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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 »

1/19/12 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 7:43 pm on January 15, 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 | 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 »

1/5/12 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 2:31 pm on January 1, 2012

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 »

Somerville’s latest route around our rights

Posted by a 5:18 pm on December 15, 2011

The City of Somerville submitted a variance application on December 2, 2011 that stated that a “proposed secondary stair case” was being considered for the west sidewalks of Lowell St. Bridge into the future Max’sGreen. the City requested to forego creating an adjacent ramp route; claiming it would be “redundant.”

The Community Access Project and the Boston Center for Independent Living sent an Opposition letter to the State Board regarding this Variance. Five photos of the “proposed secondary” pedestrian route included here.

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Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing, Transportation | 1 Comment »

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 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 »

12/7/11 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 »

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 Conservation Commission Meeting

Posted by a 4:16 pm on November 20, 2011

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 »

11/21/11 Public Hearing on Community Path Design

Posted by a 4:13 pm on November 13, 2011

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 »

Somerville, MA: Millions Wasted on Deficient Walkability Improvements

Posted by a 4:31 pm on November 2, 2011

Over 80% of Somerville’s new sidewalks and curb cuts, installed since 2004, are hazardous for people with various types of disabilities (one-in-five). These infrastructure improvements don’t even adhere to basic, standard building code. See a listing of the first 50 locations that the City of Somerville promises to re-do, equalling about $500K wasted the first time around- for starters.

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Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Government Reform, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety, Public Records / FOIA Requests, Schools and Youth, Seniors | 6 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 »

Great job, Joe!

Posted by a 5:06 pm on

At Chester and Elm Streets in Davis Square, the brick curb cuts have been replaced with concrete, compliant ones. People using wheelchairs and other rolling mobility devices at this location can now rock and roll to the beat of the Ville, knowing that they don’t have to “pull the hill” at either end of the crosswalk. Keep up the good work, Mayor Joe!

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Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Davis Square, Environment and Open Space, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety, Seniors, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Ward 6 | 2 Comments »

Special, if irrational, permits in Somerville

Posted by a 11:05 pm on October 12, 2011

I was looking at plans for a house that’s going to be built behind mine, and just got it’s ZBA stamp of approval, and realized that they hadn’t fixed the stairway.  For the first three…

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Posted in Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Government Reform | 7 Comments »

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 »

10/12/11 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 »

10/5/11 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.

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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 | 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 »

Green

Posted by a 12:25 pm on September 16, 2011

The latest robocall announced the 4th Annual Riverfest, Saturday, 9/17, featuring “fireworks, entertainment, food and family activities” for Somerville residents. The familiar and friendly voice of Jackie Rossetti encouraged residents to participate. The latter part…

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Posted in Accessibility, Arts and Culture, Assembly Square, City Finances, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, MBTA, Pedestrians, Politics, Public Health & Safety, Seniors, Traffic & Parking, Transportation | No Comments »

9/18/11 Walking Tour of Union Square

Posted by a 5:44 pm on September 11, 2011

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 »

UnSafe Routes to School, East Somerville Public Schools

Posted by a 1:42 pm on

The Community Access Project did a reality check of the 2010 East Somerville Safe Routes 2 School Map. We found that less than 20% of the pedestrian features are even up to basic standard code. “Safe” is a misnomer.

These streets ain’t fit for walkin’.

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Posted in Accessibility, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, East Somerville, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Transportation Projects | 2 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.

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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 »

Dilboy Tot Lot IS Deplorable. Thank You, Ward 7 Candidate Puglia!

Posted by a 1:10 pm on August 24, 2011

Ward 7 Alderperson Candidate Joan Whitney Puglia is proving to have a keen awareness of conditions around town.  Her mention of Dilboy Field‘s tot lot and baseball field has the Community Access Project members…

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Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Environment and Open Space, Housing, Pedestrians, Politics, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Seniors, Sports, Ward 7 | No Comments »

Joan Whitney Puglia Proposes Community Preservation Act Referendum

Posted by a 10:14 am on August 23, 2011

Saying, “the Community Preservation Act (CPA) could generate millions of dollars for affordable family housing, open space and historic preservation”, Ward 7 alderman candidate Joan Whitney Puglia has announced her support for a city-wide referendum seeking adoption of the Act.…

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Posted in Announcements, Environment and Open Space, Historical, Housing | No 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 »

8/3/11 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.

