Project Update Public Meeting

Posted by a 4:41 pm on May 15, 2011

Among other updates, the group will likely review an analysis by MassDOT and the MBTA on the feasibility of incorporating a light rail vehicle support facility into the Boston Engine Terminal.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Events, Green Line | 1 Comment »

5/9/11 – 6/9/11 Ch. 91 Tideways Comment Period on Assembly Square Orange Line T-Stop (Ref: #W11-3326)

Posted by a 12:55 pm on

This is one of the final hurdles for the long-awaited Orange Line T-Stop at Assembly Square. Please support this development. A T-Stop at Assembly Square will unlock the potential of the site and make possible what Somerville has wanted for more than a decade.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line, Special, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »

5/19/11 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 7:42 pm on May 8, 2011

The agenda includes expanding an existing restaurant use on Washington Street.

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

5/18/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 7:40 pm on

The agenda includes adding a structure above the hockey rink at Conway Park on Somerville Avenue.

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

5/17/11 MAPC 3rd Public Forum: Green Line to Mystic Valley Parkway

Posted by a 7:38 pm on

This is the third in a series of meetings about extending the Green Line to Mystic Valley Parkway. This meeting is part of a visioning process examining the effects of a potential Mystic Valley Parkway station on the planned Green Line Extension to Somerville and Medford. This session will be an opportunity to share with them your ideas, questions, and aspirations for the project.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Events, Green Line | No Comments »

5/12/11 Green Line Extension “Meet and Greet” Session

Posted by a 7:34 pm on

MassDOT and the MBTA are hosting a session to introduce the members of the new Green Line Extension project team. This session will be an opportunity to share with them your ideas, questions, and aspirations for the project.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Events, Green Line, Special | No Comments »

5/9/11 – 6/9/11 Ch. 91 Tideways Comment Period on Wellington Bridge (Rt. 28) Boardwalk (Ref: #W11-3316)

Posted by a 7:31 pm on

This is one of the final hurdles for the boardwalk under the Wellington Bridge where Rt. 28 passes over the Mystic River at Assembly Square. Please support this development. Lack of a safe, convenient path under Rt. 28 has severed 10 Hills from Assembly Square for a long time.

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Posted in Accessibility, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special | No Comments »

5/5/11 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 3:37 pm on May 1, 2011

The agenda includes developments on Somerville Avenue and an update on the Comprehensive Plan.

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

5/4/11 MassDOT Board Meeting

Posted by a 3:35 pm on

The agenda includes as item #8 (“Request of MassDOT Legal and Planning Departments to authorize the execution of a Public Funding Agreement for the construction of the Assembly Square Station on the Orange Line”).

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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »

5/2/11, 5/3/11 Special BOA Meetings on Assembly Row DIF Bond Issue

Posted by a 3:34 pm on

This is the final discussion and vote on the DIF bond issue. The City should issue these bonds only with a signed commitment to the “best effort” of Federal Realty to bring R&D/office into Assembly Square.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | 19 Comments »

5/2/11 BOA Finance Committee Meeting on Assembly Row DIF Bond Issue

Posted by a 3:30 pm on

The agenda is to discuss the Assembly Row Bond issue and a petition by 60 Somerville residents to ensure that development financed by the Assembly Row DIF yield jobs for Somerville residents.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »

4/25/11 A Better City Presents: Fixing Transit Finance

Posted by a 4:11 pm on April 17, 2011

This is a presentation and panel discussion on how to finance public transportation in Massachusetts. Paying for public transportation has proved a critical problem in the current economic and political environment.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Events, Green Line, Orange Line, Special, Union Square | No Comments »

4/21/11 BOA Finance Committee

Posted by a 3:41 pm on

The Committee is calling this meeting to further discuss the Assembly Row DIF Bond issue. If Assembly Row is not developed to produce a high enough tax base, the city could end up repaying this bond from general funds.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »

4/20/11 BOA Housing and Community Development Committee

Posted by a 3:35 pm on

Among other business, this meeting will address economic development in Magoun Square, possible use of the Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Program, and the status of the Comprehensive Plan.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Magoun Square | No Comments »

4/13/11 BOA Finance Committee Public Hearing

Posted by a 6:56 pm on April 10, 2011

This is a continuation of the 3/31/11 Assembly Row DIF Bond hearing. If Assembly Row is not developed to produce a high enough tax base, the city could end up repaying this bond from general funds.

