
Plan establishes the annual funding allocations for Community Preservation Act funds;
Workshop offers tips on how to apply for funding
Continue reading COMMUNITY PRESERVATION PLAN HEARING & PRE-APPLICATION WORKSHOP ON APRIL 25

Plan establishes the annual funding allocations for Community Preservation Act funds;
Workshop offers tips on how to apply for funding
Continue reading COMMUNITY PRESERVATION PLAN HEARING & PRE-APPLICATION WORKSHOP ON APRIL 25

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS FRIDAY, April 13, the 103rd day of 2018 with 262 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:06 and sunset is @ 7:22. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1598 – King Henry IV of France signed the Edict of Nantes which granted political rights to French Protestant Huguenots. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Photos by Frankie Saint
By William Tauro
Somerville Firefighters jumped into action battling a blaze as a city owned hydraulic boom truck burst into flames early Friday morning at the Somerville Department of Public Works. Continue reading City Truck Fire at Somerville DPW Yard
GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS THURSDAY, April 12, the 102nd day of 2018 with 263 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:08 and sunset is @ 7:21. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1096 – Peter the Hermit gathered his army in Cologne.
1204 – The Fourth Crusade sacked Constantinople. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

By Frank A. Scimone
Frank J. Scimone was at one time known as the “Mayor of Teele Square” in the days when the brawls at “Old Jumbo’s” dominated the Somerville News. Frank’s Insurance Agency was located across the street within a bird’s eye view of this neighborhood “bar” where matters were settled, “bread was broken” and cold beers drank. Continue reading Not You’re Average “Nephew” Public Safety Professional “Sworn To Serve and Protect”-The Frank J. Scimone Story

Dear Billy T and Somerville Speakup Line,
Please share my letter to the Somerville Board of Aldermen regarding their proposed Demolition Review Ordinance aka “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.”
Continue reading Somerville Speakup Line: Demolition Review Ordinance – A Wolf in Sheeps Clothing

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, April 11, the 101st day of 2018 with 264 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:1 and sunset is @ 7:1. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1512 – The forces of the Holy League were heavily defeated by the French at the Battle of Ravenna. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

In recognition of Fair Housing Month, the City of Somerville’s Fair Housing Commission invites the public to a community information session on Tuesday, April 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m. on why it is important for renters and buyers, as well as landlords and owners, to understand Fair Housing, and how it can protect you. Continue reading Somerville Fair Housing Information Session, 4/24


“Blades” the Boston Bruins mascot was in the house again as Lyric’s Champs Skating Club wrapped up our fourth skating season!
Continue reading Lyric’s Champs Wraps Up 4th Successful Season

On Wednesday April 11th. City Hall @ 6:00 P.M. Tomorrow the Board of Alderman will continue their discussion on the TRANSFER TAX. The public is invited but there is no public testimony being taken.
Continue reading Somerville Speakup Line: Tax Transfer legislative Matters Meeting # 2


Dear Billy T and Somerville Speakup Line,
I attended the meeting last night to discuss the transfer tax by the Board of Aldermen.

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUESDAY, April 10, the 100th day of 2018 with 265 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:11 and sunset is @ 7:19. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1741 – Frederick II of Prussia defeated Maria Theresa’s forces at Mollwitz and conquered Silesia.
1790 – The U.S. patent system was established when U.S. President George Washington signed the Patent Act of 1790 into law. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer
Click on link below to read:April 10th, 2018 The Somerville News Weekly Print Edition Online April 10th, 2018 The Somerville News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)



368 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA 02145
617-776-3311- Office * 617-438-2460 – Cell
617-591-8332 -Fax
https://www.verani.com/agent/Jack-Lister
Jack The Lister Call Jack and start to PACK


Turn your favorite photos into “Somerville News Weekly Magic Moments!”
Sent in by our readers!
Continue reading Somerville News Weekly Magic Moments Series


