Union Square

Livable Streets has been hot on the issue of the de-elevation of McGrath. There’s some immediate repairs that need to be done to the overpass but in the long term advocates are clamoring for this barrier to East Somerville to come down. … Continue reading →

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…

Are you a creative business owner looking for support? Businesses working in the creative industries can sign up for sessions to access support and resources. Take advantage of this opportunity to connect to state and local business advisers during the … Continue reading →

Throughout the month of May, the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission (SHPC) partners with other local organizations to host events honoring Somerville’s history and historic districts. All events are open to the public and free unless otherwise noted. Jane’s Walk of … Continue reading →

SomerStreets is a series of events happening annually in Somerville where the vehicles are told to stay put and pedestrians, runners, cyclists and skateboarders take over a major artery in the City. SomerStreets builds on the Shape Up Somerville healthy … Continue reading →

Job Posting:  Program Assistant at Union Square Main Streets Union Square Main Streets is a community economic development program in Somerville, MA that leverages local resources for the neighborhood’s advancement. The Program Assistant works both at the Union Square Farmers … Continue reading →

Everyone across Somerville is joining in on the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge. Through June 20 residents and staff in local businesses are eating more healthfully and becoming more active.  To help in the effort there’s special events and discounts in a … Continue reading →

The City of Somerville and Union Square Main Streets announce the 4th annual “Mayor’s Fitness Challenge,” which will kick off with a celebration and Fitness Fair on Saturday, April 13th at the Somerville High School Field House, 81 Highland Ave.  … Continue reading →

For decades Somerville’s underused industrial buildings have provided super cheap spaces for musicians, dancers, theatrical and circus performers, sculptors, painters, tinkerers and every manner of casually creative folk to practice, network and grow their craft in the urban landscape. In … Continue reading →

While Somerville, Massachusetts never achieved the scale of industrial development that cities like Lowell, Lawrence and Waltham did, for a century and a half, its economic base was manufacturing. In the nineteenth century, Somerville boasted major employers in meat packing, … Continue reading →

The Green Line Extension and Assembly Square T-Stop may be at risk if inadequate funding is provided. Make your views known. More…

Reprinted with permission from the Somerville News By Bob (Monty) Doherty Most Somerville residents could quickly direct you to Union Square. If you asked the same individual how to get to Liberty Pole Square, however, chances are they would have … Continue reading →

Legislators on Beacon Hill are making important decisions this week about how much to invest in our state’s transportation system. They need to hear that we want them to solve our transportation funding crisis for the long term and to … Continue reading →

From Good Magazine: The American mythology of rugged individualism, self-reliance, and the pioneer spirit has traveled far and, like any good myth, picked up embellishments along the way. Emerson, Thoreau, and then later (in her own way) Ayn Rand all … Continue reading →

Somerville Library as a digital laboratory, community service, and creative resource to both city and national users.

The City of Somerville receives each year federal money from HUD to meet local needs for community and economic development, parks and infrastructure, public services, and housing programs. As part of this process the  Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development creates the City’s 2013-2017 … Continue reading →

Remediation of contaminated industrial areas in the Union Square area has been an issue. It may be in your interest to comment on the Environmental Notification Form. More…

The Mayor’s Fitness Challenge, a project of the City of Somerville, is taking place at Somerville High School on Saturday, April 13th. This event kicks off a ten-week program to encourage Somerville residents towards their wellness goals. The organizing committee … Continue reading →

WGBH hosts a regular quiz show featuring teams from Massachusetts high schools.  Host   might have thought the kids from Chelmsford and Wellesley would be stumped but they ably knew Archibald Query’s famous Somerville invention.  Costa tells his audience that … Continue reading →

From Make Magazine: “People become makers for lots of reasons. Weirdly, many of them seem to start with E: Entertainment: Making stuff is just plain fun.  When you’re done working, cleaning, and generally fending off entropy another day, making is … Continue reading →

Somerville Local First organizes a regular schedule of weekday lunches to bring together Union Square business owners for a casual get together. The March event takes place Wednesday, March 27, 11 am to 1 pm, and will be hosted by  Cindy Larson … Continue reading →

When SCATV (Somerville Community Access TV) launched thirty years ago in Somerville it was one of the first public access TV stations in the country, part of a growing movement to expand community access to mass media.  In the days … Continue reading →

From the City of Somerville: In April 2012, the City adopted a new Comprehensive Plan for the City,streetscapes  called SomerVision.  The SomerVision plan includes six key implementation steps.  One of those steps involves the development of design-based plans for future Green … Continue reading →