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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »

4/7/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 10:19 pm on April 5, 2011

This meeting includes, among other business, a zoning amendment to change the definition of “pervious area” and update minimum pervious area requirements (comment period closed).

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

4/6/11 BOA Finance Committee Meeting

Posted by a 9:54 pm on April 3, 2011

Convened to discuss the Assembly Row DIF Bond proposal. If Assembly Row is not developed to produce a high enough tax base, the city could end up repaying this bond from general funds.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Orange Line, Somerville By The Numbers | No Comments »

4/5/11 Somerville Green Line Extension Advisory Committee

Posted by a 9:52 pm on

Agenda includes current GLX status, Community Path status, new consultant team, and station designs.

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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square, Special, Teele Square, Union Square | No Comments »

4/4/11 Conservation Commission Meeting on MBTA Assembly Square

Posted by a 9:50 pm on

This is a public meeting of the Somerville Conservation Commission to review and accept the MBTA Assembly Square Station Order of Conditions.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Events, Orange Line, Special | No Comments »

4/21/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 12:28 pm on March 27, 2011

Among other business, this meeting will hold a public hearing on the Special Permit with Site Plan Review for the Assembly Square self-storage facility, 50 Middlesex Avenue.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | 3 Comments »

3/24/11 Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 4:41 pm on March 23, 2011

Among other business, this meeting will deal with the proposed self-storage facility at 50 Middlesex Ave. in Assembly Square.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »

3/31/11 Assembly Row DIF Bond Hearing

Posted by a 3:47 pm on March 20, 2011

If Assembly Row is not developed to produce a high enough tax base, the city could end up repaying this bond from general funds.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Orange Line, Somerville By The Numbers | 3 Comments »

3/28/11 Free Screening: The Economics of Happiness

Posted by a 3:42 pm on

Communities are coming together to rebuild more human scale, ecological economies based on a new paradigm – an economics of localization.

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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Beat Reporter, Environment and Open Space, Events | No Comments »

3/23/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 3:38 pm on

Includes a public hearing on changes to the definition of “pervious area” in the zoning and to require a minimum pervious area in certain districts.

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

3/17/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 3:39 pm on March 13, 2011

The master plan for the self-storage facility at 50 Middlesex Avenue in Assembly Square is to be presented.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »

1/24/11 Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 9:00 pm on February 22, 2011

Among other business, this meeting will deal with the proposed self-storage facility at 50 Middlesex Ave. in Assembly Square, and with changes to the design of 100 Temple St. (St. Polycarp Redevelopment).

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Orange Line, Ward 1 | No Comments »

3/11 SomerVision Conversation on Comprehensive Plan

Posted by a 2:39 pm on February 20, 2011

These meetings provide an important opportunity to weigh in on the direction Somerville is setting for its future.

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

3/10/11 District Improvement Financing Governing Body Meeting

Posted by a 2:27 pm on

The Governing Body determines how much of the tax increment from DIF districts is used for district improvements and how much is returned to the city general fund.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Orange Line, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 1 Comment »

5/10/11 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Posted by a 3:49 pm on February 13, 2011

At this meeting the group will continue to build maps showing future development districts in Somerville.

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

4/12/11 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Posted by a 3:46 pm on

At this meeting the group will continue to build maps showing future development districts in Somerville.

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

3/16/11 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Posted by a 3:43 pm on

At this meeting the group will continue to build maps showing future development districts in Somerville.

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

2/16/11 Green Line Extension Public Meeting for Mystic Valley Parkway/Route 16 Station

Posted by a 4:07 pm on February 5, 2011

This important connection was omitted from the current Green Line Extension due to lack of funds. It needs your support!