(Somerville, MA) Naveo Credit Union is celebrating their 90th Anniversary throughout the year with several member-centric activities. Naveo kicked off the festivities on March 2, the day they were incorporated, with an in-branch event. Continue reading Naveo Credit Union Celebrates 90th Anniversary With Member-Centric Activities

Scott Foster, the son of Herb and Diane Foster was born in 1971 He was the first person born in Massachusetts to be diagnosed with Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) by the state’s newborn screening program a href=”#”link/a.
Continue reading 2018 Million Dollar Bike Ride For MSUD Remembering Scott Foster

WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan today has filed an amicus letter with the Supreme Judicial Court urging the court to reserve and report the petition, SJ-2018-0119, A Petition for Writ of Protection Pursuant to G.L. c. 211, § 3, urging the Supreme Judicial Court to preserve the right of all persons to access the courts of this Commonwealth without fear of civil arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on unrelated civil immigration matters.


On April 8, 2018 at approx 3:14 pm, while in marked unit E4 and in full uniform, I was dispatched to xx Wheatland Street for a motor vehicle break in progress and that the suspect was being detained. Also dispatched was Car E1, Officer Alex Lorenti. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Keith FRANCEY (B&E Mis, Mal Defacement Prop)

Many Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville! Happy Birthday greetings go out to Riane Scirocco, Carol Foley, Steve Mac, Gary J. Forestier, Marty Walsh, John Oconnor, Courtney Hamel, Laila F. Ratla, Joseph Jeffres, Kevin Kaufman, Diane LeBlanc, Mike Sorrentino, Edward Abate, Maria Tamagna, Leah Trasher, Larry Rogers, Paul Anderson, Kathy Webber, Rob Dellanno and and Happy 1st Birthday to little Sophia!
Sent in Somerville by our readers!
Continue reading The Somerville News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week

By William Tauro
Two Somerville sisters, Judy and Nancy Medeiros, who are two of the hearts and souls of the organization, “Somerville Overcoming Addiction” who have be icons in the City of Somerville, looking out for our citizen’s and their children’s health and well being for years.
Continue reading SPECIAL PERSONS OF THE WEEK JUDY AND NANCY MEDEIROS


The Board of Alderman Legislative Matters Transfer Tax meeting will be held tonight April 9 th. @ 6:00 P.M. in City Hall. Continue reading Board of Alderman Legislative Matters Transfer Tax Meeting Tonight

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, April 09, the 99th day of 2018 with 266 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:13 and sunset is @ 7:17. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 0193 – In the Balkans, the distinguished soldier Septimius Seversus was proclaimed emperor by the army in Illyricum. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

Our condolences go out to friends and family of John Kreimeyer on his passing this past week. Continue reading Somerville Remembering John Kreimeyer


Dear Billy T and Somerville Speakup Line,
Here are some questions for Mark Niedergang, Ward 5 Alderman, Somerville by Bruce B.Cohen
How many jobs have you created in Ward 5 since you have been elected to office.

Judy Locchi Jacobs says:
Why did the junior high schools in Somerville close? Was it because the buildings were in bad repair?
They were left in disrepair so they could be sold off to developers— also we now have more childless couples and single transients who dominate the population of our city.
Continue reading Somerville News Weekly Top Comments of the Week


By Bob Katzen
Senate 14-22, rejected an amendment requiring that 50 percent of the estimated $34.5 million in additional state revenue generated from the short-term rental tax go to the state’s General Fund, 25 percent to education aid for cities and towns and 25 percent in unrestricted local aid to cities and towns.
Continue reading SENATE REJECTS MORE LOCAL AID FOR CITIES AND TOWNS

By Bob Katzen
Senate 31-6, approved a bill that extends the state’s current 5.7 percent hotel and motel tax and the local option room occupancy tax to short-term rentals offered by Airbnb, HomeAway and VRBO while leaving the regulation of these rentals including registration, licensing and inspections up to local cities and towns.