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

On Thursday, March 14, 2013 the Green Line Extension (GLX) Project will hold a Public Meeting to introduce Barletta Heavy Division, Inc. to the community as they begin Phase 1 construction. The meeting will be held at the Holiday Inn … Continue reading →

Join Groundwork Somerville on March 9th at the Somerville Community Growing Centerfor the annual Somerville Maple Syrup Project Boil Down. Community members of all ages are invited to watch and learn as sap from local sugar maple trees is boiled down into pure … Continue reading →

The Union Square Farmers Market is now accepting applications for the 2013 season.  Running every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, June 1 through November 23, the gathering of local food producers has become a vital and vibrant neighborhood tradition. … Continue reading →

Performing at Precinct this Monday !

Back when Union Square developed Washington Street and Somerville very much blurred.  There were no distinct sidewalks or roadways, just a big open space where wagons, cars, trolleys and pedestrians are moved through, sharing that common space. In the intervening … Continue reading →

Be sure to check out Union Square Main Streets’ facebook page for reports from the Snow Dance Party in the aftermath of the Blizzard of 2013. Special post by Union Square resident Sara Cohen My view does a lot to … Continue reading →

From Somerville Community Corporation: Join SCC and Cathartes Private Investments, for an interactive workshop to re-imagine connectivity at the proposed new development on Washington Street. We invite neighbors to envision ways to make this development a vibrant resource for the community. Explore the site … Continue reading →

From Chris Orchard at the Somerville Patch:   I recently got an email from a reader asking about the Waste Management transfer station in Brickbottom, off McGrath Highway. In the fall of 2011, the city sent a letter to Waste Management saying … Continue reading →

From Gui Calvalcanti, Artisan’s Asylum Hello Somerville! This weekend, Boston will be rocked by the biggest snow storm to hit New England in years. It’s expected to howl away through Friday night and Saturday morning… leaving us Saturday afternoon to … Continue reading →

Have you launched your new business, or are you ready to? The CJP/JVS Entrepreneurship Program, presented  in partnership with Interise, Boston-based experts in small business development, is a highly affordable program that combines classroom instruction with case studies, research and one-on-one … Continue reading →

While an expression of love from your Valentine is often associated with chocolates and a rich, romantic dinner, Achieve Fitness in Union Square says that your partner should be equally viewed as your key to a healthier you. “Couples who … Continue reading →

From the City of Somerville: We are pleased to announce the next series of Somerville by Design: the Complete Streets series.  To achieve our SomerVision Comprehensive Plan goals, and to compliment the Green Line station area plans developed by the &#…

The Massachusetts Senate and House are now considering a bill that would allow farmer-breweries to sell at farmers markets. State Representative Denise Provost has signed on in support of the legislation. This bill would update the farm-winery legislat…

Dance Union remains hot, hot, hot! Zumba with Jess celebrates one year with a party on February 2. After class the group will head downstairs to Cafe Tango at noon to toast a successful first year and best wishes for years to come. … Continue …

Three upcoming community meetings on two different development proposals. Community Meeting on 70 Prospect Street called by Maryann Heuston Monday, February 4 6:30 at the Argenziano School  Public Safety Building,  220 Washington Street This is the t…

Update:    SCC and Cathartes Private Investments to host Community Visioning Meeting February 23 Somerville Patch on community meeting with the developers.  Somerville Journal report.   As change comes to Union Square we’re called to …

Save the Dates !  For more details and tickets see the Somerville Arts Council.         Sunday, January 27 Foods of the Americas cooking class.  3-7pm; $40; Kitchen Inc, 201 Somerville Ave   Monday, January 28 Ginger Explosio…

Nibble started with a blog about food and culture in Union Square. The blog spawned a book, and now the Somerville Arts Council extends Nibble to include culinary classes as they teaming up with Home- made Modern Co. (formerly City … Continue rea…

The “Raising The Nave Porch Roof” fundraiser is being presented by several local area PorchFest bands (www.somervilleartscouncil.org/porchfest) who are fans of the Nave Gallery and thrilled about the opening of the Gallery’s new Nave Gallery Annex, a non-profit community space located right next door to Redbones at 53 Chester St. in Davis Sq.

