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5/21/13 Somerville by Design – Davis Square

Posted by a 9:51 pm on May 19, 2013

Somerville prepared the Davis Square Action plan 30 years ago when the T came in to Davis Square. The results need to be updated.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Davis Square, Events, Red Line | No Comments »

Herring Run and Paddle and Cycle 2013

Posted by a 5:11 pm on May 15, 2013


Hey folks–time to shake off the winter residues and head for the waterfront! This weekend the Herring Run and Paddle event will take place. I’d love to see more people…


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Posted in All Ages, Environment and Open Space, Mystic River, Ten Hills | No Comments »

5/16/13 Joint Public Hearing of Planning Board and Land Use Committee

Posted by a 7:59 pm on May 6, 2013

The key issue is allowing a larger supermarket in Assembly Square at a location that should be dedicated to high-rise office and R&D space.More…


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

5/9/13 Green Line Extension Open House

Posted by a 7:58 pm on

The Open House provides an opportunity to tour the new office, meet the GLX project team, get project updates, and provide feedback on the current state of the project. More…


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

5/8/13 Somerville Housing Authority Meeting

Posted by a 7:56 pm on

Agenda gives no specifics. There are committees on resident services, public safety, major projects, and finance. To find out the specifics, come and listen. More…


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

5/7/13 Rules Committee Meeting as a Whole

Posted by a 10:53 pm on May 5, 2013

Agenda includes a rules change to make the replacement of Board members subject to time-limited community review. Selection of replacement by the previous Alderman has been controversial.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Events, Government Reform, Politics | No Comments »

4/23/13 Somerville Conservation Commission Meeting

Posted by a 8:58 pm on April 21, 2013

Agenda includes an update on the construction of the Riverfront park at Assembly Square. More…


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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Events, Mystic River | No Comments »

4/23/13 HUD One Year Action Plan Public Hearing

Posted by a 7:58 pm on April 14, 2013

The HUD block grants are a very important source of funding for affordable housing in Somerville, yet very few people attend these hearings. More…


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Seniors | No Comments »

4/17/13 Meetings on Ward 5 Alderman Replacement

Posted by a 7:54 pm on

The Alderman’s meeting could result in a vote the same night. This is the second Aldermanic appointment in the last few months. It might be worthwhile to attend and find out what’s happening.


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

4/4/13 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 9:58 pm on April 1, 2013

Agenda includes four substantial residential projects and only a couple of small commercial projects. This is the wrong policy emphasis. More…


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

3/11/13 Ethanol Transport Draft Findings Public Informational Meeting

Posted by a 8:12 pm on March 3, 2013

Trains carrying large amounts of flammable alcohol would pass through Somerville, including Porter Square, Brickbottom, East Broadway, and Assembly Square. More…


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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Disaster Relief, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Porter Square, Public Health & Safety, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »

3/5/13 Beacon Street Public Meeting

Posted by a 8:11 pm on

This project is controversial because the proposed cycle track could remove parking spaces. More…


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Posted in All Ages, Beacon Street, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »

3/6/13 Transportation Finance Forum

Posted by a 8:07 pm on

The state’s transportation infrastructure is long overdue for repairs and maintenance. Come to this forum to learn what options are on the table. More…


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

1/31/13 Somerville Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 9:52 pm on January 30, 2013

Agenda includes two buildings on block 2 of Assembly Square. One is a food-service building and the other is a mixed-use building with retail and office uses. More…


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

1/24/13 Joint Public Hearing by Planning Board and Land Use Committee

Posted by a 8:16 pm on January 13, 2013

If a grocery store is built at the IKEA site, it should be on the first floor of a multi-story, high-value R&D building, otherwise the location is underutilized.


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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Events, Mystic River, Orange Line | 2 Comments »

1/10/13 Assembly Square PAC Meeting

Posted by a 8:59 pm on January 6, 2013

Federal Realty has acquired the IKEA site and is considering placing a grocery there. We need to preserve upper-story R&D space at the site as well as choose a good grocer.


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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Events, Mystic River, Orange Line | 1 Comment »

1/14/13 Public Hearing on Solid Waste and Asbestos Abatement Procedures

Posted by a 8:19 pm on January 1, 2013

Many Somerville houses still have asbestos insulation and cladding. Inhaled asbestos can cause cancer. Streamlining procedures will make removing it less expensive.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Public Health & Safety, Special | No Comments »

1/8/13 Station Area Planning Event #3: Plan Presentation

Posted by a 7:48 pm on

Come, look, listen, and participate. Neighbors and other stakeholders should assert their interests early rather than late.


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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Events, Gilman Square, Housing, Lowell Street | No Comments »

1/3/13 Board of Assessors Meeting

Posted by a 7:44 pm on

Agenda includes reviewing and signing the FY 2013 tax abatements and exemptions.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »

12/11/12 Green Line Construction Kick-off!

Posted by a 8:38 pm on December 9, 2012

Governor Patrick, Secretary Davey, Congressman Capuano, Mayor Curtatone, and other state and local elected officials are holding a kickoff ceremony for construction of Phase I of Green Line extension. The shovels are going into the ground. The Green Line Extension is really happening!


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Events, Gilman Square, Green Line, Lowell Street, Magoun Square, MBTA, Neighborhoods and Squares, Teele Square, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »

12/11/12 GLX Community Path Design Meeting

Posted by a 8:34 pm on

Bicyclists, pedestrians, and other users of the Community Path should come to this meeting and ask that the CPX crossing over the Fitchburg Line be designed in.


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

12/6/12 Special Somerville Board of Assessors Public Hearing

Posted by a 6:11 pm on December 2, 2012

This public hearing will affect property tax percentages for fiscal year 2013, giving revenue implications of various rates. Every Somerville property owner will be affected by this hearing.


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

12/6/12 Rutherford Ave. Redesign Community Meeting

Posted by a 6:07 pm on

Rutherford Avenue and Sullivan Square are just over the Somerville line in Boston. Somervillians who use the Sullivan Square T-Stop should come to the meeting and participate.


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

12/4/12 Somerville Housing Authority Meeting

Posted by a 5:48 pm on

Agenda gives no specific issues, but includes resident concerns, major projects, and finance.


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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Seniors, Special | No Comments »

11/28/12, 11/29/12 Station Area Planning Event #2: Design Meetings

Posted by a 7:45 pm on November 25, 2012

Come, look, listen, and participate. Neighbors and other stakeholders should assert their interests early rather than late.


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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Gilman Square, Green Line, Housing, Lowell Street, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

11/27/12, 11/29/12 Future of Transportation in MA Public Meetings

Posted by a 6:56 pm on

Come and participate. These meetings are part of developing a badly needed long-term financing plan for the state’s transportation system.


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

11/27/12 Somerville Conservation Commission Hearing

Posted by a 6:49 pm on

Agenda includes a public hearing on an amendment to the Order of Conditions for the stormwater connections of block 2A of Assembly Row and a Notice of Intent for interim parking lots at blocks 5 and 6 of Assembly Row.


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

11/20/12 Somerville Board of Assessors Public Hearing

Posted by a 8:56 pm on November 18, 2012

This public hearing will affect property tax percentages for fiscal year 2013, giving revenue implications of various rates. Every Somerville property owner will be affected by this hearing.


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

11/19/12 Kenney Park Renovation Community Meeting

Posted by a 8:51 pm on

Davis Square neighbors should make their views known on the Kenney Park renovations.


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

11/15/12 Ward 6 ResiStat Meeting

Posted by a 6:38 pm on November 11, 2012

Agenda likely includes discussing the Community Preservation Act, the coming Green Line Extension, the Davis Square Visioning process, and the Porter Square Visioning process.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Historical, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Red Line, Special, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Ward 6 | No Comments »

11/14/12 Historic Preservation Commission Working Group Meeting

Posted by a 6:32 pm on

Agenda likely includes discussing the implications of the passage of the Community Preservation Act on revisions to the Historic Preservation Commission Guidelines.


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

11/13/12 Beacon Street Reconstruction Meeting #3

Posted by a 6:27 pm on

Bicycle advocates have turned out to the first two meetings in support of a dedicated cycle track.


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Posted in All Ages, Beacon Street, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Environment and Open Space, Events, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »

11/6/12 VOTE! Local, State, and National Elections

Posted by a 1:59 pm on October 28, 2012

VOTE! In addition to the Presidential and Senatorial elections we all know about, there are seven initiatives on the ballot.