By Bob Katzen
House 145-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill authorizing $200 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state. The package is a bond bill under which the funding would be borrowed by the state through the sale of bonds.
Continue reading HOUSE APPROVES $200 MILLION FOR LOCAL ROADS AND BRIDGES

By Bob Katzen
THE HOUSE AND SENATE. Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators’ and representatives’ votes on roll calls from the week of April 2-6.
Continue reading Beacon Hill Roll Call Volume 43 – Report No. 14 April 2-6, 2018

SustainaVille Week celebrates sustainability and climate action here in Somerville. Continue reading Somerville April 21-29: SustainaVille Week

The arrival of spring marks the beginning of construction season, which has its pros and cons. The biggest pro is that once work is done, the City has an improved road, sidewalk, sewer pipe, park, etc. Continue reading Don’t Forget Local Businesses During Construction

Join us on April 16 for Colonial-era games for kids, music, refreshments, poetry readings, and a visit from Paul Revere on horseback as he rides from Boston to Lexington through Somerville. This celebration takes place at Foss Park – along the route of Revere’s famous midnight ride – from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Come dressed in Colonial clothing (if you want)! Continue reading Patriots’ Day In Somerville April 16

The Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program is now accepting applications. This program places more than 100 teens in summer jobs throughout Somerville – in fields such as recreation, retail, library services, office administration and public works. It’s a great way to earn some money and build a resume.

Thank you to everyone who has sent me emails and provide testimony regarding their thoughts/ideas on the Real Estate Transfer Tax.


By William Tauro
There were two very important and well attended meetings that took place this past week in Somerville.
Continue reading Somerville City Hall Property Owners and Tenants Face-Off In Record Numbers

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Raymond C. Devereaux on his passing this past week. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Raymond Devereaux 1929 – 2018

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS SATURDAY, April 07, the 97th day of 2018 with 268 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:16 and sunset is @ 7:15. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1712 – A slave revolt broke out in New York City. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer


Dear Billy T and Somerville Speakup Line,
FRIT should be paying more towards affordable housing. Losing the 20% promised to those counting on the units, then dropped to 12%, then 6%, then told the units will be scattered throughout the city (I’m guessing under the control of SCC), is what taxpayers are upset about.
Continue reading Somerville Speakup Line:FRIT Dodged the Bullet But Taxpayers Took That Hit Again

BOSTON, MA – Yesterday the House and Senate passed S. 2371 which makes major changes to modernize Massachusetts’s criminal justice system and reform the state’s policies that contribute to mass incarceration. Continue reading SOMERVILLE REPRESENTATIVE DENISE PROVOST JOINS WITH COLLEAGUES TO PASS COMPREHENSIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM

WHAT: Celtic Concert presented WGBH’s Brian O’Donovan
WHO: Jamie Laval, U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion

Two sessions planned for April 12, 19 to discuss locations and guidelines for new local regulations.
Join the City of Somerville’s Planning Department to discuss how recreational marijuana establishments might be permitted in Somerville. Continue reading Somerville to Host Public Discussions on Recreational Marijuana Guidelines in April

The City of Somerville Tree Warden invites all interested residents and community members to a public hearing on Monday, April 23, to discuss the upcoming removal of six trees as part of the construction process for the Beacon Street Reconstruction Project. Continue reading Somerville Public Hearing to Discuss Removal of Remaining Trees for Beacon Street Reconstruction Project, April 23


Dear Community Partner,
I’m writing today with an exciting opportunity for the youth that you serve!

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS FRIDAY, April 06, the 96th day of 2018 with 269 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:18 and sunset is @ 7:14. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1199 – English King Richard I was killed by an arrow at the siege of the castle of Chaluz in France. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer


As one of many Somerville homeowners and residents who showed up at city hall to oppose the home rule petition. I want to thank everyone who attended or spoke at the meeting, sent emails, wrote letters or watched it live.
Continue reading Somerville Speakup Line: Where Do We Go From Here

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS THURSDAY, April 05, the 95th day of 2018 with 270 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:20 and sunset is @ 7:13. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1242 – Russian troops repelled an invasion attempt by the Teutonic Knights. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer


Video of 4/4/2018 Realestate Transfer Fee Meeting Legislative Matters Committee
Committee of the Whole
4/4/2018 6:00 PM
Aldermanic Chambers,Somerville City Hall,
Continue reading Somerville Video Recording of 4/4/2018 RealEstate Transfer Fee Meeting at City Hall


Welcome to another episode of The Somerville News Weekly’s SPEAKUP LINE ROUND TABLE with Billy Tauro
With Special guest Jessica Brayden Executive Director of RESPOND Inc.