The City of Somerville has renovated and is ready to open a new woodland open space on Quincy Street — that’s between Somerville Ave and Summer Street, just before School Street. Mayor Curtatone and Alderman Heuston invite you to join &#823…

USMS Director Mimi Graney served as host for the Somerville Community Access TV show “Talking about Somerville” where Mayor Joseph Curtatone talked about his new initiative, MIMBY (Mayor in My Back Yard). On the start of the mayor’s t…

The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center  provides one-on-one business advising to entrepreneurs and small business owners. As part of their services check out these upcoming workshops :   · Getting Started in Business- January 29 at …

Lots happening here in Union Square to get you fit in 2013! Corpbasics is hosting a Fitness Jump Start Program, with 6 weeks, 12 classes of your choice for $99. You can buy online or at the studio now through 1/31/13 … Continue reading →

  It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the brick building among the tangle of random streets in Boynton Yards across the tracks from Union Square is one of the most dynamic commercial buildings in the city, perhaps … Continu…

From Achieve Fitness: There is a new gym in Union Square. Achieve Fitness is holding their grand opening located at 42 Merriam Street on January 17, 2013 from 6:00 -9:00 pm,  just in time to help fulfill your New Year’s resolutions. “We … …

Small business owners worry that without lots of parking spaces available immediately outside their business their sales will drop.  As the City of Somerville this past summer repurposed curbside parking spaces for bike corrals, some business owners m…

From the Somerville News: Some of Argenziano School’s brightest voices will ring out Wednesday, Dec. 19 at 3:30 p.m. in Union Square where a group of about 25 youngsters, all members of the Argenziano School Chorus, will gather to perform … Con…

Somerville Patch posted this great video from Verissima Productions on just some of the restaurants in Union Square reflecting the diverse people and flavors found in this neighborhood.

The City is holding a public meeting to receive neighborhood input on the conclusion of remediating the Conway Park/15A Bleachery Court site. Soils at Conway Park were contaminated during construction of the new skating rink.

Our recent post on possible changes to pedestrian signalization in Somerville attracted the attention of Greg Hill.  He shared this video, shot here in Union Square and in Davis. It shows bikes on the sidewalks in these busy commercial districts ̷…

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!

No, there hasn’t been a premature dropping of a local New Years Eve time-ball–City Hall has dropped the ball on long-promised bike enforcement and a companion public safety campaign—yet again…

Friends of the Community Path lead two tours — one on bike, one on foot — on  Saturday, 10/20 from 1:30 to 4:00 pm.  Rain date isSunday 10/21. Meet at East Street and North Point Boulevard, Cambridge (across the street … Continue re…

Alderman Maryann Heuston represents Ward 2, one half of Union Square. She’s recently sent out this update on Ward news.   Greetings to folks in WARD 2, As usual, Ward 2 continues to be an ever evolving area with many … Continue reading…

Thanks everyone for making the 2012 What the Fluff Festival such a spectacular event. The most memorable part of this year’s festival was the inundation of marshmallow shooters, made possible by the Artisan’s Asylum with two grocery carts f…

From October 4, 2012 http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs042/1100632372640/archive/1111179327283.html

The city’s Union Square Revitalization Plan proposes several major changes to the Union Square neighborhood, and if approved, will allow the city to take six parcels of land by eminent domain.   Share this:

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.

Union Square’s Latino restaurant owners are serving up loroco pupusas, jalapeño margaritas and grilled guinea pig—they are firing up the local economy, as well. In the Somerville Arts Council’s blog Nibble, Rachel Strutt speaks to these fol…

Submitted by Monica Ng. This recipe took home Best Overall at the 2012 Festival For the cake: 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 cup packed light muscavado sugar 1/4 cup oil 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix 4 large egg yolks … Continue reading →

Recipe submitted by Amy Berry Fluff Slaw Mix together: 1/2 cup Marshmallow Fluff 1/4 cup rice vinegar 2 Tablespoons Liquid Aminos or soy sauce 1/4 teaspoon dry ginger 1 teaspoon sriracha hot chili sauce Toast in pan: 1 – 16 ounce … Continu…

Much thanks to all for the nearly two dozen entries in this year’s cooking contest.  And thanks too to our group of judges – Elyse Andrews of Somerville Beat, Patrick Gilmartin of Staff Meal, Aaron Cohen of Eat Boston, and James … C…

Ever wish to produce your own cultural event or create public art — with funding? Here’s your opportunity! ArtsUnion is looking for creative individuals and Union Square Business owners to create, produce and manage cultural events that will take p…

Regretfully, we don’t have a glamour shot of the jar filled container of marshmallows from the Fluff Fest, lovingly decorated by Anja Bresler.  Happily, however, we did remember to count the marshmallows before we emptied the container and stash…

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:

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.