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

11/5/12 Peer-to-Peer Politics: Moving Beyond Left and Right

Posted by a 1:55 pm on

2012 election year rhetoric features “The market versus the state”, “Big capital versus big government”, and so on. What about creating a web of collaboration where no one is in charge because everyone is in charge?


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

10/29/12 Sustainable Streets: New York City’s New Public Space Vision

Posted by a 1:49 pm on

Andy Wiley-Schwartz will join Visiting Scholar Aaron Naparstek to discuss a groundbreaking approach to urban planning and design that has led to the construction of more than 50 new plazas and 21 acres of new public space in New York.


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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 »

10/23/12 Winter Hill/Magoun Square Neighborhood Plan Meeting

Posted by a 3:57 pm on October 14, 2012

Winter Hill/Magoun Square Neighborhood Plan Meeting

Tues. Oct. 23 6:30 – 8:30 PM

Winter Hill Community School
115 Sycamore St.
Somerville MA (map)

Flyer (PDF)


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Magoun Square, Winter Hill | No Comments »

10/18/12 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 3:49 pm on

Agenda includes the presentation to the Planning Board of the RA/RB Report, which recommends changes to make residential zoning more comprehensible and consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.


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

10/15/12 Beacon Street Reconstruction Meeting

Posted by a 5:17 pm on October 7, 2012

This meeting is intended to solicit input from the community on ideas for reconstructing Beacon Street. Changes to Beacon Street can affect people from Porter Square to Inman Square.


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Posted in All Ages, Beacon Street, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »

10/17/12 Station Area Planning Event #1: Visioning Session

Posted by a 4:08 pm on

The first of three events focused on the future of Gilman Square, Lowell Street, and Ball Square. Come, listen, and participate. Neighbors and other stakeholders should assert their interests early rather than late.


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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Gilman Square | 1 Comment »

10/9/12 Somerville Redevelopment Authority Meeting

Posted by a 3:58 pm on

This is a special meeting of the Somerville Redevelopment Authority. The agenda is to approve the 2012 Union Square Revitalization Plan as amended by the BOA on Oct. 2, 2012.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Mystic River, Neighborhoods and Squares, Union Square | 1 Comment »

Magic For Smart People – Bob The Magic Guy

Posted by a 10:35 pm on October 6, 2012

Hello All,

Just wanted to let you know I will be doing two shows, Magic For Smart People, at the Somerville Theater in Davis Square on Saturday October 20 at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM…


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Posted in All Ages, Arts and Culture, Davis Square, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »

WALKING/BIKING TOUR OF THE PROPOSED COMMUNITY PATH EXTENSION

Posted by a 6:37 pm on October 5, 2012

Tour Date: Saturday, 10/20 from 1:30 to 4:00 pm.

Rain Date: Sunday  10/21, same time.

Tour info and weather-related updates:

http://www.facebook.com/events/536681823014262/

 

Meet at

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Posted in Ages 18+, All Ages, Bicycles, Davis Square, East Somerville, Environment and Open Space, Events, Gilman Square, Green Line, MBTA, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

HONK! Festival 2012: with 34 activist street bands — Oct. 4-8

Posted by a 7:15 pm on September 30, 2012

7th Annual HONK! Festival 2012 www.HonkFest.org … events based in and near Davis Square, Somerville and Harvard Square, Cambridge. This year featuring the following bands:


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Davis Square, Events, Porter Square, Union Square | No Comments »

10/4/12 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 6:15 pm on

Agenda includes resolving two continued Special Permits for parking in Assembly Square.


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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Mystic River, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line | No Comments »

10/4/12 HUD Consolidated Annual Performance Report

Posted by a 6:09 pm on

Come and ask questions. The Federal HUD block grants are a very important source of funding for affordable housing in Somerville.


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

10/2/12 Special Meeting of Somerville BOA on Union Square Revitalization Plan

Posted by a 6:03 pm on

This is a special meeting of the Somerville Board of Aldermen to discuss and vote on the revised Union Square Revitalization Plan. Come and observe. Citizen presence is the most important check and balance in governance.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Housing, Union Square | No Comments »

Edge of the City Bike Tour – Saturday, October 13

Posted by a 4:19 pm on September 26, 2012

On Saturday, October 13, the Somerville Bicycle Committee will lead the 20th annual Tour de Somerville.

This year’s theme is “Edge of the City”. We’ll ride as close as possible to the Somerville city…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Bicycles, Events | No Comments »

9/25/12 Somerville Housing and Community Development Committee Meeting

Posted by a 5:05 pm on September 23, 2012

Agenda includes a discussion and possible vote on the Union Square Revitalization Plan.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Union Square | 2 Comments »

Union Square Walking Tour Sunday, September 23rd

Posted by a 5:29 pm on September 21, 2012

[Posted from an email via the historic preservation mailing list]

Union Square Walking Tour 
Sunday, September 23rd, 2012; 3 – 5:30pm

“Historic Somerville Its Civic Hilltop to the Wyatt Brickyards 


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Posted in All Ages, Events, Historical, Union Square | No Comments »

9/18/12 Beacon Street Reconstruction Kickoff Meeting

Posted by a 6:00 pm on September 16, 2012

This meeting is called by the Somerville OSPCD to describe planned changes to Beacon Street. Changes to Beacon Street can affect people from Porter Square to Inman Square.


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

9/24/12 Davis Square Streetscape Improvements Meeting

Posted by a 3:57 pm on

This is the fifth in a series of meetings on proposed changes to Davis Square. Participation is important for a satisfactory outcome.


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

10/10/12 MVTF 2012 Annual Meeting

Posted by a 7:37 pm on September 9, 2012

Key issues are responding to IKEA’s withdrawal from Assembly Square and monitoring the City’s progress with the Comprehensive Plan.


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

9/13/12 Housing and Community Development Committee Meeting as a Whole

Posted by a 5:30 pm on

Agenda includes committee approval of Union Square Revitalization Plan and possible rescheduling of Public Hearing.


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

9/12/12 MassDOT and MBTA Board of Directors Meeting

Posted by a 5:22 pm on

The MBTA and the MassDOT are holding their board meeting in Somerville City Hall. Agenda likely includes the Green Line Extension and the Assembly Square Orange Line T-Stop.


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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, College Avenue, Events, Gilman Square, Green Line, Magoun Square, Orange Line, Union Square | No Comments »

Meet Me at the Mystic

Posted by a 8:46 pm on August 28, 2012

Paddling, Art and Music!

Join your friends and neighbors in an early morning cheer to the river and watershed – a resource that has brought so much enjoyment to our community.  Meet us…


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

Celebrating the Mystic, 40 years of working in the right direction

Posted by a 9:49 pm on August 27, 2012

Recently I had a bit of a mental meltdown. I’ve been wanting to own a kayak for years, but have kept putting it off. I was renting them periodically, but I really wanted to paddle…


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Posted in All Ages, Arts and Culture, Environment and Open Space, Mystic River | 5 Comments »

9/18/12 MassDOT Public Transit Improvements Public Hearings

Posted by a 1:12 pm on August 25, 2012

The status of the Green Line Extension project, among others, will be presented.


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

8/29/12 Somerville Housing and Community Development Committee Meeting

Posted by a 12:50 pm on

Agenda includes report on whether covenants with IKEA and FRIT apply to future purchasers of the IKEA site at Assembly Square. Approval of Union Square Revitalization Plan.


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

8/21/12 Somerville Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

Posted by a 4:55 pm on August 19, 2012

Agenda includes routine modifications and demolitions, the proposed guidelines changes, and the Assembly Row Historic Enhancement Project.


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

8/23/12 Somerville Planning Board Hearing

Posted by a 4:23 pm on August 12, 2012

Agenda likely includes a Special Permit for parking lots in Assembly Square blocks 5 and 6 to serve retail in blocks 1, 3, 4.


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

8/20/12 Somerville Historic Preservation Commission Working Group Meeting

Posted by a 4:10 pm on

Agenda includes discussing revisions to the Historic Preservation Commission Guidelines.


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

8/13/12 East Broadway Streetscape Project Public Meeting

Posted by a 4:06 pm on

Broadway is a key commercial corridor in Somerville. Its urban design can improve the commercial potential of the neighborhood as well as its livability.


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

8/13/12 Somerville Conservation Commission Meeting

Posted by a 4:02 pm on

Agenda includes the Assembly Square riverfront park along the Mystic between Rt. 28 and the Winter Hill Yacht Club.