.
SAY “NO”! TRANSFER TAX.
Tonight, property owners will be voicing concerns about why the transfer tax will hurt many home and commercial property owners. We expect there to be opposition by those who don’t understand how this tax will negatively effect our community.

Activities to include Spring Cleanup & BBQ, Green Energy at Home Info Session, Wind Turbine Tour, Mystic River Climate Resilience Panel Discussion, Clothing Upcycling Workshop and More

Dear Billy T and Somerville Speakup Line,
I rent, which means I pay someone else’s mortgage. They gain equity and I gain nothing. They will get an ENORMOUS amount of profit when this crumbling old building is sold and I will get nothing.
Continue reading Somerville Speakup Line: We Aren’t Really All In This Together

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS WEDNESDAY, April 04, the 94th day of 2018 with 271 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:21 and sunset is @ 7:12. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 0896 – Formosus ended his reign as pope. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer


Somerville Board Of Aldermen: You Are About To Vote on a Proposed Zoning Overhaul and We The Homeowners, Residents, and Voters of Somerville are Asking That You Remove the Arbitrary Prohibition on More Than Four Unrelated Persons Living Together in a Dwelling. Continue reading SOMERVILLE PETITION TO ALLOW MORE THAN 4 UNRELATED PEOPLE TO OCCUPY A DWELLING


Click on link below then click on video to view meeting in its entirety:
http://somervillecityma.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=2606
Continue reading April 3rd, 2018 Somerville Public Hearing on Zoning Video

Mark
TX for your message. A few thoughts and observations come to mind in response to your email.
You mentioned in your email that: “…, there will be a brief presentation by Tim Snyder that just explains the process for the HRP and then doing an ordinance if the HRP passes the legislature, and the highlights of what is actually in the current draft of the HRP. Continue reading John M. ‘Jack’ Connolly’s Letter to Somerville BOA Re: Transfer Tax Public Hearing Wed 4/4/18 @ 6pm Process and Procedure

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS TUESDAY, April 03, the 93rd day of 2018 with 272 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:23 and sunset is @ 7:11. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1513 – Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon landed in Florida. He had sighted the land the day before. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer


Turn your favorite photos into “Somerville News Weekly Magic Moments!”
Sent in by our readers!
Continue reading Somerville News Weekly Magic Moments Series

Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Jane Doucette on her passing. Continue reading Somerville Remembering Jane Doucette


Many Villens celebrating their birthdays this week in the Ville! Happy Birthday greetings go out to Billy Burke, Michael R. Foster, Denise Mckenna, Ian Talty, Joanna Costante Callinan, Jerry Lorenzo, Al Davidson, Dean Cavaretta, Dan Mosher, Gene Leonard, Jim Younker, Robert Campbell, Jim Tatosky, Suzanne Burroughs-Eaton, Jonathan Doran, Anthony DaSilva Perkins, Jacquelyn Piacentini Morin, Jason Oliveira, Mickey McPhee, Diane Scirocco, Happy 22nd Birthday to the Horan Twins Ashley and Shaley, Happy 34th Birthday to Nikki Desautels and Happy 82nd Birthday to Dick Murdza
Sent in by our readers!
Continue reading The Somerville News Weekly Favorite Birthday Photos of the Week
Meet this week’s Special Person of the Week Jesse Clingan
This week we recognize an amazing person, Jesse Clingan, a lifelong Somerville resident who’s heart and soul is dedicated in his voluntary assisting and support of his fellow Somervillians.
Continue reading THE SOMERVILLE NEWS WEEKLY’S SPECIAL PERSON OF THE WEEK JESSE CLINGAN