Working on a map to assist but for now here’s the routes for tomorrow for the main bus lines through Union Square diverted for the Fluff Festival. Union Sq. Diversion - Saturday 9/29/12 1:00pm to 7:00pm   Route 86 Inbound: Regular … C…

We’ve got a tasty, unique combination of foods coming this Saturday for the Fluff Festival. Area businesses are putting a decidedly Fluff spin on their typical fare.  Union Square Farmers Market vendor Hollis Hills Farm will be whipping their lo…

Remember! The market closes right at noon this week to make way for Fluff! After you put away your produce, walk right back to Union Sq for the 7th annual What the Fluff Festival! Summer produce has faded away (remember … Continue reading →

The Swirl and Slice market is closed for the season. A big thank you to all the vendors who were part of our experimental evening, specialty food market — your products were amazing and we enjoyed a chance to meet each of … Continue readi…

We don’t wanna jinx it but we’re going to hold fast to our Saturday date for the Fluff Festival. Currently forecast says 50-50 chance of light showers.   Continue your prayers for fair skies to the higher power of your … Continue rea…

You won’t know a Fluffernutter from a Flufferette, a S’more from a Marshmallow Shooter without your program! Download our program to get the complete schedule, map and all the scoop on what you can expect this Saturday. Click here for ̷…

Last week,  Mimi Graney, Executive Director of Union Square Main Streets, attended a two-day conference in Boston convened by the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC). 250 corporate, civic and city leaders from across the U.S. participated …

From the City of Somerville: Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today that he has directed the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) to appoint a design consultant to manage a new and more comprehensive planning process for pr…

From the City of Somerville: Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Somerville Commission for Women announce the Annual Candlelight Vigil in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Wednesday, October 3rd at 6:00 p.m. at the Somerville Public Safety Bu…

Little outright opposition was expressed to the city’s proposed Union Square redevelopment plan at a public hearing on the plan Sept. 19, though many Somerville residents urged city officials to tread lightly in implementing the long-range plan.

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

[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 

Marshmallow Fluff is out of this world and lighter than air, so for this seventh annual “What the Fluff?” festival we explore Fluff in space! (Space…. Space….) Fluffernutters were served at the International Space Station (it…

The Massachusetts legislature denied the city of Somerville’s request to remove the cap on the number of liquor licenses that could be issued in the city.  This is a notable set back for small businesses seeking to open here and … Continue…

The Mayor’s Office of the City of Somerville presented to the Board of Aldermen a revitalization plan for Union Square.  The document follows upon a memorandum of understanding signed by the City of Somerville and the Massachusetts Bay Transport…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE What the Fluff?: A Tribute to Union Square Invention Annual Fluff Festival to Take Place Saturday, September 29, 2012, 3 to 7 pm (raindate Sunday, September 29th) Contact: Mimi Graney, Union Square Main Streets. 617-955-0080 R…

September is here and that means it’s time for Fluff! September 29, 2012 is the 7th annual What the Fluff? A Tribute to Union Square Invention. Produced by Union Square Main Streets, “What the Fluff” celebrates the genius of Archibald …

Agenda includes a Public Hearing on the Union Square Revitalization Plan and discussion by the Board of Aldermen meeting as a whole.

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

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.

Didn’t catch it in your mailbox? Check out the latest newsletter from Union Square Main Streets here.

Have you been to the Tasting Table  yet? Every week we partner with Terroir Studio to host an educational seated tasting event at Swirl & Slice on a range of topics related to local food and wine. For a small fee … Continue reading →

September is here! Celebrate the cool early morning at the market, as summer produce keeps rolling in. The peaches and corn keep getting better and better each week. Find all the veggies and meats you need for Labor Day grilling … Continue readin…

Union Square Main Streets seeks  a part-time person to help with coordination of the Fluff Festival coming up in Union Square, Somerville. Exact days and times flexible but candidates must be available weekdays, 10 am to 6 pm. What the … Continu…

From the City of Somerville: The City of Somerville will be hosting further community discussion on Lincoln Park on September 12 at 5:30pm at the Argenziano School and September 24 at 6:30pm at the Argenziano School. Please note that rehabilitation p…

Just heard from a group of friends who are gathering to support a whole gaggle of musicians affected by a recent fire in Cambridge.  Taking bits and pieces from their reports…. On the morning of Thursday, August 23rd a fire … Continue read…

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.