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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 »

Pod Squad

Posted by a 9:05 am on July 7, 2011

Black Swallowwort (AKA “dog-strangling vine”) is one of the most aggressive invasive weeds, and has spread throughout Somerville.

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Posted in Crime, Environment and Open Space, Pedestrians | 4 Comments »

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 »

350 Actions Challenge Kick-Off

Posted by a 12:19 pm on May 26, 2011

Join us for an evening of festivities, fun and film as we kick off our new campaign
to get 350 NEW actions to make Somerville a cleaner, greener, healthier place to live

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Civic Action, Environment and Open Space, Events, Media, Neighborhoods and Squares, Press Release, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Union Square | No 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.

Read More.>>

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

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 May 15, 2011

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 »

5/9/11 – 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 »

5/9 Waters of Missi-tuk and The Work of 1000 – Join SCA, MyRWA and Rep. Provost for two new films

Posted by a 10:31 pm on May 4, 2011

We’ll begin with WATERS OF MISSI-TUK – a 27-minute documentary that takes a 400-year historical review of development of the Mystic River Watershed – followed by THE WORK OF 1000, about environmental visionary and citizen-activist Marion Stoddart, who helped turn the Nashua River from one of the most polluted rivers in America into a clean, healthy environment for wildlife and people.

Read More.>>

Posted in Environment and Open Space, Events, Historical | 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 »

East Somerville Community School

Posted by a 8:57 pm on April 12, 2011

In the next several weeks, specifications and architectural plans will be sent out as a bid package for contractors to price. As someone familiar with the design of the green roof planned for the building…

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Posted in Environment and Open Space, Schools and Youth, Ward 1 | 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 »

Somerville Climate Action, Rep. Provost, present: GASLAND, discussion

Posted by a 12:54 pm on March 31, 2011

Representative Denise Provost and Somerville Climate Action Film Series present:
GASLAND on Monday April 11th, 6:30 pm, followed by a discussion with Denise Hard, Director of New England Food and Water Watch.

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Environment and Open Space, Events, Press Release, Public Health & Safety | 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.

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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 »

Screening of The Economics of Happiness

Posted by a 7:46 pm on March 20, 2011

FILM SCREENING

Somerville Climate Action & Representative Denise Provost Film Series present

The Economics of Happiness
followed by a discussion with Julie Matthaei, Economics Professor at Wellesley College

Monday March 28th, 6:30…

Read More.>>

Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special, Tufts | No Comments »

Forum on the State Clean Energy and Climate Plan-March 29th

Posted by a 7:40 pm on

We are all aware that climate change is here, it is dangerous to our communities, and we must do what we can to reverse and
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Posted in Environment and Open Space, Events, Politics, Special | No 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 »

Monthly Meeting of the Friends of the Community Path – Join us! Thurs 3/10

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

Please join us in our efforts to connect the Minuteman Bikeway and Charles River path networks, by extending the Community Path!…

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Posted in Announcements, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

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 »

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.

Read More.>>

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.

Read More.>>

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.

Read More.>>

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 »

Chance to take a 350 Action!

Posted by a 10:24 pm on February 1, 2011

Somerville is embarking on a year long 350 Actions Challenge! Somerville Climate Action and partner organizations (in this case theMOVE), will be helping our community take 350 tangible steps to build a resilient, just, and sustainable community.

Read More.>>

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

2/3/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 5:14 pm on January 30, 2011

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 »

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 »

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 »

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.

Read More.>>

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 »

Monthly Meeting of the Friends of the Community Path – Thursday, Jan. 13

Posted by a 8:46 pm on January 10, 2011

Please join us in our efforts to extend the Community Path to the Charles River!