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Events, Green Line, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

2/17/11 BOA Committee on Legislative Matters Meeting as a Whole

Posted by a 5:21 pm on January 30, 2011

This hearing will receive public input on the use of union labor at the MaxPac site.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Workers' Rights | 1 Comment »

2/3/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 5:14 pm on

Cases include a special permit for Medium Retail and Service uses at 130 Broadway.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special, Ward 1 | No Comments »

1/26/11 Design Public Hearing on Broadway Streetscape Project

Posted by a 3:08 pm on January 24, 2011

MA DOT holding a Public hearing on Broadway Streetscape improvement Project on January 26, 2011 at the Cross Street Senior Center, 7 pm. Public Comments are also accepted via mail.

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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Events, MBTA, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Press Release, Public Health & Safety, Special, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3, Ward 4 | 3 Comments »

2/9/11 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Posted by a 3:15 pm on January 23, 2011

This is the meeting to get to! The group will begin a city-wide land use map showing the proposed development areas and their categorizations.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | 1 Comment »

1/31/11 Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership Meeting

Posted by a 3:13 pm on

At this meeting STEP is likely to discuss the current status of the Green Line Extension, the Community Path, and the Assembly Square Orange Line T-Stop.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Events, MBTA, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Towing Company Profiting from Public Land Use?

Posted by a 6:19 pm on January 21, 2011

Happy snow emergency! Do you know where your towing dollars go?

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Posted in 311 Requests, Beat Reporter, Consumer Money Saving, Environment and Open Space, Government Reform, Investigative Reports, Politics, Teele Square, Traffic & Parking, Ward 7 | 40 Comments »

Charting the City’s FY11 Budget

Posted by a 12:28 am on January 20, 2011

How are our tax dollars, fines, and fees being spent by City Hall? City of Somerville : FY11 Total Expenditures, Approx $207M

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Posted in Beat Reporter, City Finances | 2 Comments »

1/25/11 BOA Committee on Legislative Matters Meeting

Posted by a 9:21 pm on January 16, 2011

This meeting will discuss a petition for a public hearing on the use of union labor at the MaxPac site, along with a home-rule petition to streamline administration.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Workers' Rights | No Comments »

1/20/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 9:17 pm on

This meeting will discuss a five-story residential building at 378-390 Somerville Avenue, among other business.

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

1/6/11 Planning Board Meeting — Beat Report

Posted by a 5:12 pm on January 9, 2011

Tonight the Planning Board voted approval for the MaxPak apt/condo project to go ahead. The unions plan to picket Lowell St. near the VNA.

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Posted in Beat Reporter, Workers' Rights | 11 Comments »

1/10/11 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Posted by a 5:06 pm on

At this meeting, the committee will work toward a consensus on the Goals and Actions and begin work on land use mapping.

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

1/10/11 Somerville Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change Meeting

Posted by a 5:00 pm on

Every development in Somerville should contribute to meeting our environmental goals. Assembly Square should not be exempted.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special | No Comments »

12/16/10 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 5:26 pm on December 12, 2010

Cases include revision to a special permit for 199 residential units at 56-61 Clyde Street and review of six ZBA cases.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Special, Transportation | 1 Comment »

12/06/10. BOA Public Safety Committee Hearing

Posted by a 7:23 pm on December 8, 2010

Somerville, Boston and Cambridge Human rights activists encouraged the BOA Public Health and Safety Committee to allow economic integration, safety, inclusion and accessibility to trump aesthetics at a recent Meeting.

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Posted in Accessibility, Beat Reporter, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety | 7 Comments »

Meeting of the Friends of the Community Path: Thurs, 12/9, 7pm

Posted by a 10:01 am on December 6, 2010

We will be prioritizing our action list this meeting. We are looking for new members to help us with our mission of extending the Community Path (along part of the future Green Line route) to the Charles River.
Meeting is at the VNA, 259 Lowell Street.

