Monthly Archives: August 2023

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Letter to the Editor:Somerville Needs Help Desperately

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I grew up in Somerville, when I was young I remember the parades, Americas city, seeing” JAWS” at The Somerville Theater then going to Mikes for a slice and an orange Fanta soda, even the big puddles we would call our own pool at the North Street Projects was a good time for us. Summer in the City concerts and watching Somerville Dance Party was a thing for me as it was a time to see your friends and family.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Letter to the Editor:Somerville Needs Help Desperately →

Somerville Mayor, Staff and School Superintendent Deliver Empty Suit Answers

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Questions and Answers Addressing First Day of School at Tonight’s Somerville City Council Meeting

By William Tauro

My sincere observation and comment to Somerville school parents is to don’t hold your breath nor plan to celebrate with the first day of school that’s just around the corner and one week away!
Continue reading Somerville Mayor, Staff and School Superintendent Deliver Empty Suit Answers →

SOMERVILLE MEDIA CENTER TO MOVE TO A TEMPORARY NEW FACILITY

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AUGUST 24, 2023

The Somerville Media Center (SMC) announced today that it has secured a temporary site in Somerville effective September 1, 2023. With assistance from Rafi Properties, owner, and operator of Somernova (aka Somerville’s Innovation Hub), a 7.4 acre innovation campus and community located just outside Union Square.
Continue reading SOMERVILLE MEDIA CENTER TO MOVE TO A TEMPORARY NEW FACILITY →

GREEN ENERGY BANK (S 2170)

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By Bob Katzen

The Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee has scheduled a hearing on September 28 on a proposal that would require the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center to conduct a study of finance gaps in clean energy projects; and based on that study, to establish a “Green Bank” to provide the investment capital necessary to accelerate the deployment of a range of clean energy technologies. Continue reading GREEN ENERGY BANK (S 2170) →

STATE AUDITOR DIANA DIZOGLIO UNCOVERS $1 MILLION IN PUBLIC BENEFITS FRAUD

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By Bob Katzen

The Bureau of Special Investigations (BSI) in State Auditor’s Diana DiZoglio’s office has uncovered more than $1 million in public benefits fraud from the latest quarter of April through June, with the majority linked to cases involving the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Continue reading STATE AUDITOR DIANA DIZOGLIO UNCOVERS $1 MILLION IN PUBLIC BENEFITS FRAUD →

Questions to William Tauro From the Somerville Fair Housing Commission

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About the the Somerville Fair Housing Commission:

The Somerville Fair Housing Commission is a public body, and it does not endorse candidates, but they are delighted to give candidates the opportunity to make their views about non-discrimination in housing known to Somerville voters.

Question:1

1. Have you ever seen or personally experienced discrimination in housing (either in renting, buying, or getting a mortgage)? What did you observe, how did you handle it, and how did vou feel about it?

Billy Tauro’s Response: Continue reading Questions to William Tauro From the Somerville Fair Housing Commission →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line Responding to:SOMERVILLE SENIOR PICNIC UNTHOUGHTFUL CANCEL

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Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Tried like a lot of people.
But Just wondering why mayor did not use the reschedule rain date?
It’s not as though we live in 20th century anymore…we knew it was going to rain Tuesday last week!!! Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line Responding to:SOMERVILLE SENIOR PICNIC UNTHOUGHTFUL CANCEL →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:I’ve Emailed the Mayor; Not Response

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Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Hi Billy,

Our city has received several requests from me to trim the tree in front of my house. Why do they close my 311 requests and do nothing? I’m fed up. What can I do? They ate cutting my neighbor tree but not mine. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:I’ve Emailed the Mayor; Not Response →