Read More.>>

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

1/10/11 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Posted by a 5:06 pm on January 9, 2011

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 »

Dirt! The Movie, Tuesday Dec. 14

Posted by a 10:54 am on December 13, 2010

Drought, climate change, and even war are all directly related to the way we are treating dirt. State Representative Denise Provost and Somerville Climate Action present: DIRT! THE MOVIE, followed by a discussion

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Posted in Announcements, Environment and Open Space, Events | 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.

Read More.>>

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 »

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

Posted by a 12:28 pm on December 1, 2010

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.

Read More.>>

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

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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 »

Climate Change in Somerville: Film Screening

Posted by a 2:20 pm on November 18, 2010

This new film by SCATV Executive Director Wendy Blom looks at the science behind climate change and how Somerville organizations, government, and residents are working to adapt to the changes that are predicted for the area. …

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Posted in Environment and Open Space, Events, Media, Video | No Comments »

11/17/10 BOA Legislative Matters Committee Meeting

Posted by a 4:59 pm on November 14, 2010

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 »

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 »

Upcoming Hands-on Worm Composting Workshop

Posted by a 12:41 pm on

Hello from the Groundwork Somerville SoilCycle team!

We’re posting today to inform you of an exciting upcoming opportunity to expand your composting skills and jump aboard with vermicomposting!!!  This workshop will provide you with everything you need to take home a “kitchen scrap-ready” worm bin and will provide you with a group technical assistance session to answer any questions you may have about beginning to compost in your home.…

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

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

Posted by a 2:56 pm on November 7, 2010

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 »

Groundwork Somerville Green-a-thon!

Posted by a 10:26 am on November 4, 2010

On Saturday, November 13, Groundwork Somerville will hold its first-ever fall Green-a-thon from 10-2. It’s a way to DOUBLE your support for a greener city, by participating in a cleanup AND raising money for Groundwork’s fabulous programs.…

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

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

Read More.>>

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 »

North Street Playground Community Meeting Ward 7

Posted by a 9:45 pm on November 1, 2010

A City of Somerville Public Announcement:

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 7 Alderman Robert Trane invited all interested community members to a community meeting to discuss renovation plans for the North…

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Posted in Announcements, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special, Ward 7 | No Comments »

Groundwork Somerville: A Teen Perspective on the Bioneers by the Bay Conference

Posted by a 6:09 pm on

What happens when many passionate people care about an important issue? A movement is created, a movement strong enough to inspire others to make change. Bioneers By The Bay is a conference that feeds a movement and wants to connect people from America to unite and fight for a more eco-friendly world.…

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Posted in Environment and Open Space, Teens | 2 Comments »

Groundwork Somerville visits Washington D.C.!

Posted by a 8:15 pm on October 26, 2010

Kenilworth Park, Washington, D.C., October 22, 2010

In response to an urgent call to action by environmental groups and federal agencies that have prioritized efforts to clean-up the Anacostia River, on…

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Posted in Environment and Open Space | No Comments »

10/27/10 Free Showing of Movie “A Sea Change”

Posted by a 9:43 pm on October 25, 2010

Over coming generations, ocean acidification may cause massive die-offs of fish species. Our descendants may inherit a world without fish.

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Posted in All Ages, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events | 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.

Read More.>>

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 »

Innocent Treat or a Thoughtless Trick?

Posted by a 12:37 pm on

What do you think about using over 40,000 acres of farm land, 20-24 inches of rain/irrigation water, and countless barrels of fuel to plant, cultivate, harvest, and ship a fruit that is primarily purchased for the purpose of being decorated, displayed in the front yard until it’s smashed in the street or overcome with rot and mold, and then thrown unceremoniously in the trash?