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Posted in Announcements, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Civic Action, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, MBTA, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Special, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

12/13/10 BOA Housing and Community Development Committee Meeting

Posted by a 6:15 pm on December 5, 2010

The agenda includes the MBTA Green Line Maintenance Facility, including air rights and a possible stadium, and impacts of the Green Line track layout around Brickbottom.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »

12/15/10 Informational Meeting on Grand Junction Tracks

Posted by a 6:12 pm on

Putting the Grand Junction in use will increase rail traffic next to Brickbottom, which already lives with existing Commuter Rail service and shortly will live with the Green Line extension.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Trains, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 2 Comments »

Board of Aldermen Has One More Chance (Thurs, Dec. 2) to Shape Assembly Square DIF

Posted by a 12:46 pm on December 1, 2010

Following Alderman White’s assurance that the Board was only voting for the DIF and not on the actual bonds to fund the DIF, the Somerville Board of Aldermen voted 9-1 (Alderman Gewirtz dissented; Alderman Trane recused himself) to move the proposed Assembly Square DIF to the full Board for a vote at the Special Meeting scheduled for this Thursday.  …

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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning | No Comments »

12/2/10 Special Board of Aldermen Meeting on Assembly Square DIF

Posted by a 12:28 pm on

If implemented as planned, this DIF will very likely result in developments that only cover debt service on the DIF bonds themselves. The rest of Somerville will pay for the city services required by those developments.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | 1 Comment »

12/7/10 BOA Land Use Committee Meeting

Posted by a 12:24 pm on

If implemented incorrectly, self-storage in Assembly Square could discourage higher-value uses, which we need more than ever now that infrastructure and Orange Line funding have gone away.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events | No Comments »

Finance Committee Should Postpone BOA Vote on Assembly Square DIF

Posted by a 12:36 pm on November 29, 2010

The Mystic View Task Force has sent a letter to the City urging delay in voting on the proposed Assembly Row DIF. While we believe that a DIF may be the best available mechanism for moving forward on Assembly Square development, we are concerned that the proposed DIF puts a disproportionate share of risk on the City and fails to adequately hold the developer accountable. Please join us at Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting (Nov. 30 at 7pm at City Hall) to support our call for a delay in the decision on the DIF to allow time for adequate analysis and the opportunity to negotiate a better proposal.

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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Neighborhoods and Squares | 4 Comments »

11/22/10 Public Hearing on Assembly Square District Improvement Financing — Beat Report

Posted by a 4:21 pm on November 24, 2010

There is now a $63 M gap in infrastructure funding for Assembly Square. The Orange Line T-Stop and the rest of the development is in jeopardy unless we close the gap by a combination of stopgap funding and a $25 M DIF in Assembly Square.

Read More.>>

Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Orange Line, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »

11/22/10 Gilman Green Line Station Planning Walkaround

Posted by a 11:08 pm on November 20, 2010

The public is invited to make suggestions about pedestrian, bicycle, and bus access to the station, as well as safety lighting, station design, comfort, signs and area maps.

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

11/22/10 Public Hearing on Assembly Square District Improvement Financing

Posted by a 1:53 pm on November 19, 2010

Under the proposed DIF, increases in Assembly Square tax revenue would be diverted to pay for the infrastructure. If tax revenues were inadequate, the taxpayers would foot the bill.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | 1 Comment »

11/22/10 Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership Meeting

Posted by a 3:56 pm on November 16, 2010

The current issues are the status of the Green Line Extension and Community Path, extending the Green Line to Route 16, and funding the Assembly Square Orange Line T-Stop.