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

Animation Bootcamps with Emmy Nominated Instructor

Posted by a 5:54 pm on August 8, 2012

SCATV is pleased to host two workshops in cartoon animation with Instructor Gabriel Polonsky. Mr Polonsky is a professional, Emmy nominated animation director, artist, and cartoonist. He has created projects for Cartoon Network, Discovery, and…


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Posted in All Ages, Arts and Culture, Media, Teens, Video | No Comments »

8/2/12 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 4:50 pm on July 15, 2012

Agenda includes changes to the Assembly Row Special Permits requesting more parking spaces for blocks 4, 5, 6.


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

7/26/12 Somerville Redevelopment Authority Meeting

Posted by a 4:47 pm on

Agenda includes the Assembly Square 2002 Revitalization Plan authorization for a Minor Plan Change naming the IKEA parcel as an Acquisition Parcel and Disposition Parcel.


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

2012-2015 TIP Amendment Two Comment Period and Meeting

Posted by a 4:28 pm on

Plan includes money for extending the Somerville Community Path from Cedar Street to Lowell Street and money for the Green Line Extension to College Avenue and Union Square. To show support for these plans, send e-mail to publicinformation@ctps.org.


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

6/25/12 Somerville Redevelopment Authority Meeting

Posted by a 4:58 pm on June 24, 2012

Agenda includes the Assembly Square 2002 Revitalization Plan, the Union Square Revitalization Plan, and the proposed SRA website.


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

6/21, 6/26, 7/17, 8/7/12 Davis Square Streetscape Improvements Public Meetings

Posted by a 4:52 pm on June 17, 2012

Public participation on city square improvements is essential to their success.


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

6/21/12 Somerville Board of Aldermen Budget Hearing

Posted by a 4:44 pm on

Where does the money come from and where does it go?


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Events, Government Reform, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »

6/12/12 Statewide Day of Action for Transit Justice

Posted by a 3:42 pm on June 10, 2012

Fare hikes and service cuts hurt economically depressed areas first. Somerville will only get its transportation needs met if the legislature adequately funds the MBTA and other mass transit.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Buses, Commuter Rail, Economy & Poverty, Events, Green Line, Orange Line, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »

6/13/12 Somerville Housing Authority Meeting

Posted by a 2:33 pm on

The agenda includes resident concerns and reports of the executive director and committees.


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

6/7/12 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 10:23 pm on June 4, 2012

Agenda includes ordinance changes to support urban agriculture in Somerville, including farming on municipal land.


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

6/6/12 Somerville Conservation Commission Meeting

Posted by a 5:03 pm on June 3, 2012

Public notice includes a hearing on activities to remove the invasive water chestnut plant in the Mystic River.


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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Environment and Open Space, Events, Mystic River, Public Health & Safety, Ten Hills | No Comments »

Bed Bug Experts to Address CAAS Summit, June 15th

Posted by a 4:40 pm on May 29, 2012

 

Are you itching for information about how to avoid bed bugs?  Bed bug experts from Somerville and around New England will address a Bed Bug Summit, June 15th, sponsored by the Community Action…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Events, Health Care, Housing, Public Health & Safety | 1 Comment »

5/29/12 Ward 6 Resistat Meeting

Posted by a 12:49 pm on May 28, 2012

Ward 6. which includes Davis Square and part of Porter Square, may be affected by the proposed zoning change for Elm Street and Somerville Avenue.


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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Porter Square, Red Line, Traffic & Parking, Ward 6 | No Comments »

Two community de-paving events in June

Posted by a 9:16 pm on May 27, 2012

Join Somerville Climate Action to DEPAVE the WAY!
We will be removing asphalt from yards — allowing the soil to return to health and productivity. Somerville is over 75% paved over, contributing to storm-water runoff and flooding. We can help reverse this – creating a safer and healthier city!…


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

5/31/12 McCarthy Overpass Community Meeting

Posted by a 7:09 pm on May 20, 2012

Turning McGrath Highway back into a boulevard would relink parts of Somerville that have long been severed.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 1 Comment »

5/30/12 Assembly Square PAC Meeting

Posted by a 7:07 pm on

Assembly Row and Assembly Square T-Stop development has started. It’s time to move ahead with the Transportation Mitigation Plan.


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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 »

5/30 Researching the History of Your House and Your Family

Posted by a 11:18 pm on May 19, 2012

Find out how the Somerville Library can help you research the histories of your house and family. Mini tour of genealogy resources at the library and beyond, as well as tips for getting started.


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Posted in All Ages, Events, Historical | 1 Comment »

5/27 Memorial Day Parade

Posted by a 11:16 pm on

Join the Historic Somerville contingent! For more information contact admin@historicsomerville.org

Rain or shine…


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Posted in All Ages, Events, Historical, Special | No Comments »

5/22/12 Public Meeting on Green Line Retaining/Noise Walls

Posted by a 7:32 pm on May 13, 2012

Managing neighborhood impacts is necessary for the success of the Green Line Extension project.


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

5/17/12 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 7:29 pm on

Public notice includes an ordinance amending the Somerville zoning code to encourage urban agriculture.


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

5/8/12 Somerville Redevelopment Authority Meeting

Posted by a 2:46 pm on May 6, 2012

Agenda includes the acquisition of 258 Somerville Ave., the status of Assembly Square and Union Square, and the creation of a web page for the SRA.


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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, Union Square | 1 Comment »

5/7/12 Somerville Housing Authority Meeting

Posted by a 2:41 pm on

Agenda includes the FY 2012 budget.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Seniors | No Comments »

“From Mansions to Mudflats” walking tour Sunday May 6

Posted by a 1:40 pm on

Sorry for the late notice, but I just found out about this yesterday. On the terrific walk around the Magoun Square area to celebrate Jane Jacobs’ legacy, I was handed a flyer on…


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Posted in All Ages, East Somerville, Historical | 5 Comments »

FREE Bed Bug Summit

Posted by a 2:24 pm on May 4, 2012

PRESENTED BY THE COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY OF SOMERVILLE (CAAS), WITH SUPPORT FROM THE CAMBRIDGE HEALTH ALLIANCE

Come learn about the growing bed bug issues in and around Somerville, and what we


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Events, Public Health & Safety, Special | No Comments »

5/15/12 Reclaiming neighborhoods: Better living with less traffic

Posted by a 9:26 pm on April 29, 2012

Turning McGrath Highway back into a boulevard would relink parts of Somerville that have long been severed.


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

5/9/12 HUD One Year Action Plan Public Hearing (2 of 2)

Posted by a 9:23 pm on

The HUD block grants are a very important source of funding for affordable housing in Somerville.


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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 | No Comments »

5/3/12 Boston MPO Meeting

Posted by a 9:18 pm on

Agenda includes expansion of South Station (may replace the Grand Union project), and changes to the Draft Long Range Plan (currently still includes the Rt. 16 Green Line stop).


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

4/30/12 Assembly Row Groundbreaking Ceremony

Posted by a 9:12 pm on

Ceremony marks the start of retail/residential construction of Phase I of the Assembly Square mixed-use development.


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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 | No Comments »

4/27/12 Public Meeting on Environmental Mediation at Conway Park

Posted by a 6:01 pm on April 22, 2012

Environmental mediation in a densely populated city like Somerville is important for public health.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Public Health & Safety, Union Square | 2 Comments »

4/24/12 Ward 1 Resistat Meeting

Posted by a 5:56 pm on

The ResiStat meetings provide an opportunity for citizens to hear what the city government is doing and for the city government to hear citizen’s concerns.


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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Ten Hills, Transportation, Ward 1 | No Comments »

Science in textbooks–a curious process

Posted by a 4:45 pm on April 21, 2012

A few years back in a race for Somerville School Committee, I was called from the phone bank of a candidate. I listened to the pitch, and then I said I had a question. The…


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Posted in All Ages, Events, Schools and Youth | 1 Comment »

4/25/12 HUD One Year Action Plan Public Hearing (1 of 2)

Posted by a 7:00 pm on April 15, 2012

The HUD block grants are a very important source of funding for affordable housing in Somerville.


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

4/25/12 Design Public Hearing on Gilman Street Bridge (McGrath Highway)

Posted by a 6:55 pm on

The Gilman Street bridge design must be consistent with the Gilman Square Green Line T-Stop.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Environment and Open Space, Events, Gilman Square, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »

4th Annual SOS Soccer Tournament

Posted by a 1:31 pm on April 13, 2012

Save Our Somerville is running a soccer tournament on Patriots’ Day Monday, April 16th (rain or shine). The tournament will be held at Glen Park (Glen St. next to the Capuano School). Middle School sign-ins will be…


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Posted in Ages 18+, All Ages, Contests, East Somerville, Events, Press Release, Schools and Youth, Sports, Teens, Ward 1 | No Comments »

4/19/12 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 10:31 pm on April 8, 2012

Agenda includes adopting the Somerville Comprehensive Plan.