It was only just released last night so we’re still absorbing the details; a fuller blog post will follow later this month. The Mayor’s Office of the City of Somerville presented to the Board of Aldermen last night, August 16, … Conti…

Reprinted with permission from the Somerville News.  By Joseph A. Curtatone, Mayor of Somerville (The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the vie…

In a flurry (or is it furry?) of creativity, he needles of knitters and crocheters will  transform Perry Park with a public installation on  Saturday, August 25th.  Stop by between 9am-1pm to the Washington Street green space.  Perry Park is near…

Instructor Gabriel Polonsky is a professional, Emmy nominated animation director, artist, and cartoonist. He has created projects for Cartoon Network, Discovery, and SyFy Channels, PBS, Miramax Feature Films, Nickelodeon, and more. He has taught childr…

The Creative Union Gallery at 29 Union Square is closing because of the lack of grant funding.  Run by the Walnut Street Center and Outside the Line Studio, the store has been a retail location for outside fine art and … Continue reading →

Swirl and Slice Market – Thursdays, 5 to 8 pm Have you heard? Food trucks are coming to Somerville! We’re very excited to be hosting Somerville’s first food truck starting next week at Swirl & Slice. Starting Thursday August 16,…

Union Square Main Streets is working with the City of Somerville to pilot food truck businesses in the community.  USMS is inviting mobile food vendors to  the Swirl and Slice market on Thursday evenings from 5 to 8 pm. Already … Continue readi…

As the City of Somerville considers municipal regulations for a food trucks in a pilot launches in Union Square to explore how such vending might work across the community. As part of the Thursday evening Swirl and Slice market in … Continue read…

Union Square has just received its own Hubway kiosk, joining the network across Boston, Cambridge and Somerville of shared bikes. Hubway provides short-term bike rentals at automated stations.  Launched in Boston last summer the program proved wildly …

Identical  twin brothersOtavio and Gustavo Pandolfo, better known as Os Gêmeos (Portuguese for The Twins), made a name for themselves on the streets of their native São Paulo, Brazil as graffiti artists.  Remaining true to their style they’…

The Bearded Pig brings their authentic Southern BBQ to Union Square.  The meat-loving restaurant opened Monday, July 30, 2012 on 445 Somerville Ave, across from Market Basket and, ironically enough, immediately beside the all vegetarian Dosa Temple. &…

The Somerville Community Growing Center at 22 Vinal Ave has a whole slew of awesome happenings all summer long. To coincide with Swirl and Slice, they’ve been open each Thursday evening starting at 6 pm for picnicking and typically have … C…

Thanks to Alan Kelly, working on behalf of the Independent, the sign at the end of the central parking lot is looking a lot better.  But that planter is still barren of life and could use a green thumb. Are … Continue reading →

It’s Fluff Fest time again in Union Square!  For this year’s theme we’re going out of this world and focusing on the lighter than air quality of Fluff — so like we’re going into outer space! (space….space….) J…

At Union Square’s Thursday night market you’ll be able to pick up some great books that will make your cooking and heart sing! Nibble is the hot off the presses book by the Somerville Arts Council. This 132-page color book features ……

From Livable Streets MassDOT has agreed that McGrath’s McCarthy Overpass over Washington Street will be removed! The hundreds of “Remove McGrath” postcards you signed, and your voice at the May 31 public meeting, made this victory p…

Join the teachers of Be. in Union yoga studio as they host free yoga in the park classes this summer. July 28, Nunziato Field corner of Summer and Vinal Street, 1:00 -2:00 pm August 11,  Perry Park on Washington Street, … Continue reading →

Governor Deval Patrick has proclaimed August 19-25, 2012 Massachusetts Farmers’ Market Week.  Calling farmers’ markets “essential to the vitality of Massachusetts farms” Governor Patrick says “it is befitting for the citizens of Massachusett…

Regular readers of this blog will likely remember the nifty article by Alexandra Reisman on parklets. In Union Square this past summer we’ve not seen any temporary patios just yet, although The Independent has an application pending for a summer …

Swirl and Slice is not your ordinary farmers’ market.  When others are dropping their tents, vendors  in Union Square are opening them for an evening market that celebrates refined local food, most importantly wine and cheese. Folks stroll among th…