Read More.>>

Posted in Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Events, Green Line, MBTA, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

11/18/10 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 5:07 pm on November 14, 2010

The proposed changes to simplify the review process for ZBA cases will consolidate all direct citizen input into one public hearing. Unless handled well, this could make it harder for citizens to make their voices heard.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Government Reform | No Comments »

11/17/10 BOA Legislative Matters Committee Meeting

Posted by a 4:59 pm on

The sole item on the agenda is adopting the Stretch Energy Code as Energy Code for Somerville. This important sustainability measure is in jeopardy in Somerville.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Government Reform | No Comments »

11/15/10 Ward 6 ResiStat Meeting

Posted by a 4:49 pm on

This meeting gives citizens a chance to provide feedback to the City on how things are going in their neighborhoods.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Somerville By The Numbers, Special, Transportation, Ward 6 | No Comments »

11/9/10 Teleconference on Standards for Public Meeting Notices and Agendas — Beat Report

Posted by a 2:48 pm on November 10, 2010

This teleconference dealt with new exciting work on addressing a perennial problem: how do people find out when issues they care about are being discussed?

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Posted in Beat Reporter, Government Reform | 4 Comments »

Where is the North Street Playground?

Posted by a 2:31 pm on November 9, 2010

Last night, I was the only member of the public to attend a City planning meeting for the renovation of the North Street Playground.

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Posted in Beat Reporter, Civic Action, Environment and Open Space, Schools and Youth, Teele Square, Ward 7 | 7 Comments »

11/9/10 Teleconference on Standards for Public Meeting Notices and Agendas

Posted by a 4:17 pm on November 7, 2010

Public meeting notices and the open meeting law are fundamental to transparency and public participation in government.

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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Beat Reporter, Events, Government Reform, Special | 1 Comment »

11/4/10 Joint Public Hearing by Planning Board and BOA Land Use Committee — Beat Report

Posted by a 2:56 pm on

Large Retail Cluster Parking: Proposal is to double the parking requirement for large retail (> 25,000 s.f.). Staff believes that because Somerville has little parking available, the effect will be to discourage suburban format in Somerville. Developers would have to build parking garages, which is expensive.

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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Government Reform, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Somerville By The Numbers, Traffic & Parking | 1 Comment »

11/11/10 Meeting of the Friends of the Community Path

Posted by a 3:19 pm on November 3, 2010

The meeting will include:

* A brief history of the Friends of the Community Path
* An update on current status of the proposed Path extension
* An overview of our goals and activities
* A discussion of the kinds of help we often need (attending meetings/events, taking minutes, tabling, strategizing, making inroads, mapping, urban planning, writing, fund raising, research, press announcements, technical, web/blog, social networking, schlepping, etc.)
* Q&A

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

11/15/10 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by a 3:15 pm on

The joint subcommittee meetings will address conflicts between worthy goals. For instance, increasing tax revenue by commercial development may conflict with increasing affordable housing and maintaining neighborhood character.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | 1 Comment »

12/8/10 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by a 3:10 pm on

At this meeting, the group will review the draft Comprehensive Plan. Somerville’s citywide development for the next twenty years will be shaped by the comprehensive plan. This is a public meeting; any citizen is entitled to observe.

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

10/25/10 MassDOT Public Meetings on Craigie Drawbridge Rehabilitation Project

Posted by a 3:09 pm on October 24, 2010

This project will close McGrath Highway or reduce the number of lanes available for several months. Detours and traffic congestion will result. Mitigation should be discussed at this meeting.

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

11/4/10 Joint Public Hearing by Planning Board and BOA Land Use Committee

Posted by a 2:29 pm on October 20, 2010

The agenda includes the following:

* Change to the zoning ordinance to allow self-storage in Assembly Square
* Changes to the zoning ordinance to revise the procedures for reviewing Special Permits, Special Permits with Site Plan Approval, and variances
* Changes to the zoning ordinance to revise the parking requirements for large scale retail
* Change to the zoning ordinance to allow Historic Carriage House as a use in certain districts
* Special permit to allow Federal Realty to exceed signage size requirements in Assembly Square.

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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Government Reform, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking | 1 Comment »

11/8/10 Green Line Design Working Group Meeting

Posted by a 12:52 pm on October 17, 2010

This is the November meeting of the Green Line Extension design working group.

The Design Working Group is a key means for addressing neighborhood concerns relating to the Green Line stops in Somerville and Medford.