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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, Transportation | No Comments »

4/12/12 Somerville Board of Aldermen Meeting

Posted by a 10:22 pm on

Agenda likely includes a resolution of support for the Somerville Comprehensive Plan.


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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 | No Comments »

4/9/12 Somerville Housing and Community Development Committee Meeting

Posted by a 10:20 pm on

Agenda includes Magoun Square, Union Square, and the Somerville Comprehensive Plan.


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

Celebrate Holy Week at Christ Episcopal Church

Posted by a 3:36 pm on April 4, 2012

Celebrate Easter Sunday at Christ Episcopal Church, Somerville! Christ Church welcomes and nurtures every individual who comes through its doors, and has recently affirmed this long-held commitment by registering as a “Believe Out Loud” parish…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Civil and Human Rights, East Somerville, Events, Press Release, Special | No Comments »

4/4/12 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 5:43 pm on April 1, 2012

Agenda includes five antenna proposals: 844 McGrath Hwy., 331-333 Broadway, 49 Davis Sq., 15 Weston Ave., 114 Highland Ave.


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

4/16/12 London || Tucson: The Art and Politics of Urban Transformation

Posted by a 9:10 pm on March 25, 2012

This session explores how progressive transportation and planning policies can strengthen a city’s economy, encourage exciting new urban development, and improve quality of life and long-term sustainability.


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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 »

4/9/12 Wikicity: How Web-Enabled, Citizen-Driven Planning and Design is Changing the City

Posted by a 9:03 pm on

This session explores how grassroots, Internet-empowered “tactical urbanism” concepts are changing the way we plan, design and program urban public space.


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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 »

3/26/12 Housing and Community Development Committee Meeting

Posted by a 6:19 pm on

Agenda includes Magoun Square, Union Square, Somerville Avenue, planned bridge repairs by Mass DOT, and the Comprehensive Plan.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Magoun Square, Trains, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 1 Comment »

4/5/12 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 4:44 pm on March 18, 2012

Agenda includes Assembly Square Blocks 1 and 4 and small changes to the Assembly Square PUD. Adopting the Somerville Comprehensive Plan may be deferred.


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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 »

3/29/12 Somerville Joint Land Use/Housing and Community Development Committee Meeting

Posted by a 4:42 pm on

This is a joint meeting of the BOA Land Use and Housing and Community Development Committees. The agenda includes adopting the Somerville Comprehensive Plan.


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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 »

3/15/12 Somerville Joint BOA and Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 9:19 pm on March 12, 2012

Agenda includes evaluating whether the City should adopt the Somerville Comprehensive Plan.


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

3/26/12 Become a Super Designer! Get Planning & Transportation, Save the City

Posted by a 2:54 pm on March 11, 2012

Progressive urban planning requires not only urban transformation, but also neighborhood enhancement and conservation.


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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 »

3/21/12 Green Line Extension Public Meeting: Ball Square and College Avenue

Posted by a 2:50 pm on

Public participation in designing neighborhood T-stops is essential to their success. Come and make your views known.


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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, College Avenue, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, MBTA, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

3/14/12 Rally at MBTA Board Meeting

Posted by a 2:42 pm on

Join Mass Senior Action in telling the MBTA…”Bail Out the Riders, Build Massachusetts!”


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, MBTA, Neighborhoods and Squares, Seniors, Transportation | No Comments »

3/21/12 Somerville BOA Land Use Committee Meeting

Posted by a 2:27 pm on

Agenda includes a change to the definition of pervious area that could bar completely paving new construction. (Note: Rescheduled from 3/13/12.)


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

Are City’s Senior Centers Fully Accessible?

Posted by a 12:36 pm on March 5, 2012

The following letter was submitted to the resistat blog on 3/5/2012 after its writer read David Dahlbacka’s announcement of upcoming HUD Plan hearing:…


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Posted in 311 Requests, Accessibility, All Ages, Announcements, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Politics, Seniors | 1 Comment »

TEDx Somerville: A Stimulating Hodge Podge

Posted by a 10:13 pm on March 4, 2012

Well, I’m missing the after-party, but I wanted to share some tidbits from this event that raged all day at the Armory today.…


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Posted in All Ages, Arts and Culture | 2 Comments »

3/22/12 HUD One Year Action Plan – Public Hearing

Posted by a 2:54 pm on

Next to road repairs, community housing has the most immediate effect of all City programs on the day to day lives of Somerville residents. Come and make your views known.


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

3/20/12 Somerville Redevelopment Authority Meeting

Posted by a 2:51 pm on

Agenda includes status reports on Assembly Square and the Green Line Extension, acquisition of 258 Somerville Ave.


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

3/12/12 Somerville BOA Land Use Committee Meeting

Posted by a 2:48 pm on

Agenda includes the proposed rezoning of Somerville Ave. and Elm St. between Porter and Wilson Squares, which is controversial.


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

3/7/12 Grounding McGrath Working Group Meeting

Posted by a 2:43 pm on

The McGrath overpass cuts Somerville in pieces. A boulevard would work better with the new Green Line T-Stop at Union Square.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, East Somerville, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Traffic & Parking, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 1 Comment »

Somerville High School Contestants on WGBH Quiz Show

Posted by a 10:53 am on March 3, 2012

Somerville students face Rockport students for a spot in the High School Quiz Show quarterfinals Sunday March 4th @ 6:30 on WGBH TV. High School Quiz Show is a fairly new and quite…


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

3/6 Screening of Oscar-nominated film, GASLAND

Posted by a 8:25 pm on March 2, 2012

State Representative Denise Provost and Somerville Climate Action present the Oscar-nominated film “GASLAND”. The billion dollar energy industry has a dirty little secret… Followed by a discussion. Free of charge.


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

2/29/12 2012 Community-Wide Assembly

Posted by a 12:59 pm on February 26, 2012

Community corridor planning is essential to making the best use of the new Green Line T-Stops. Come and make your voices heard.


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

2/29/12 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 12:55 pm on

Agenda includes routine variances, such as 143-145 Cedar St. (10 unit residential), 11-15 Holland St. (fast-food restaurant), 39-43 Elmwood (3 buildings, 9 unit residential).


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

2/28/12 Conservation Commission Meeting

Posted by a 12:51 pm on

Agenda includes Assembly Square Order of Conditions (OOC) for changes to Block 3 and to Shore Drive in Ten Hills.


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

2/23/12 Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 7:18 pm on February 20, 2012

Agenda not available (2/20/12). 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, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | No Comments »

Creative, Sustainable, TEDxSomerville

Posted by a 8:59 pm on February 19, 2012

Do you ever play the “If-I-had-a-million-dollars” game? Whenever I play, I think of throwing intimate parties for brilliant, powerful people who will orchestrate the betterment of society before my eyes. Now that TEDx is coming to the Armory, I don’t have to hit the lottery to get a full day’s taste of the experience.…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Economy & Poverty, Events | 3 Comments »

2/28/12, 2/29/12 MBTA Fare and Service Proposal Meetings

Posted by a 5:33 pm on February 13, 2012

MBTA service cuts and fare hikes hit everyone in Somerville. Come and make your views known.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Buses, Events, MBTA, Neighborhoods and Squares, Trains | 1 Comment »

2/16/12 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 5:16 pm on

Agenda includes a hearing for a small R & D use (230 Somerville Ave).


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

2/15/12 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 5:13 pm on

Agenda includes routine variances and, in executive session, a discussion of current litigation regarding 369-371 Beacon St.