Read More.>>

Posted in Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space | 4 Comments »

10/21/10 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 12:40 pm on October 17, 2010

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 »

DE-paving the Way to Safe Climate follow-up

Posted by a 11:56 am on October 14, 2010

Somerville Climate Action and co-sponsors Groundwork Somerville, Mystic River Watershed Association, Students for a Just and Stable Future, and Ocean River Institute held a successful de-paving event on Monday, taking up asphalt in 2 yards…

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Posted in All Ages, Environment and Open Space, Video | 1 Comment »

DE-paving the Way to a Safer Climate Event

Posted by a 7:14 pm on October 6, 2010

Somerville is 78% covered by impervious surface! This spring and summer brought flooding, extreme heat, and poor air quality, all of which are projected to get worse as the planet heats up. One effective way to mitigate these impacts is by de-paving and creating new green space.

Read More.>>

Posted in Ages 18+, Environment and Open Space, Events, Public Health & Safety | 5 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.

Read More.>>

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 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 »

9/28/10 Green Line Extension Station Design Presentation

Posted by a 5:52 pm on September 26, 2010

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.

Read More.>>

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 »

9/21/10 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

Posted by a 1:32 pm on September 5, 2010

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 »

8/24/10 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 »

9/20/10 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by a 12:07 am on August 23, 2010

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.

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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 »

Local Roots Food and Music Festival

Posted by a 12:48 pm on August 19, 2010

Local Roots Food and Music Festival tickets available online at Brown Paper Tickets!

Hey folks!

You can now purchase tickets for the Local Roots Food and Music Festival online at Brown Paper Tickets!…

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Posted in Announcements, Environment and Open Space, Events | 2 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 »

8/10/10 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 »

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

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

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

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Posted in All Ages, Environment and Open Space, Events | 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.

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

Good Fences Make a Bad Neighbor

Posted by a 10:29 pm on July 17, 2010

An invasive weed threatens the monarch butterflies.

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

7/13/10 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by a 9:10 pm on July 11, 2010

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

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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, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

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

Posted by a 3:48 pm on

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

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

7/15/10 Planning Board Meeting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6/24/10 Planning Board Meeting – Beat Report

Posted by a 5:38 pm on

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

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

7/18/10 Citizen Scientist Training Workshop

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

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

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

8/11/10 Assembly Square Public Advisory Committee Meeting

Posted by a 3:17 pm on June 29, 2010

At this meeting we will discuss the progress of the infrastructure improvements, Ch 91 licenses, and a proposed amendment to the Assembly Square Master Plan. This meeting is important because it provides a last chance to weigh into the development process at 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 | No Comments »

6/30/10 Ocean State Job Lot Introductory Meeting

Posted by a 12:16 am on June 28, 2010

This meeting is important because this use could tie up the site for a long time and affect local property values.

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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Ward 1 | 6 Comments »

6/9/10 East Somerville Community Meeting – Beat Report

Posted by a 1:31 pm on June 26, 2010

Construction starting right now on roads and infrastructure at and around Assembly Square. IKEA not to start construction until after Spring 2011. Planned improvements to Kensington Ave. pedestrian crossing from Stop & Shop to Assembly Square.

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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Orange Line, Traffic & Parking, Transportation Projects, Ward 1 | 1 Comment »

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

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

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

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

6/30/10 Public Meeting on Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) on Green Line Extension

Posted by a 8:48 pm on

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

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

6/24/10 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 8:42 pm on

This meeting is important because it deals with ongoing Somerville developments.

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

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

Posted by a 8:33 pm on

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

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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, Teele Square, Trains, Transportation, Uncategorized, Union Square | No Comments »

FREE Screening of A Sea Change: Imagine a World Without Fish

Posted by a 10:28 pm on June 15, 2010

· Screening of A Sea Change: Imagine a World Without Fish, Sat. 6/26 7 – 9 pm at First Church Somerville, 89 College Avenue.   This newly released film is about ocean acidification, climate change, and…

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Posted in Arts and Culture, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special | No Comments »

Living Green Festival, Thursday 6/24, 6 to 9pm

Posted by a 9:32 pm on

The annual Somerville LIVING GREEN FESTIVAL will take place Thur. 6/24 6 – 9 pm Argenziano School, 290 Washington Street, Union Square

Learn to live green(er)!  Topics will include saving energy & money, gardening…

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

Somerville Climate Week Events

Posted by a 9:29 pm on

Tuesday, June 22nd through Sunday, June 27th, 2010 is SOMERVILLE CLIMATE WEEK!