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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square, Special, Teele Square, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »

10/25/10 Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership Meeting

Posted by a 12:50 pm on

This is STEP’s regular monthly meeting. At this meeting STEP is likely to discuss:

* Current status of the Green Line Extension
* Current efforts to extend the Green Line to Route 16
* Current status of funding for the Assembly Square Orange Line T-Stop

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Special, Teele Square, Transportation, Union Square | No Comments »

10/21/10 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 12:40 pm on

According to the paper agenda, this meeting will be devoted to Zoning Board of Appeals matters. The Self-Storage change of use ordinance, along with others, will be dealt with at the November 4 public hearing.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »

10/18/10 BOA Housing and Community Development Committee Meeting

Posted by a 12:37 pm on

The e-mailed agenda includes the following:

* MBTA Green Line Maintenance Facility, including air rights and a possible stadium.
* Support for Green Line Extension to Route 16
* Impacts of Green Line track layout around Brickbottom
* Traffic redesign for Union Square

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Housing, Traffic & Parking, Transportation | No Comments »

10/13/10 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by a 7:29 pm on October 4, 2010

This is the regular planning meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. At this meeting, the group will finish reviewing the policies and actions.

Somerville’s citywide development for the next twenty years will be shaped by the comprehensive plan. This is a public meeting; any citizen is entitled to observe.

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

10/7/10 MassDOT Public Meeting for the Craigie Drawbridge Project

Posted by a 6:53 pm on

This meeting will present details of the Craigie Drawbridge Rehabilitation project, which will block the Bridge and divert traffic. Traffic that would otherwise go along Memorial Drive may end up going to Route 28 instead and thereby into Somerville.

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

10/7/10 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 11:39 pm on October 3, 2010

This meeting will likely deal with the proposed change of zoning to allow self-storage in the Assembly Square Planned Unit Development. There may be a public hearing in joint session with the Land Use Committee.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »

10/6/10 Public Hearing on Somerville District Improvement Financing (DIF) Program

Posted by a 3:36 pm on October 1, 2010

A Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 6th at 7pm at the Aldermanic Chambers to discuss the District Improvement Financing (DIF) Program covering Union Square, Boynton Yards, Inner Belt, and Somerville Avenue. This is displayed prominently on the City’s homepage.

This program will affect Somerville financing for the next 30 years and could result, in the future, in property takings by the city.

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Posted in Announcements, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Union Square | No Comments »

10/6/10 MassDOT Public Meeting for the Longfellow Bridge Project

Posted by a 5:56 pm on September 26, 2010

This meeting will present details of the Longfellow Bridge Rehabilitation project, which will block the Bridge and divert traffic.

Traffic that would otherwise go along Memorial Drive may end up going to Route 28 instead and thereby into Somerville.

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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Beat Reporter, Events, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Ward 1 | No Comments »

9/28/10 Green Line Extension Station Design Presentation

Posted by a 5:52 pm on

These are two identical presentations on the Green Line Extension station design guidelines and requirements. The Tuesday presentation is in Somerville; the same presentation is being given on Wednesday in Medford.

The Green Line Extension stations are now being designed. If you want input into the design, attend one of these meetings and ask questions.

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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square, Ward 1, Ward 5 | No Comments »

9/25/10 Mystic View Task Force Annual Meeting

Posted by a 1:19 pm on September 20, 2010

The Mystic View Task Force will hold its annual meeting at 1:30 P.M., Saturday, September 25, 2010, at the Third Life Studio, 33 Union Square, Somerville.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »

Assembly Square Change-of-Use Ordinance

Posted by a 1:22 pm on September 19, 2010

A change-of-use ordinance is being submitted to the Board of Aldermen to allow self-storage/wholesale storage in locations in Assembly Square near I-93 and not suitable for better development. I understand that the goal is to allow a developer to place a self-storage facility at the foot of Foley Street, replacing a truck storage facility near the current (poorly-maintained) pedestrian underpass from Assembly Square to the Stop & Shop on Mystic Avenue. The underlying urban design problem is how to use a development in this location to establish a pedestrian-friendly gateway to Assembly Square, given (a) the planned Assembly Square T-Stop at the head of Foley Street and (b) a proposed Foley Street connection under I-93 to East Somerville.