Special for USMS by Cara Rubinsky, Swirl & Slice volunteer Ann Starbard was raised on a farm and chose to make farming her life long before “eat local” became a catchphrase, so it’s been gratifying for her to watch over … Co…

The market is in full swing! Our complete vendor lineup is here, the summer produce is rolling in, and the Union Square Plaza is the place to be on Saturday mornings. If you still haven’t tried our token system to … Continue reading →

Special from Janine Fay I rely on my PC laptop for business, so when it started to heat up alarmingly a day before I was leaving on a trip, I freaked. The tech help from work said it was probably … Continue reading →

Break out your head bands, leg warmers and spandex!  Zumba with Jess and Debbie McMullen is holding an 80′s themed class on Saturday, July 28th at Dance Union. Spaces are already being filled, so if you haven’t already done so RSVP ……

Milk Row Cemetery, established in 1804, is usually closed to the public except for two annual events in May and October. The City hopes to open this significant historic site to the public for many more hours and is beginning … Continue reading &…

A crowd of 80 Union Square residents and other Somerville supporters gathered last night to proclaim Union Square as the heart of diversity with their message: “We support an affordable, diverse Somerville: Let’s keep Union Square a place for everyone!”

by Cara Rubinsky, Swirl & Slice volunteer People love Alfalfa Farm Winery so much so that the owners rely on a dedicated corps of volunteers who show up several times a year to help with everything from harvesting the grapes … Continue readin…

Zoll Cellars’ Light House Sangria 1 750ml Light House Blend Red Wine 4 ounces triple sec 4 ounces brandy 4 ounces simple syrup 1 pint ice 2 ripe peaches, stone removed and quartered 1 orange, sliced 1 apple, sliced 6 mint … Continue readin…

CreativeNEXT is a series of 21 state-wide events held by the , an advisory Council to the Legislature and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, and a variety of local partners.  The MA Creative Economy Council is tasked to ……

A community meeting run by the Somerville Community Corporation about their proposal to build affordable housing on Washington Street in Union Square. June 6, 2012 at the Argenziano School. Produced by Somerville Community Access Television or SCATV.

The City of Somerville’s annual SomerMovie Fest lineup has been announced for Summer 2012. Showings are scheduled every Thursday evening at dusk through August 30th beginning at dusk at Seven Hills Park with one in good ol’ Union Square,…

We have our winner for the CSA from Drumlin Farm! Amy Titlebaum will receive every week this season, starting this Thursday, a share of fresh veggies from Drumlin Farm. Our consolation prize goes to Michelle Apigian.  She’ll receive a gallon …

Somerville Ward 3 Alderman Thomas F. Taylor has called a community meeting  for 6:30 p.m. July 11 at the Argenziano School at Lincoln Park to discuss the proposed redevelopment of 181 Washington Street. On the site of the former Boys … Continue …

Changes are coming to Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park is not only Union Square’s biggest park, but also Somerville’s biggest park. The city plans to make some upgrades including a possible redesign of the soccer field and basketball court nex…

Zoe Dance presents Somerville Dance Fest featuring a dozen dance groups ranging in style from improvisation to dance theatre to step. The event is presented as part of the Somerville Arts Council’s ArtsUnion. Friday, July 27 7:00 PM – 10:00…

4th of July, oh my! Load up on everything you need for your celebrations at the Farmers’ Market this Saturday! Grill in good conscience, knowing you are supporting Massachusetts farmers and producers! Hollis Hills will have their full line o…

Swirl and Slice Market  Thursdays, 5 pm to 8 pm through September 20 Thanks to everyone who made it out last week in the sweltering heat! I hope you rewarded yourself with a popsicle from Ocean Ave Pops.   In … Continue reading →

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

Elderflower Power is an elderberry syrup from Bug Hill Farm, one of the vendors at Swirl and Slice. A wild-crafted farmmade product, Elderflower Power is similar to the well known St. Germain liqueur except it’s nonalcoholic. Try farmer Kate Keri…

One of the landmark businesses of Union Square is Ricky’s Flower Market.  This flowering of a former gas station is symbolic of the transformation of the neighborhood as a whole.  From spring flowers to Christmas trees, Ricky DiGiovani creates…

Kicking it old school, Somerville Community Access Television (SCATV) is offering a summertime Super-8 filmmaking workshop. Get a solid working knowledge of this approachable film medium. Instructor Tara Merenda Nelson is a working artist with an impre…