If Elected This is My Plan for a Substance Abuse Center By William Tauro

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IT’S A START

By William Tauro

The current Administration wants to open up a Safe Injection Site within the city. This is only something that will add to the already growing problem nationwide of substance abuse. You cannot combat this overnight. It is a process but instead of condoning it we need to offer better, more long-term solutions to help people on a path to recovery.
Continue reading If Elected This is My Plan for a Substance Abuse Center By William Tauro →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Complaints to City Hall Always Falls on Deaf Ears

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Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

Edmands Street in Somerville that runs alongside of McGrath Highway. It’s located near the intersection of Broadway and McGrath Highway in Somerville close to Dunkin Donuts.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Complaints to City Hall Always Falls on Deaf Ears →

Somerville’s Decade Long, Ignored Homeless Situation Is Increasing Daily

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By William Tauro

Yesterday I was driving around Somerville just observing as I have been doing for the past twenty plus year as a reporter/journalist in the city that I love. I came across a group of men camping out at the Henry Hansen Memorial Park that’s located on Medford Street in Somerville. Continue reading Somerville’s Decade Long, Ignored Homeless Situation Is Increasing Daily →

Somerville Police Department Crime Log 8/8/2023 – 8/14/2023

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Assault

23045530: On 8/12/23 at approximately 12:15 AM, Somerville Police responded to 265 Broadway for report of a past robbery. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated while walking home, he was approached by a male suspect who placed a knife against his neck and demanded money. The victim then smacked the knife away and the suspect fled the area. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Crime Log 8/8/2023 – 8/14/2023 →

Medford Police Department is actively looking for Nature Moncoeur 18 of Somerville

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WANTED

Medford Police Department is actively looking for Nature Moncoeur, 18, of Somerville. Moncoeur violated his probation by cutting off his GPS ankle monitor and there is an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Moncoeur is the suspect in the assault that took place on Royall Street in Medford on July 2, 2023. Continue reading Medford Police Department is actively looking for Nature Moncoeur 18 of Somerville →

What I Would Do As Mayor At Gilman Square

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By William Tauro

For decades our elected officials dragged their feet and sat on their hands always leaving the Gilman Square Neighborhood on the back burner as they have done so in many other Somerville neighborhoods as well. This part of the city has been denied the opportunity to grow and flourish for years.

If it were up to me, I would suggest and move forward on putting the parking garage on Medford Street at the site of the collapsed garage, the old A1 Auto Body Shop. I would also push diligently to move forward in turning the dirt pit area that sits there now next to the neighborhood into a reality of the renderings that members of Gilman Square have dreamt of being accomplished as you see here in this posting. It’s a no-brainer. There will be plenty of parking for the school and Gilman Square community will thrive as a wonderful community to live, play and work in and Gilman Square would be reconnected as a vital part of our city for all to enjoy. 

Actions speak volumes and I would definitely get the job done for the betterment of Somerville. I have wonderful community improvement ideas and economical solutions for every neighborhood in our city. Continue reading What I Would Do As Mayor At Gilman Square →

FREE COLLEGE TUITION FOR KIDS RAISED BY NON-PARENTS INCLUDING GRANDPARENTS (H 1257, S 819)

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By Bob Katzen

A bill heard by the Higher Education Committee would provide tuition and fee waivers for any Bay State resident attending a Massachusetts public state university and who lives with a grandparent or other family member, other than their parents.
Continue reading FREE COLLEGE TUITION FOR KIDS RAISED BY NON-PARENTS INCLUDING GRANDPARENTS (H 1257, S 819) →

Medford 2023-2024 Hockey Season Sponsorship Information

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From Medford Youth Hockey to the National Hockey League

Re: 2023-24 Fall-Winter Season Team and Program Sponsorship:

Back in 1975, all (3) of Medford Youth Hockey programs (Medford Youth Travel Hockey, West Medford Hillside Youth Intra-City Hockey and North Medford Youth Travel Hockey) combined to become Medford Recreational Hockey Association. Continue reading Medford 2023-2024 Hockey Season Sponsorship Information →

Somerville Police Department Crime Log 8/1/2023 – 8/7/2023

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Assault

23044650: On 8/7/23 at approximately 11:10 PM, Somerville Police responded to Revolution Dr for report of a past assault. Upon arrival, officers spoke with a juvenile male who stated he was sitting inside the AMC theater and was attacked by two other juvenile males.