On Sunday, 4/1/2018, I, Officer Haley, was in full-uniform and assigned to marked unit West 6. At approximately 1:00 AM, I was dispatched to a call for a possible drunk male banging on a door at xx Wallace St. Marked units West 7, Officer McLaughlin, and Sector West, Officer Torres, were also dispatched as backup. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Dylan SHALLOW (Mal Destr Prop +, Possession E)


On March 30, 2018, at approximately 14:05 hours, I was contacted by XXXXX Loss Prevention, requesting my assistance with a male shoplifter. Officer Schneider and I made our way, and located the suspect, later identified as Jayson FERGUSON, inside the loss prevention office.
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Jayson FERGUSON (Shoplifting, RSP…)


On Thursday, March 29, 2018, I was assigned to marked unit East-4 and on routine patrol. At approximately 8:55 PM, I was traveling westbound on Broadway – a public way within the City of Somerville. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Jason ESCOBAR (Firearm Carry w/Ammo, Firearm Carry w/o License…)


On Wednesday, 03/28/2018, I, Officer DiFava, was on duty for the Somerville Police operating marked cruiser 786. At approximately 2346 hrs, I was dispatched to x College Avenue for a report of a robbery. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Evan CARPENITO (Unarmed Robbery, Witness Intimidate)


On Tuesday, March 27, 2018 while on full patrol uniform, assigned to cruiser 781, I (Officer Edna DaCosta) and my partner (Patrick Canty) were dispatched to xx Moreland St. for an Assault with a Dangerous Weapon call. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: Jonathan MACHADO (ADW)


Hi Friends,
I hope you are all well. Just a reminder the hearing on the proposed “Real Estate Transfer Fee” will be at Somerville City Hall on Wednesday, April 4 a 6:00 PM.
Continue reading Somerville Speakup Line:Transfer Fee Hearing Reminder Wednesday, April 4th,6:00 PM

Please join us
Business After Hours at MidiCi The Neapolitan Pizza Company Continue reading Somerville Chamber of Commerce RSVP After Hours at Assembly Row Thursday, April 5

Dogs and cats in Somerville are required to have a rabies vaccine. This clinic is an affordable way to get one. Vaccines cost $10 for both cats and dogs. It’s also a chance to register your dog. The event is from 10 a.m. to noon at the Department of Public Works

This public hearing concerns a proposal to charge a fee of up to 1 percent on the sale price of property. Continue reading Somerville 4/4: Public Hearing on Proposed Real Estate Transfer Fee

We encourage you to attend this important public hearing about the proposed overhaul to Somerville’s zoning code. It takes place on Tuesday, April 3, at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Conway Field has been temporarily closed after pre-renovation soil testing revealed some instances of lead and PCB contamination that exceeded regulatory limits. Soil testing in the adjacent playground revealed no contamination exceeding limits, but the playground is also closed temporarily as a precautionary measure. To comply with state and federal regulations, Somerville will conduct more tests and determine next steps for remediation.

After the winter hiatus, street sweeping resumes on Monday, April 2. To avoid a $50 ticket, make sure to move your car on designated street sweeping days in your neighborhood. Information is posted on parking signs throughout Somerville.
Continue reading Somerville Street Sweeping Begins Monday April 2nd

GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS MONDAY, April 02, the 92nd day of 2018 with 273 to follow. Sunrise in the Boston area is @ 6:25 and sunset is @ 7:10. The moon is waning. The morning stars are stars are Jupiter, Mars, Mercury & Saturn. The evening stars are Neptune, Uranus & Venus.
ON THIS DAY IN: 1513 – Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon sighted Florida. The next day he went ashore. Continue reading GOOD MORNING – TODAY IS by John Dwyer

The Somerville Lion’s Club invites you to join us in a visit to the Past, Present, and Beyond
Continue reading A Night of Spiritual Reading In Somerville for Charity