Special for USMS by Jenna Stark Something delicious is coming your way! Union Square Main Streets is launching the neighborhood’s first specialty food farmers market, called Swirl and Slice. The new market celebrates and showcases wine, cheese, and o…

At the Saturday Union Square Farmers Market customers who receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits can use their EBT card to purchase items at the market.  To encourage our low income neighbors to visit the market and to off…

The calendar of the Somerville Arts Council’s ArtsUnion event for this summer is now available. Sunday, June 24, Bazaar Bizarre: Union Made. 12-6pm; No rain date Saturday, June 30, Boston Handmade Marketplace, 3-7pm; rain date: Sun., July 1…

Join Second Chances for a clothing and coin drive at the Somerville Community Growing Center on Wednesday, June 20th from 5 to 7 p.m. Support people in our community by donating clothing, shoes, accessories and loose change, meet Second Chances’ …

Eli and Kyle of Union Press at 440 Somerville Avenue for the past three years have created a unique limited edition letterpress poster to celebrate the Union Square Farmers Market.  This year’s edition we think is their best yet.  Their ……

In collaboration with the Union Square’s new Thursday evening speciality food market, the Somerville Community Growing Center, a gorgeous community garden nearby on Vinal Avenue, will be open most weeks from about 5:30-8:00 pm  and will present …

From the Somerville Arts Council’s food blog, Nibble! ¡Atención! In our upcoming Nibble book, there’s an article on the square’s Latino restaurant owners, written by Rachel Strutt. Here are some “outtakes” from Rachel’s interviews wit…

Linda Skurchak took some great photos that we’d like to share with you at the launch party for Swirl and Slice, the new specialty food market coming to Union Square Thursday nights this summer.  We recently held a party for … Continue read…

LivableStreets Alliance is a non-profit organization that challenges people to think differently and to demand a system that balances transit, walking, and biking with automobiles. Their foundational principle is that urban transportation has the powe…

From the 1975 layout of Union Square to the hidden away speakeasy of Backbar, the Boston Globe features a number of photos from over the years and a rather random overview of happenings in the neighborhood. http://www.boston.com/yourtown/somerville/gal…

Mark Chase of Livable Streets short a simple video documenting the changes on Bow Street before and after the installation of the new back-in angled parking. The goal was to make the road safer for cyclists and pedestrians, as well … Continue rea…

Join Mayor Curtatone, Alderman Heuston, At-Large Aldermen, Somerville Police and City staff to discuss the latest issues affecting Ward 2. ((Union Square, Lincoln Park, Perry Park, Beacon St. area, Somerville Ave. area) Issues expected on the agenda i…

Save money and the environment!  The Residential Energy Efficiency Program is designed to benefit both owner-occupied and rental residential properties with  strategies and incentives to reduce energy consumption and costs. The program offers assista…

From Somerville Community Equity Partnership Very Important MassDOT Public Meeting about future of McCarthy Overpass on McGrath Highway (between Washington Street & Somerville Avenue) hosted by Somerville Legislative Delegation and Mayor Curtatone …

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

The City of Somerville is planning another action packed season of SomerStreets events across our fine municipality.  They’re putting the call out to performers and craft vendors to join in the festivities. SomerStreets ends its season on Somerv…

Announcement The Somerville State Legislative Delegation and Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone will host an upcoming public information meeting about the McCarthy Overpass repair project. The meeting will cover detailed information about construction plans and…

Greater Union Square’s own Templeman Automation has launched a new Playsurface multi-touch table Kickstarter. Playsurface is an inexpensive projection touch table that allows multiple users to interact intuitively with displayed graphics and act…

Announcement from the MassDOT: On Tuesday, May 22, 2012, the Green Line Extension Project Team will hold a public meeting to review the latest design plans for Retaining Walls and Noise Walls along the corridor. As has been presented the construction…

Last autumn’s Bulb Blitz brought out lots of volunteer energy as teams planted the annuals in parks across the city. Over at Perry Park, the residents are making the care of the park a year round effort.  Jennifer Kimball and … Continue re…

Special to Union Square Main Streets by Alex Reisman The Union Square Farmers Market opens on June 2, which is (hooray!) fast approaching, to be followed on June 14 with the new Swirl and Slice, a specialty food market. This is … Continue readin…

The take-charge creative and community oriented folks are Union Square take their talents to the streets in myriad ways. Back when the Somerville Avenue reconstruction was wrapping up, one artist, Kathe Gregory, decorated the barren median with colorfu…

  Sunday, May 13th, 2:00-3:30PM. Historic Somerville Inc. is offering a talk about “The Menace of the Triple Decker.” Dr. Stuart Brorson will discuss the five different architectural features of the 3D and the era that this style represents. …

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.