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

Dance Against Poverty, March 3, at Temple B’nai Brith

Posted by a 5:47 pm on February 8, 2012

Put on your dancing shoes for a good cause.  The Social Action Committee of Temple B’nai Brith invites you to a Benefit Dance for the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), Saturday, March 3…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Events | No Comments »

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 »

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

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

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


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

1/19/12 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 7:43 pm on

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


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

1/18/12 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 7:41 pm on

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


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

Recession Sessions Benefit Concert to Give Voice to Economic Hardship

Posted by a 2:50 pm on January 11, 2012

Join The Bull and Bear, a “financial folk” band for a night of relevant and original music played live from the band’s most-recent album, Recession Sessions. The record highlights the major events of the current global financial crisis. …


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Posted in All Ages, Davis Square, Economy & Poverty, Events, Press Release | No Comments »

1/12/12 Somerville Design Review Committee Meeting

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

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


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

1/10/12 Minuteman Bikeway Arlington Public Meeting

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

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


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

1/5/12 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 2:31 pm on

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


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

1/4/12 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 2:28 pm on

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


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

The Longest Night Service

Posted by a 2:03 pm on December 20, 2011

We’ll gather on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year, for a spiritual-but-not-necessarily-religious event to acknowledge the shadow side of the season.


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

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

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

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


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

12/15/11 Somerville Redevelopment Authority Meeting

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

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


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

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

Posted by a 9:47 pm on

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


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

12/14/11 Green Line Extension Public Meeting

Posted by a 9:45 pm on

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


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

12/14/11 MBTA Capital Investment Program Public Hearing

Posted by a 9:43 pm on

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


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

12/14/11 MWRA Board of Directors Meeting

Posted by a 9:42 pm on

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


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

Trader Joe’s has Social Justice Problems

Posted by a 11:31 pm on December 8, 2011

Surely there are many Somervillians among the many patrons and fans of Traders Joe national (specialty) retail grocery stores. While of little comparison to the retail behemoth in the news these days, Trader Joe’s is not without its problems. The following notice may be of interest.…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Civic Action, Consumer Money Saving, Events, Teens, Workers' Rights | No Comments »

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

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

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


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

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

Posted by a 6:48 pm on

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


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

12/8/11 Somerville Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 6:45 pm on

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


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

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

Posted by a 6:43 pm on

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


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

12/7/11 Green Line Extension Design Working Group

Posted by a 6:41 pm on

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


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

12/7/11 Mystic River Watershed Steering Committee Meeting

Posted by a 6:40 pm on

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


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

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

Posted by a 6:38 pm on

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


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

12/1/11 Planning Board Meeting

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

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


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

12/1/11 Board of Assessors Meeting

Posted by a 10:51 pm on

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


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

11/30/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

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

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


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

11/28/11 Somerville Redevelopment Authority Meeting

Posted by a 4:51 pm on

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


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

11/22/11 Somerville Board of Assessors Public Hearing

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

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


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

11/22/11 Conservation Commission Meeting

Posted by a 4:16 pm on

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


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

11/22/11 Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 4:14 pm on

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


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

11/14/11 Launch Party for interactivesomerville.org

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

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


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

11/21/11 Public Hearing on Community Path Design

Posted by a 4:13 pm on

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


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

11/17/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 4:11 pm on

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


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

11/15/11 Assembly Square Station Project Meeting

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

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


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

Proposed Rights-of-Way Federal Guidelines Comment Period

Posted by a 7:15 pm on

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


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

Fall Resistat Community Meetings

Posted by a 6:59 pm on

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


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

11/2/11 MBTA Community Meeting

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

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


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

10/25/11 Conservation Commission Meeting

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

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


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

10/25/11 Mystic River Watershed Association Annual Meeting

Posted by a 8:00 pm on

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


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

10/26/11 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Posted by a 7:57 pm on

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


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

10/27/11 Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 7:55 pm on

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


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

11/2/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 7:53 pm on

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


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

11/3/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 7:50 pm on

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


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

Ward 7 ResiStat Community Meeting

Posted by a 1:11 pm on October 19, 2011

Tuesday October 25, 6:30 pm to 8 pm

West Somerville Neighborhood School, [cafeteria] 177 Powder House Blvd, Somerville, MA

Mayor Curtatone, Alderman Trane and the ResiStat program invite you to…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Neighborhoods and Squares, Politics, Teele Square, Ward 7 | 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 »

3rd Annual Tina DeLellis Luncheon to Honor Past and Present Community Service

Posted by a 9:07 am on October 13, 2011

The Somerville Homeless Coalition is hosting the 3rd Annual Tina DeLellis Luncheon on October 21st , from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., at The Highland Kitchen in Somerville. The luncheon is held in memory of…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Davis Square, Events, Press Release | No 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 »

10/18/11 Charlestown Neighborhood Council Meeting

Posted by a 8:32 pm on

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


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

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

Posted by a 8:29 pm on

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


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

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

Posted by a 8:27 pm on

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


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

Comic Tony V to Entertain CAAS Annual Meeting October 25th

Posted by a 10:36 am on October 7, 2011

What’s so funny about Somerville?  Tony V knows.

When supporters of Somerville’s anti-poverty agency, the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), gather to celebrate another year of working to end poverty where we live…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Events | 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.


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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.


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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 »

CAAS Annual Meeting & Celebration, Tuesday, October 25

Posted by a 3:31 pm on September 13, 2011

Celebrate with the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS), the organization working to end poverty where we live.  Enjoy music, refreshments, a look back at the past year and a look ahead at how we are…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Events | No Comments »

9/21/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 5:51 pm on September 11, 2011

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


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

9/18/11 Walking Tour of Union Square

Posted by a 5:44 pm on

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


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

9/20/11 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.


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

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

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

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


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

9/15/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 9:01 pm on

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


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

9/15/11 Walking Routes to the Mystic River

Posted by a 8:57 pm on

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


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

9/14/11 Porter Square Visioning – Community Meeting

Posted by a 8:55 pm on

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

Posted by a 11:02 pm on

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


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

9/1/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 11:00 pm on

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


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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 »

8/17/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

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

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


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

8/10/11 Regional Transportation Advisory Council Meeting

Posted by a 2:10 pm on

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


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

8/3/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

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

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


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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 Public Meeting on Improvements to Assembly Square Riverfront Park

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

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


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

7/14/11 Planning Board Meeting

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

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


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

7/13/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 10:35 pm on

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


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

Johnny D’s/Loose Change Band End Homelessness Bash, June 29th!

Posted by a 3:05 pm on June 21, 2011

Somerville residents interested in a night of social action and rock and roll are invited to come out Wed., June 29th, for a mid-week benefit titled “Johnny D’s End Homelessness Bash”. The benefit will be…


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Posted in All Ages, Davis Square, Economy & Poverty, Events, Press Release | No Comments »

6/20/11 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee

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

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


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

6/23/11 Planning Board Meeting

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

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


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

6/22/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 2:05 pm on

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


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

6/13/11 Design Review Committee Meeting

Posted by a 1:56 pm on

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


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

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

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

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


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

6/9/11 Planning Board Meeting

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

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


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

6/8/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 7:06 pm on

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


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

6/11 Green Line Station Design Public Workshops

Posted by a 7:00 pm on

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


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

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


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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.


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

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

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

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


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

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

Posted by a 12:55 pm on

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


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

Nourish Your Well Being

Posted by a 7:46 pm on May 9, 2011

Join us for a day of well being: have some refreshments, meet the members of Amethyst Center, and get to know what we do. For a donation to the Somerville Homeless Coalition, experience what our…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Davis Square, Events, Health Care | No Comments »

5/19/11 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

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

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


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

5/18/11 Somerville Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting

Posted by a 7:40 pm on

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


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

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

Posted by a 7:38 pm on

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


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

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

Posted by a 7:34 pm on

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


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

String Spring Fling

Posted by a 10:29 pm on May 7, 2011

At Somerville High School (81 Highland Avenue), String Spring Fling – an annual concert featuring most students learning violin and other stringed instruments in the Somerville Public Schools…


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Posted in All Ages, Events, Schools and Youth, Special | No Comments »

“Bullying: A Community Training”

Posted by a 10:28 pm on

“Bullying: A Community Training” – featuring opportunities for families to ask questions about the bullying law and the District’s bullying plan will take place at the Argenziano School (290 Washington Street)…


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Posted in All Ages, Events, Schools and Youth, Special | No Comments »

Somerville High School Scholarship Night

Posted by a 10:27 pm on

Somerville High School Scholarship Night where scholarships are awarded to students in the Class of 2011 are announced and celebrated. Come join us in congratulating everyone!…


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Posted in All Ages, Events, Schools and Youth, Special | No Comments »

5/5/11 Somerville Planning Board Meeting

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

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


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

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

Posted by a 3:34 pm on

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


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

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

Posted by a 3:30 pm on

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


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

4/29 Somerville Human Rights Commission To Hold Fundraiser : Play about Racism and Classism