· Somerville Welcomes Climate Riders! Tues. 6/22 to Sun. 6/27

Somerville hosts six New England Climate Summer Student Riders who…

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

6/28/10 BOA Committee on Parks and Open Space Meeting

Posted by a 11:10 pm on June 13, 2010

This meeting is important because composted Somerville garbage could be used on Somerville gardens, and because 77% of Somerville surfaces are paved.

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

MetroFuture Speaker Series: Place Matters

Posted by a 7:52 pm on June 7, 2010

This film is important because parts of Somerville are environmental justice areas close to pollution sources and suffer higher than average levels of heart and lung disease.

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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | No Comments »

6/9/10 BOA Legislative Matters Committee Meeting as a Whole

Posted by a 10:58 pm on June 6, 2010

This meeting is important because Somerville Historic Districts are important to maintaining the city’s character and to controlling development.

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

6/9/10 East Somerville Community Meeting

Posted by a 10:53 pm on

This meeting is important because it deals with ongoing developments at Assembly Square and East Somerville.

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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Somerville By The Numbers, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Ward 1 | 2 Comments »

6/3/10 BOA Committee on Housing and Community Development

Posted by a 6:05 pm on May 31, 2010

This meeting is important because it relates to the ongoing Green Line Extension.

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

Davis Square Visioning Meeting

Posted by a 5:59 pm on

This meeting is important because it provides an early opportunity to influence future plans for Davis Square.

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Posted in All Ages, Bicycles, City Finances, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Somerville By The Numbers, Trains, Transportation | No Comments »

Metropolitan Area Planning Council Annual Meeting

Posted by a 5:55 pm on

This meeting is important because it reports how livable, transit-oriented development is being supported by the current administration.

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

6/1/10 Somerville Planning Board and Land Use Committee Joint Meeting

Posted by a 5:50 pm on

This meeting is important because it deals with citizen-initiated zoning changes.

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

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by a 9:29 pm on May 23, 2010

This meeting is important because Somerville’s citywide development for the next twenty years will be shaped by the comprehensive plan. This meeting is open to the public.

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

BOA Legislative Matters Committee Meeting as a Whole

Posted by a 9:03 pm on

This meeting is important because charter amendments are always important, and adopting the Stretch Energy Code will reduce environmental impact throughout Somerville.

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

5/22/10 SomerStreets Program Kick-Off

Posted by a 5:44 pm on May 18, 2010

This event is important because it puts interesting parts of Somerville, such as the bank of the Mystic, on display.

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

Ward 2 ResiStat Meeting

Posted by a 5:40 pm on

This meeting is important because it 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, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Somerville By The Numbers, Ward 2 | No Comments »

Green Garden Skill-Share and screening of Aftermath: Population Zero

Posted by a 12:11 pm on

Wednesday, May 26 for the Green Garden Skill-Share and screening of Aftermath: Population Zero

Sponsored by Representative Denise Provost, Somerville Climate Action, and the Initiating Committee of Transition Somerville
Somerville Public Library, 79 Highland…

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

6/12/10 Green Line Extension Project Land Use Workshop and Comprehensive Plan Visioning Session

Posted by a 11:06 pm on May 16, 2010

This meeting is important because it relates to land use around the new Green Line stations in Somerville and to the forthcoming Comprehensive Plan for Somerville.

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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, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 1 Comment »

Green Line Extension Project Land Use Workshop

Posted by a 11:03 pm on

This meeting is important because it relates to land use around the new Green Line station at Lechmere.

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

5/19/10 Green Line Extension Project Land Use Workshop

Posted by