Residential Breaking & Entering Continue reading Somerville Police Department Crime Log 8/1/2023 – 8/7/2023 →

City Closes Winter Hill Community Innovation School Building Temporarily Due to Asbestos Findings

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Winter Hill Community Innovation School Update:
In June, the City initiated an additional building assessment of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School (WHCIS). Today, our consultant informed the City, who immediately informed Somerville Public Schools, of the unexpected presence of asbestos in material not typically found to contain asbestos. Continue reading City Closes Winter Hill Community Innovation School Building Temporarily Due to Asbestos Findings →

Winter Hill Community Innovation School Update:

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In June, the City initiated an additional building assessment of the Winter Hill Community Innovation School (WHCIS). Today, our consultant informed the City, who immediately informed Somerville Public Schools, of the unexpected presence of asbestos in material not typically found to contain asbestos. The City closed the building, which has not been currently holding classes, and it will remain closed to all until further notice as we work to investigate the findings and remediate the material. We will continue to keep our staff, families, and community updated.

For more information on the WHCIS building renovation and replacement efforts, visit http://www.somervillema.gov/WHCIS

Somerville Police Department Crime Log 7/25/2023 – 7/31/2023

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Assault

23042137: On 7/26/23 at approximately 3:14 PM, Somerville Police responded to Washington St after a male party reported that three males in a vehicle parked across the street were waiting to hurt him. Upon arrival, officers observed a white sedan flee the area after two males entered it. Officers spoke with the victim who stated three males pulled up in the vehicle and one of them displayed a firearm that was in his waistband. The victim then fled the area.

Assault Continue reading Somerville Police Department Crime Log 7/25/2023 – 7/31/2023 →

PRISON LABOR (H 1400)

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By Bob Katzen

This bill would prohibit any prisoner from being transferred to other states and being required to work on labor projects in that state. The measure was first filed in 2017 when former Bristol County Sheriff Tom Hodgson was planning to transport Bristol County prisoners across state lines to the nation’s southern border to help build former President Trump’s proposed border wall. Continue reading PRISON LABOR (H 1400) →

$375 MILLION FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES (S 2375)

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By Bob Katzen

Gov. Healey signed into law a bill that includes 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 $375 million package, a bond bill under which the funding would be borrowed by the state through the sale of bonds, also includes $175 million for several transportation-related grant programs.
Continue reading $375 MILLION FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES (S 2375) →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Dirty, Decaying Restrooms at Somerville City Hall

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Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

This is a woman’s restroom that’s located inside of Somerville City Hall! A concerned Somerville resident took these videos and sent them to me. Just look at the poor, unhealthy, conditions of this restroom. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Dirty, Decaying Restrooms at Somerville City Hall →

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Workers and long time residents are leaving due to Mayor’s incompetence and high taxes

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Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

I have lived here for 73 years and never have I seen a mayor bring down and destroy a once vibrant community as the current mayor! Her blatant disrespect and disregard for the Somerville Police and Fire Departments, for the elderly, for the poor, for veterans , for families, for the children and automobile owners, for small business owners, etc. has torn this city apart. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Workers and long time residents are leaving due to Mayor’s incompetence and high taxes →

Somerville School Closed Due To Contamination

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By William Tauro

Well, at last has something is finally being done about and taken seriously on the severity of this situation. This all taking place while our city elected officials are finally getting off their behinds and doing something about it, but it’s a little to late!

Let’s hope and pray that our students will receive the very best, healthiest, safest and top-notch education that they so highly deserve!

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Today’s Email from a Somerville Parent to Other Parents: Continue reading Somerville School Closed Due To Contamination →