Posted by a 1:21 pm on April 25, 2011

The Somerville Human Rights Commission will hold a fund raiser at the Friday, April 29th performance of John Shea’s racially charged play, “The Painter.”  The performance will be at the Unity Church, 6 William Street, (corner of College Ave. and William Street,) at 8:00pm.  A talk back, hosted by Sonja Darai, will follow the performance and issues in the play: racial intolerance, violence and hatred, will be discussed with Shea, director Robert Lublin and actors, Michael Nurse and Jared Wright. …


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Posted in All Ages, Arts and Culture, Civil and Human Rights, Events | 1 Comment »

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

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

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


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

4/21/11 BOA Finance Committee

Posted by a 3:41 pm on

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


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

4/20/11 BOA Housing and Community Development Committee

Posted by a 3:35 pm on

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


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

3rd Annual Save Our Somerville Soccer Tournament

Posted by a 11:15 pm on April 7, 2011

Save Our Somerville is running a soccer tournament on Patriots’ Day Monday, April 18th (rain or shine). The tournament will be held at Glen Park (Glen St. next to the Capuano School). Middle School sign-ins will be at 8:00 AM. High School and Adult sign-ins will be at 10:30 AM.…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Contests, Events, Schools and Youth, Sports, Teens | No Comments »

“Under the Roof” Benefit To Honor Tufts President, Help Somerville Homeless

Posted by a 11:14 pm on

Support housing and community, and enjoy a lively event in Somerville Apr. 23rd.


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Davis Square, Economy & Poverty, Events, Press Release | No Comments »

4/7/11 Planning Board Meeting

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

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


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

4/6/11 BOA Finance Committee Meeting

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

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


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

4/5/11 Somerville Green Line Extension Advisory Committee

Posted by a 9:52 pm on

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


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

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

Posted by a 9:50 pm on

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


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

Budget Forum April 12

Posted by a 9:20 pm on

The budget crisis continues, as local aid and programs from those for disabled children to assistance for vulnerable seniors are threatened with cuts or closure. This year’s budget promises to be the worst yet. So what can we do this year?


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Posted in All Ages, Economy & Poverty, Events, Government Reform | 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.


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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…


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

Meet the authors of “Citizen Somerville”

Posted by a 7:39 pm on

You’re invited to the Central Library (79 Highland Avenue) on Satuday, March 12th at 2:00 p.m. to meet Bobby Martini and Elayne Keratsis, authors of Citizen Somerville: Growing Up with the Winter Hill


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Posted in All Ages, Events, Historical, Special | 2 Comments »

Huge Comedy Event at the Somerville Theatre

Posted by a 7:37 pm on

American Comedy Award winner, Wendy Liebman, will be performing at the Somerville Theatre in Davis Square (55 Davis Square. Somerville, MA 02144) on April 21st.

Wendy is a nationally famed comedian, who has been…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Civil and Human Rights, Davis Square, Events, Media, Press Release, Special, Teens | 1 Comment »

3/31/11 Assembly Row DIF Bond Hearing

Posted by a 3:47 pm on

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


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

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

Posted by a 3:42 pm on

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


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

3/23/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 3:38 pm on

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


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

3/17/11 Planning Board Meeting

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

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


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

Support Boys & Girls Club at Flatbread @ Sacco’s Bowl Haven

Posted by a 11:28 pm on February 28, 2011

Flatbread @ Sacco’s Bowl Haven in Somerville’s Davis Square is sponsoring a charity event for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Dorchester . Flatbread will donate $3.50 for every large and $1.75 for every small…


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Posted in All Ages, Events, Schools and Youth, Special, Teens | 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 »

3/10/11 District Improvement Financing Governing Body Meeting

Posted by a 2:27 pm on

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


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

Little League Gears Up for Spring Season

Posted by a 5:08 pm on February 16, 2011

After Bucking National Trend in 2010, Aiming for Even More participation in 2011

Somerville Little League registration for the Spring season is open.  …


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Press Release, Schools and Youth, Sports | No Comments »

2/17 : Speak Out for Somerville Jobs at BoA Public Hearing on MaxPac

Posted by a 10:40 am on

More than 50 Somerville residents signed a petition requesting a hearing by the Board of Alderman on union jobs and local hiring.

The hearing will be at 6:00 PM on February 17. There will be a short rally beforehand at 5:45 PM.…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Politics, Ward 5, Workers' Rights | 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.


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

4/12/11 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Posted by a 3:46 pm on

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


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

3/16/11 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

Posted by a 3:43 pm on

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

2/3/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 5:14 pm on

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


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

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

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

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


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

2/9/11 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Meeting

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

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


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

1/31/11 Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership Meeting

Posted by a 3:13 pm on

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


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

“The history of Somerville, 2010-2100″ at the Nave

Posted by a 5:59 pm on January 22, 2011

Community art project at the Nave Gallery.


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Posted in All Ages, Arts and Culture, Events | 1 Comment »

1/25/11 BOA Committee on Legislative Matters Meeting

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

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


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

1/20/11 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 9:17 pm on

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


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

Healey School Information Night, Wed. Jan. 19

Posted by a 11:21 pm on January 14, 2011

Come hear about the Healey School – and see if it is good fit for your child and family. Teachers, students, the principal and parents will speak about the Healey School, how we teach and learn and how the redesign process is going.


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Events, Schools and Youth | 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 »

Somerville’s 235th Flag Raising, Jan 1st

Posted by a 10:57 pm on December 22, 2010


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Events, Historical, Special | No Comments »

Willy Wonka: The Musical

Posted by a 1:56 pm on December 14, 2010

Come enjoy and appreciate the hard work and talents of the student performers from Somerville High School and Somerville’s elementary schools as they put on their annual production. This year they will be presenting “Willy…


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Posted in All Ages, Events, Schools and Youth | 1 Comment »

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 »

Youth and Adult Programs at the Veterans Memorial Rink!

Posted by a 2:11 am on December 11, 2010

The following programs are available at the Veterans Memorial Rink in Somerville.


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Posted in All Ages, Schools and Youth, Sports, Teens, Ward 2 | No Comments »

2011 Saturday Afternoon Family Films at the Library

Posted by a 1:05 am on December 10, 2010

As promised, here’s the lineup of family films that we’ll be showing at the Central Library one Saturday afternoon per month at 2:00 p.m.

January 15th:
Muppets from Space

February 12th:


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Events, Special | 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.


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

MIDNIGHT MADNESS in Davis Square!

Posted by a 4:35 pm on November 30, 2010

This Thursday, December 2nd, come to Davis Square and experience Midnight Madness! This event is put on by DARBI (Davis Area Resident/Business Initiative) every year to help support local retailers.

Special shopping hours are…


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Posted in All Ages, Davis Square, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Ward 6 | No Comments »

Picket line and rally for Somerville jobs

Posted by a 4:07 pm on November 28, 2010

Residents of Somerville concerned about the development of the old MaxPak paper factory where 199 units of new housing are being built will picket and rally for jobs at the entrance to the site (56-61 Clyde Street) in Somerville, MA on Thursday, Dec 2 from 6:00 to 9:00 AM.…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Politics, Ward 5, Workers' Rights | 1 Comment »

11/22/10 Gilman Green Line Station Planning Walkaround

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

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


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

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

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

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


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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 »

Somerville Public Library seeks your input

Posted by a 9:58 am on November 18, 2010

We’re currently running two film series at the Central Library. Family Films, including cartoons and popcorn, are shown one Saturday afternoon per month, and so far they’ve been well attended. We’ve also been showing movies…


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Posted in All Ages, Arts and Culture | 2 Comments »

11/18/10 Planning Board Meeting

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

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


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

11/17/10 BOA Legislative Matters Committee Meeting

Posted by a 4:59 pm on

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


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

11/15/10 Ward 6 ResiStat Meeting

Posted by a 4:49 pm on

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


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

Chick Singer Night Boston concert on 11/13 to benefit music programs in local schools

Posted by a 9:56 am on November 10, 2010

Saturday, November 13th, 2010, 3:30 – 7:00 pm
Location : Johnny D’s Uptown Cafe (17 Holland Street)…


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

The meeting will include:

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


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

11/15/10 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by a 3:15 pm on

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


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

12/8/10 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by a 3:10 pm on

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


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

Pizza Against Poverty: Benefit Night for CAAS at Flatbread 11/16

Posted by a 4:28 pm on November 1, 2010

Flatbread Restaurant holds a benefit for the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) Tuesday evening, November 16. Eat at the restaurant (45 Day Street in Davis Square) any time from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. and Flatbread will donate a portion of the cost of dinner to CAAS, Somerville’s anti-poverty agency.