Land use planning is the primary function of municipal government. This ordinance provides an ideal opportunity to observe and participate in the public land use process, from Ordinance to Planning Board special permit.

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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 4 Comments »

9/23/10 Board of Aldermen Meeting

Posted by a 4:03 pm on September 15, 2010

This meeting is expected to include a proposed zoning change to allow self-storage facilities in Assembly Square, which should be referred to the Land Use Committee.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »

9/13/10 Public Hearing on Assembly Square Chapter 91 License

Posted by a 6:04 pm on September 12, 2010

Public input is needed on accessibility, waterfront and water activities design, and pedestrian and bicycle access along Foley Street.

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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »

9/21/10 HUD Grant Review Public Hearing

Posted by a 1:28 pm on

The HUD grants are applied to the problems of homelessness, affordable housing, transit-oriented development, and parks and open space. Citizen input is helpful in setting priorities.

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

9/15/10 Somerville District Improvement Financing Program Public Hearing

Posted by a 1:21 pm on

District Improvement Financing is useful in building tax revenue, provided the projects supported are high enough in density to provide adequate tax base. If they aren’t, the city is on the hook.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation, Union Square | 3 Comments »

9/2/10 Planning Board Meeting — Beat Report

Posted by a 12:08 pm on

299 Broadway (Ocean State Job Lot): Denied. Assembly Square PUD (Assembly Square Drive subdivision): Approved. 90 Union Square: Continued. 425 Broadway (wireless equipment): Approved, on to ZBA. 221 Morrison Ave. (historic B&B): Approved, on to ZBA. 25 Hamlet St. (barn replaced with duplex): Approved, on to ZBA. 42-44 Boston Ave. (deck and stairs): Approved, on to ZBA. 270 Cedar St. (9 residences, parking space count variance): Special Permit withdrawn, variance approved, on to ZBA. Staff not available to do minutes, CD recording available on request.

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Posted in Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Historical, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »

10/5/10 Designing for Pedestrian Safety Part 6: Interchanges and Roundabouts

Posted by a 1:46 pm on September 5, 2010

This is the sixth 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.

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

9/27/10 Designing for Pedestrian Safety Part 5: Signalized Intersections

Posted by a 1:41 pm on

This is the fifth 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.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Events, Green Line, MBTA, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

9/21/10 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

Posted by a 1:32 pm on

This is the regular monthly meeting of the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, which acts to set aside historic buildings and districts throughout Somerville. Designating historic buildings preserves Somerville’s history and may increase property values.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Historical, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »

9/16/10 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 1:22 pm on

This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Planning Board. The Planning Board holds public hearings and grants permits for special districts, such as Planned Unit Developments. This meeting deals with ongoing and sometimes controversial Somerville developments.

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

8/24/10 Planning Board Meeting — Beat Report (Part 3: Other Cases)

Posted by a 10:19 pm on August 29, 2010

(Part 3) 61 Medford Street. Liquid Nitrogen tank at Biogen, safety concerns, approved. 13A Beacon. Expand windows, replace other windows. Approved. 26 Wheatland St. Condo construction without permit, halt order. Triple permit fee charged. 24 Fairmount. Permit to rectify a basement apartment, never legal. Accepted staff recommendation. 162 Highland. Vote to reaffirm previous rate.

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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | No Comments »

8/30/10 MBTA Rider Oversight Committee Meeting

Posted by a 5:29 am on

This is the regular meeting of the MBTA Rider Oversight Committee, which provides recommendations to the MBTA to improve service quality. Somerville’s use of public transit, already high, will increase as the Green Line Extension and Assembly Square Orange Line stop come in.

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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Beat Reporter, Events, Green Line, MBTA, Orange Line, Transportation | No Comments »

8/24/10 Planning Board Meeting — Beat Report (Part 2: 299 Broadway)

Posted by a 8:32 pm on August 28, 2010

(Part 2) Public hearing on Ocean State Job Lot at 299 Broadway. Four in favor, twelve against. One report of possible grocery store. Written testimony accepted until noon Friday, August 27. Discussion to resume Thursday, Sept. 2, at 6 PM.