 From the Somerville Arts Council’s Nibble Blog Nibble scribe Raleigh Strott chats with Alberto Cabré, co-owner and head chef of Casa B, about dessert, produce and the intersection of architecture and culinary arts. Photos by Rachel Blumenthal….

Boston Magazine dishes on the work of graffiti artists and shares the story behind the wall decor at Union Square’s Backbar.  

The City of Somerville’s Resistat is a program that brings out to the residents the information collected on the work of various city departments. It’s a chance to give feedback on what’s working and what could use some help and ̷…

The Somerville Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly networking event. The May gathering is bigger than usual as it includes their annual Green Business trade gathering.   Business After Hours at the B2Green Expo & Networking event 4:00 – 7:00…

Come celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Puebla, Saturday, May 5th, 2012 from 3pm – 9pm on the Union Square Plaza. Presented by Cantina La Mexicana and The Independent, come by for  music, food, drink and activities for kids. ̷…

Remember the advertising  tagline, “Two great tastes that taste great together?”  We’re not sure if they taste great together – all we know is that bacon is awesome and good stuff should be shared. In conjunction with Boston B…

The state and the MBTA “are doing everything possible to hit targeted dates” for the opening of the Green Line Extension in the face of deep MBTA financial issues, a Mass. Department of Transportation spokeswoman said.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

Monday 12/5 is the Ward 2 ResiStat meeting.
Union Square, Brickbottom, Perry Park, Lincoln Park, Somerville Ave. corridor

Mayor Curtatone and Alderman Heuston invite you to a community meeting to discuss the latest city…

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.

Although there appears to be  a lot of neighborly opposition to SCC’s 181 Washington Street proposed development at this time, the Boston Society of Architects is calling it an “active project.” Below, information about the…

On Thursday, 6 pm, November 3rd, at the VNA, 259 Lowell St., the Board of Aldermen’s Public Safety Committee will discuss the Administration’s disinclination to implement a promised Bicycle Safety Campaign for the city’s cyclists…

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Are you a fan of Marshmallow Fluff? Does it remind you of childhood memories of having the perfect combination of a Fluffernutter, do you dream about it swirled into Nutella for a delectable, chocolate, “fluffy”…

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

So far—and rightfully so—Somerville activists have framed proposed development of 378-382 Somerville Avenue as a displacement issue. As predicted, the advent of the Green Line to Union Square would mean gentrification; 378-382 Somerville Avenue, site of proposed luxury condos, is the first incursion.…

Collaboration beats what we see in Congress, and…in…the Planning Board’s “solution” to Union Square affordable housing.

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.

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.

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

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.

As the plan slowly creeps forward to the urban infill project in Union Square, residents, business owners and visitors are going to have an exceedingly hard time finding parking in and around the area.  It…

On the heels of Tom Waits’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, P.A.’s Lounge hosts a Tom Waits Tribute on April 30, 2011 to benefit the Somerville Homeless Coalition.

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

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.

SOMERVILLE – 02/15/2011 — Best Rate Insurance today announced that it has donated $500 to the Somerville Homeless Coalition. As part of the Arbella Insurance Group Charitable Foundation’s “Let’s Drive Out Hunger” program, Arbella matched the donation two-to-one, resulting in a total contribution of $1,500 to the Somerville Homeless Coalition.…

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.

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.

On Saturday, December 4th, Somerville comes alive with a bounty of holiday shopping.  An array craft markets and retail events all taking place this day makes Somerville the place to find something for everyone on…

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.

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

Last week I was riding through Union Square with my daughter on the back of our tandem bicycle. As I pulled up to stop at the red light, a woman rolled down the window on her mini-van/SUV and screamed at us: “Do NOT ride on this road with that kid!” Her tone and facial expression overflowed with anger and hostility as she whipped around the corner staring daggers.…

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

At this meeting, citizens will evaluate professional designs and documentation for the Green stations in your neighborhood.

This meeting is important because it begins work on sustainable station designs for the Green Line Extension.

This meeting is important because it provides background information on sustainable station designs for the Green Line Extension.

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.

On April 22, 2010, between 5:55 a.m. and approximately 7:21 a.m., power was out in Somerville.  NStar’s explanation is that a manhole blew and there was a fire. This writer experienced the effects in Ward…