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Posted in All Ages, Davis Square, Economy & Poverty, Events, Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

Art & Youth: The Capacity to Live a Full & Creative Life

Posted by a 3:45 pm on October 27, 2010

The Capacity to Live a Full & Creative Life: this is what we want for our children, our youth, and ourselves! Come to a community-created art exhibit featuring art created by Somerville artists ages 8 to 88.


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Events, Schools and Youth | 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 »

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

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

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


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

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

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

The agenda includes the following:

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


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

Voter Choice Vacay in Portland, Maine – Oct 23 & 24

Posted by a 1:55 pm on October 18, 2010

One all-expenses paid volunteer weekend to make history and win IRV in Portland.


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »

11/8/10 Green Line Design Working Group Meeting

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

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

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


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

10/25/10 Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership Meeting

Posted by a 12:50 pm on

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

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


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

10/21/10 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 12:40 pm on

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


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

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

Posted by a 12:37 pm on

The e-mailed agenda includes the following:

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


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

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 »

10/13/10 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

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

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

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


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

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

Posted by a 6:53 pm on

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


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

10/7/10 Planning Board Meeting

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

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


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

Somerville Homeless Coalition Gets 15th Annual 5K Road Race Up and Running

Posted by a 10:57 pm on September 27, 2010

Lace up those sneakers and get ready to run. The Somerville Homeless Coalition is holding their 15th Annual 5K Road Race October 2nd, starting in Davis Square.…


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Posted in All Ages, Davis Square, Housing, Sports | No Comments »

Youth Ask for Help to Fulfill Dreams

Posted by a 6:04 pm on

This Thursday, September 30, at 6 pm, Villens and others will have the opportunity to hear the voices of youth members from Centro Presente and The Welcome Project, who are working to support the Dream Act.


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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Announcements, Civil and Human Rights, Economy & Poverty, Immigration, Schools and Youth | No Comments »

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

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

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

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


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

9/28/10 Green Line Extension Station Design Presentation

Posted by a 5:52 pm on

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

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


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

9/25/10 Mystic View Task Force Annual Meeting

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

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


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

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 »

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

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

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


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

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

Posted by a 1:41 pm on

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


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

9/21/10 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

Posted by a 1:32 pm on

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


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

9/16/10 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 1:22 pm on

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


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

8/30/10 MBTA Rider Oversight Committee Meeting

Posted by a 5:29 am on August 29, 2010

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


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

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 »

8/30/10 Accessible Transportation Forum

Posted by a 8:08 pm on

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


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

8/25/10 Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA

Posted by a 8:03 pm on

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


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

8/24/10 Planning Board Meeting

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

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


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

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

Posted by a 2:36 pm on

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


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

8/10/10 Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by a 1:40 pm on

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


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

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 »

OPENAIR Circus This Weekend!

Posted by a 4:09 pm on July 24, 2010

Kids, Clowns, Talent, Crazy Fun.

OPENAIR Circus presents its 25th season Big Top performance

July 30 & 31, and August 1, 2010

Families from Greater Somerville will be amazing


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

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

Posted by a 11:00 pm on July 18, 2010

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


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

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

Posted by a 10:50 pm on

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


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

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

Posted by a 10:47 pm on

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


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

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

Posted by a 10:43 pm on

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


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

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

Posted by a 10:39 pm on

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


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

Somerville Online Media Meetup

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

Kids’ Art Show: In their World

Posted by a 9:34 pm on July 7, 2010

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


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

7/15/10 Planning Board Meeting

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

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


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

7/6/10 Somerville Historic Preservation Commission Public Hearing

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

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


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

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 »

6/22/10 Public Hearing About City Budget

Posted by a 8:39 pm on

All hearings on the City Budget are important, because the Budget decides where the money goes.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Events, Government Reform, Somerville By The Numbers | 1 Comment »

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

Posted by a 8:33 pm on

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


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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 »

Mystic Ink Tour: Somerville-Cambridge Rolling Tomorrow

Posted by a 3:41 pm on June 18, 2010

Books of Hope’s

Mystic Ink Tour is keepin it live and rollin as it moves through New England bringing poetry performances by today’s youth and books that they’ve written to communities near you!…


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Posted in All Ages, Arts and Culture, Events, Schools and Youth, Teens | 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 »

City Spring Clean Up and SomerGreen Festival

Posted by a 8:11 pm on

This event is important because it will improve our city and ourselves.


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Posted in All Ages, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3, Ward 4, Ward 5, Ward 6, Ward 7 | No Comments »

Somerville Youth Soccer Fall 2010 Soccer Tryouts! Sunday June 13th @ Argenziano Field

Posted by a 2:03 pm on

SOMERVILLE YOUTH SOCCER LEAGUE

TRAVEL TEAM REGISTRATION INFORMATION – FALL 2010

FIELD EVALUATIONS – SUNDAY JUNE 13

All players who attend evaluations will be placed on a team.


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Events, Schools and Youth, Special, Sports | 1 Comment »

On Father’s Day, Take Dad Out and Help End Poverty in Somerville

Posted by a 12:50 pm on June 9, 2010

Bring Dad to any of a list of Somerville restaurants on Father’s Day and the restaurant will make a donation in his honor to the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS).


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Posted in All Ages, Economy & Poverty, 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 »

Boston MPO Information Session

Posted by a 10:49 pm on

This meeting is important because MPO’s plans determine where to spend billions of dollars of Federal money in Eastern Massachusetts.


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Posted in All Ages, Events, Green Line, MBTA, Orange Line, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No 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 »

32 Restaurants Confirmed for Taste of Somerville on June 8

Posted by a 4:35 pm on May 25, 2010

Taste of Somerville Works to Go Green on June 8

With 400+ diners and 32 restaurants expected, more help needed with conservation and recycling.

Somerville, MA – May 24, 2010 – Door2Door…


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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Davis Square, Events, Magoun Square, Porter Square, Press Release, Teele Square, Transportation Projects, Union Square, Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3, Ward 5, Ward 6, Ward 7 | 2 Comments »

6/14/10 Ward 6 ResiStat Meeting

Posted by a 9:44 pm on May 23, 2010

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, City Finances, Crime, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 6 | No Comments »

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by a 9:29 pm on

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 »

Wards 3, 4, and 5 ResiStat Meetings

Posted by a 5:50 pm on May 18, 2010

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, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Somerville By The Numbers, Ward 3, Ward 4, Ward 5 | No Comments »

Ward 1 ResiStat Meeting

Posted by a 5:48 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, Assembly Square, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Orange Line, Somerville By The Numbers, Ward 1 | No Comments »

5/22/10 SomerStreets Program Kick-Off

Posted by a 5:44 pm on

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 »

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 a 10:57 pm on

This meeting is important because it relates to land use around the new Green Line stations at Ball Square and College Avenue.


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

Somerville play exposes dangers for day laborers

Posted by a 9:37 pm on

Immigrants who gather at Foss Park each morning as early as 5 am looking for work as day laborers are the subject of a new play that will enjoy its community premiere on Friday, May 21st at the Black Box Theater at the Elizabeth Peabody House, 277 Broadway. The program begins at 7:30 pm.

The new play, “They Don’t Tell You Anything!” will be performed as part of an evening of theater, stories and conversation about the struggles and challenges that many Somerville residents face after they are picked up by contractors each morning to paint or perform demolition work. Written by playwright and English teacher Meryl Becker, the play will be performed by student actors from the Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences (SCALE).


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Posted in All Ages, Arts and Culture, Civil and Human Rights, Events, Immigration, Politics, Workers' Rights | 2 Comments »

5/20/10 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 7:40 pm on

This meeting includes a continuation of the 1 Benton Road case, which has proved controversial.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety, Traffic & Parking | 7 Comments »

6/2/10 Green Line Community Corridor Station Design Workshop Part 3

Posted by a 7:51 am on May 11, 2010

At this meeting, citizens will evaluate professional designs and documentation for the Green stations in your neighborhood.


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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Magoun Square, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »

Green Line Community Corridor Station Design Workshop Part 2

Posted by a 7:46 am on

This meeting is important because it begins work on sustainable station designs for the Green Line Extension.


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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Bicycles, Buses, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Magoun Square, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »

Green Line Community Corridor Station Design Workshop Part 1

Posted by a 7:43 am on

This meeting is important because it provides background information on sustainable station designs for the Green Line Extension.