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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 4 | No Comments »

8/24/10 Planning Board Meeting — Beat Report (Part 1: One Benton Road)

Posted by a 12:18 am on August 27, 2010

(Part 1) The Planning Board voted 5-0 to DENY the special permit to subdivide One Benton Road to add a second condo development for the reason that no conditions could assuage the issues of public safety, devaluation of neighbors’ property, previous character of the site, and scale. [COMMENT: The city evidently expects litigation as a result of this decision.]

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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 4 | No Comments »

8/17/10 Ocean State Job Lot Introductory Meeting II — Beat Report

Posted by a 12:47 pm on August 23, 2010

Second community meeting. Mixed response from neighborhood. Some felt something was better than nothing, others thought we should stick to the new zoning plan. Key point: minimum 10 year lease, could be as long as 25 years. City expects change in neighborhood in 10 years, after Green Line comes in.

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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 4 | 1 Comment »

9/20/10 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by a 12:07 am on

This is the regular monthly meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. The Strategic Planning staff is drafting the Comprehensive Plan. 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, Orange Line, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | No Comments »

9/2/10 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 8:20 pm on August 22, 2010

This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Planning Board. This meeting will deal with an ongoing and sometimes controversial Somerville development, Ocean State Job Lot at 299 Broadway. The Planning Board holds public hearings and grants permits for special districts, such as Planned Unit Developments.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | 1 Comment »

8/30/10 Accessible Transportation Forum

Posted by a 8:08 pm on

This forum features Richard Devylder, Senior Advisor for Accessible Transportation to the Obama Administration. Accessibility is an important requirement for the new Green Line Extension and Orange Line T-Stops.

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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Beat Reporter, Events, Green Line, Orange Line, Transportation | No Comments »

8/25/10 Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA

Posted by a 8:03 pm on

This is the regular meeting of the Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA, which provides input to the MBTA on issues of handicapped access to public transit. The MBTA is under court order to improve handicapped access to MBTA facilities. Somerville’s need for accessible public transit is bound to increase as the Green Line Extension and Assembly Square Orange Line T-Stop come in.

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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Beat Reporter, Events, Green Line, Orange Line, Transportation | No Comments »

8/24/10 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 2:48 pm on August 7, 2010

This is a rescheduled meeting of the Somerville Planning Board. The original meeting was scheduled 8/19. This meeting deals with ongoing and sometimes controversial Somerville developments: One Benton Road and Ocean State Job Lots at 299 Broadway.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 4 | 13 Comments »

8/17/10 Ocean State Job Lot Introductory Meeting II

Posted by a 2:36 pm on

This meeting was called by Ocean State Job Lot to reintroduce themselves as a potential tenant at 299 Broadway, the former Star Market site. The previous meeting did not elicit public support. This meeting is worth attending because this use is inconsistent with the new Winter Hill zoning, could tie up the site for a long time, and could affect local property values.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 4 | 5 Comments »

8/10/10 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by a 1:40 pm on

Currently the Steering Committee is working on policies and actions to implement the plan. Somerville’s citywide development for the next twenty years will be shaped by the comprehensive plan.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Government Reform, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | No Comments »

8/5/10 Planning Board Meeting — Beat Report

Posted by a 11:25 am on August 6, 2010

This meeting was devoted entirely to passing the proposed modifications to the Preliminary Master Plan for Assembly Square. The Planning Staff had asked Federal Realty to generalize the use mix from Office and R&D because Somerville zoning has a very narrow definition of Office use. Federal Realty widened the definition to include all Somerville uses under special permit. The Planning Board stated that in the absence of any opposition, they would waive the reading of the 70 conditions and voted to approve the changes to the PUD. Some citizens present had expected to have a period for written comment before the vote.

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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, MBTA, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

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.

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Posted in Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Buses, Green Line, MBTA, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 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.