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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Bicycles, Buses, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Magoun Square, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »

5/17/10 BOA Committee on Housing and Community Development

Posted by a 8:11 pm on May 9, 2010

This meeting is important because it relates to Green Line Extension economic development around Magoun Square.


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

BOA Legislative Matters Committee Meeting as a Whole

Posted by a 7:57 pm on

This meeting is important because adopting the Stretch Energy Code will reduce energy use and environmental impact for all residences and businesses in Somerville.


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

Somerville Natives To Host Grand Opening May 8th

Posted by a 11:20 pm on May 5, 2010

Somerville, MA May 3rd 2010 – Somerville “mompreneur” Kerri Friedlander and husband Lucas today announced their intention to hold a Grand Opening sale at the Upland Road location of “TwinkleStar Boutique” in Porter Square on…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Consumer Money Saving, Events, Porter Square, Press Release, Schools and Youth, Uncategorized | 2 Comments »

Nourish Your Well Being

Posted by a 8:50 pm on May 2, 2010

Amethyst Center is again hosting a fundraiser for the Somerville Homeless Coalition, Saturday May 8, 1:00-5:00. “Nourish Your Well Being” will offer short treatments from its practitioners in exchange for a suggested $10 donation. …


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Davis Square, Events, Health Care, Special | No Comments »

2nd Annual 2BGreen Expo

Posted by a 3:48 pm on

This event features presentations by local “green” businesses and tips for utilizing more sustainable and energy-efficient practices. A key part of sustainable development is making it a profit center for Somerville.


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

5/10/10 BOA Committee on Housing and Community Development

Posted by a 7:39 pm on April 25, 2010

Depending upon the agenda, the Committee on Housing and Community Development may make decisions fundamental to Somerville’s future. Meetings of the Aldermen as a whole usually deal with important issues.


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

Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing

Posted by a 7:35 pm on

Depending upon the agenda, the Zoning Board of Appeals may make decisions fundamental to Somerville’s future.


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

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by a 7:35 pm on

This meeting is important because 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, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »

5/3/10 BOA Committee on Housing and Community Development

Posted by a 7:34 pm on

Depending upon the agenda, the Committee on Housing and Community Development may make decisions fundamental to Somerville’s future.


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special, Transportation | 4 Comments »

2010 Conservation Commission Meeting

Posted by a 7:32 pm on

This meeting is important because the Somerville Open Space and Recreation Plan, which relates to state and federal funding, is being extended.


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

MBTA Rider Oversight Committee Meeting

Posted by a 7:17 pm on

This meeting is important because Somerville’s use of public transit, already high, will increase as the Green Line Extension and Assembly Square Orange Line stop come in.


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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Ball Square, Development and Zoning, Events, Special, Union Square | No Comments »

Davis Square Visioning Meeting

Posted by a 6:00 pm on April 18, 2010

Davis Square Visioning Meeting

Wed. Apr. 28 6:30 PM

Tufts Administration Building (TAB)
167 Holland St.
Somerville MA (map)

This meeting, sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and Alderman Gewirtz…


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

Harvard Infrastructure Sustainability & Design Conference

Posted by a 5:50 pm on

Harvard Infrastructure Sustainability & Design Conference

Wed. Apr. 21 – Fri. Apr. 23

Harvard University Graduate School of Design
48 Quincy St.
Cambridge MA (map)

This conference explores…


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

Blueback Herring River Route Community Meeting

Posted by a 5:49 pm on

Blueback Herring River Route Community Meeting

Wed. Apr. 21 6:30 PM

Elizabeth Peabody House
277 Broadway
Somerville MA (map)

This meeting, a followup to the March 10 meeting…


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

Taste of Somerville on June 8…

Posted by a 8:31 am on April 15, 2010

Plan to Attend Taste of Somerville on June 8

Enjoy samples from 30 of the area’s favorite restaurants on June 8, from 5:30-8:30 pm at the Somerville Holiday Inn. This festive welcome to summer is presented by title sponsor, Triumvirate Environmental, and Door2Door Transportation by SCM, whose work providing community-based transportation is supported by the event. Tickets at www.tasteofsomerville.org. Follow restaurant additions on twitter @TasteofSomervil


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Press Release, Special | No Comments »

Artists’ Choice Opening Reception

Posted by a 10:23 am on April 12, 2010

The 2010 Somerville Open Studios is coming up soon!  This Friday, April 16, is the opening reception for the Artists’ Choice Exhibit at the Somerville Museum, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Approximately 200 artists…


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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Arts and Culture | 24 Comments »

Earth Day River Cleanup

Posted by a 10:20 am on

Volunteers are needed to clean the Mystic River banks and remove shopping carts and other debris from the river. Supplies will be provided. This event is sponsored by the Mystic River Watershed Association and the Gentle Giant Rowing Club.


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

Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing

Posted by a 10:19 am on

Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing

Wed. Apr. 14, 6:00 PM

Aldermanic Chamber
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda Not Available (4/11/10)

This is…


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

4/15/10 Planning Board Meeting

Posted by a 10:18 am on

Planning Board Meeting

Thurs. Apr. 15, 6:00 PM

Aldermanic Chamber
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda Not Available (4/11/10)

This is the regular…


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | 4 Comments »

Spring, All-City Elementary Concert

Posted by a 1:41 pm on April 5, 2010

On Thursday, April 8th please join students from each of Somerville’s seven K-6 or K-8 elementary schools for a concert featuring songs celebrating spring and global community. The concert starts at 7:00 PM, is free…


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

Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle Festival

Posted by a 9:42 pm on April 4, 2010

Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle Festival

Sat. May 16 8:00 AM

Blessing of the Bay Boathouse
32 Shore Drive, DCR
Somerville MA (map)

This is the 14th…


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

4/8/10 2010-2011 HUD Action Plan Public Hearing

Posted by a 9:41 pm on

2010-2011 HUD Action Plan Public Hearing

Thurs. Apr. 8 6:30 PM

Ralph and Jenny Center
9 New Washington St.
Somerville MA

[Facility is near the corner of Inner Belt Rd…


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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Seniors, Special | 8 Comments »

Transit 2.0: The Developers Initiative

Posted by a 9:40 pm on

Transit 2.0: The Developers Initiative

Tues. Apr. 6 7:00 PM

Livable Streets Office
100 Sidney St.
Cambridge MA (map)

This presentation by Chris Dempsy of MassDOT will describe…


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Posted in All Ages, Buses, Events, Green Line, Special, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Posted by a 9:39 pm on

Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Tues. Apr. 6 6:30 PM

Upper Hall
Greek Orthodox Church
29 Central St.
Somerville MA (map)

This is the third planning meeting…


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

BOA Committee on Parks and Open Space Meeting

Posted by a 9:39 pm on

BOA Committee on Parks and Open Space Meeting

Mon. Apr. 5 7:00 PM

Somerville City Hall
2nd Fl. Comm. Rm.
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)…


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

BOA Committee on Housing and Community Development

Posted by a 9:36 pm on

BOA Committee on Housing and Community Development

Mon. Apr. 5 6:00 PM

Somerville City Hall
2nd Fl. Comm. Rm
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda


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

Assembly Square Public Advisory Committee Meeting

Posted by a 11:00 pm on March 27, 2010

This is the regular meeting of the Assembly Square PAC. At this meeting we will discuss the Assembly Square Final Environmental Impact Report. 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, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Assembly Square Mixed-Use Redevelopment FEIR Comment Period

Posted by a 10:59 pm on

The Comment Period for the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Assembly Square Mixed-Use Redevelopment began March 15 2010 and ends April 23 2010. This is your last chance to weigh in on the plans for the Assembly Square Mixed-Use Redevelopment Project.


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

MBTA Rider Oversight Committee Meeting

Posted by a 7:18 pm on March 21, 2010

MBTA Rider Oversight Committee Meeting

Mon. Mar. 29 5:00 PM

State Transportation Building
Conf. Rms. 1, 2, 3
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)

This is the regular…


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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Buses, Events, Green Line, Public Health & Safety, Special, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »

Mass Development Financing Programs

Posted by a 7:17 pm on

Mass Development Financing Programs

Thurs. Mar. 25 11:00 AM

Somerville City Hall
Aldermen’s Chamber
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

This workshop consists of a presentation by MassDevelopment…


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Posted in All Ages, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events | No Comments »

Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA

Posted by a 7:17 pm on

Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA

Wed. Mar. 24 1:00 PM

State Transportation Building
2nd Fl Conf. Rms.
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)

This is the regular…


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