Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Iced Dunkin Donuts Cup Thrown Through Window After Somerville Fireworks

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

Some kid last night after the fireworks threw an iced Dunkin’ Donuts cup right through a screen window on the second floor. I went downstairs, but they were gone. No neighbors outside on their steps said anything. I have the dunks order number. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Iced Dunkin Donuts Cup Thrown Through Window After Somerville Fireworks

Shooting Victim Transported From Somerville

Photo by John Alan Roderick

By William Tauro

At about 8 PM on Wednesday night, a medium colored sedan pulled up in front of the rear of the old Somerville Hospital located at 33 Tower Street. Two black males exited the vehicle then immediately the passenger collapsed to the ground wearing a bloody T-shirt, an apparent victim of a shooting. Continue reading Shooting Victim Transported From Somerville

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

“The clerk will modify the members and tell them that a roll call is in progress.”
—The closed captioning words that appeared on the screen of the live coverage online of the House of Representatives when the speaker announced, “The clerk will NOTIFY the members and tell them that a roll call is in progress.”
Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

ILLEGAL FIREWORKS (H 3634)

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would amend current law which imposes a fine between $10 and $100 on anyone convicted of illegal possession or use of fireworks. The bill would increase the penalty, in areas with a population density of 1,000 or more persons per square mile, to a fine of between $200 and $500 and/or a prison sentence or up to six months. Continue reading ILLEGAL FIREWORKS (H 3634)

MAKE PAPER BAG FEE OPTIONAL (S 2830)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 8-30, rejected an amendment that would make the up to 10 cent fee for paper bags optional for retailers to charge. The amendment would replace a section of the bill that requires stores to charge 10 cents for recycled paper bags with 5 cents retained by the retailer and 5 cents used to fund environmental protection measures.
Continue reading MAKE PAPER BAG FEE OPTIONAL (S 2830)

BAN SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS AND MORE (S 2830)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 38-2, approved a bill that would ban single-use plastic bags; make straws and plastic utensils available by request only; require stores to charge 10 cents for recycled paper bags with 5 cents retained by the retailer and 5 cents used to fund environmental protection measures; make it easier to recycle; create a statewide program for recycling large plastic objects including car seats; prohibit single-use plastic bottle purchases by state agencies; require do-not-flush labeling for non-flushable wipes made of plastic; and implement statewide composting.
Continue reading BAN SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BAGS AND MORE (S 2830)

Somerville Celebrating Five-Year Anniversary of Nibble Kitchen Restaurant and Business Incubator Community Invited to Join NibbleFest Celebration on Sunday, June 30, from 12-4 p.m. at Bow Market

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Arts Council are inviting the community to NibbleFest, a celebration of Nibble Kitchen’s five-year anniversary at Bow Market, on Sunday, June 30, from 12-4 p.m. at Bow Market (entrance by 345 Somerville Ave). Continue reading Somerville Celebrating Five-Year Anniversary of Nibble Kitchen Restaurant and Business Incubator Community Invited to Join NibbleFest Celebration on Sunday, June 30, from 12-4 p.m. at Bow Market

Mayor Ballantyne Announces New Union Agreement Increasing Pay & Benefits for Fire Alarm Unit

Improved wages and benefits codified in new union contract

SOMERVILLE—Mayor Katjana Ballantyne on behalf of the City of Somerville has reached a new agreement with the union representing its Fire Alarm Operators for a new contract, providing improved wages and benefits for a valued set of City workers.
Continue reading Mayor Ballantyne Announces New Union Agreement Increasing Pay & Benefits for Fire Alarm Unit

Somerville/Medford Remembering Palmacci, Patricia L. (Bears)

Palmacci, Patricia L. (Bears)- Of Somerville, passed away at home on Friday, June 21, 2024. She was 84 years old.

Complete obit to be posted.

A Funeral Procession from the George L. Doherty Funeral Home will be held on Monday, July 1st at 9:30 AM. Followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Clement Church, 64 Warner St., Medford at 10:30 AM. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Palmacci, Patricia L. (Bears)

Somerville Invited to Join Fourth of July Community Fireworks Celebration

Community Party Including Music, Food, and Fireworks Will Begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 27

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is inviting Somerville to kick off their Fourth of July festivities by joining Somerville’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration at Trum Field (541 Broadway) on Thursday, June 27 (rain date Friday, June 28). Continue reading Somerville Invited to Join Fourth of July Community Fireworks Celebration

DISABILITY PENSION FOR POLICE OFFICERS (H 2536)

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would provide a 100 percent regular compensation pension benefit for police officers who have suffered a Violent Act Injury — defined as “a serious and permanent personal bodily injury sustained as a direct and proximate result of a violent attack upon a person by means of a dangerous weapon, including a firearm, knife, automobile, explosive device or other dangerous weapon.” Continue reading DISABILITY PENSION FOR POLICE OFFICERS (H 2536)

Extreme Heat Expected in Somerville June 18-21: Take Steps to Stay Safe and Cool

SOMERVILLE – Extreme heat, that is unusual for our area this early in the summer, is expected in Somerville and the region this week. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Tuesday afternoon, and an Excessive Heat Watch for Wednesday afternoon through Friday evening. Community members are urged to take precautions to stay safe and healthy as temperatures are currently expected to rise well into the 90s, possibly approaching 100 degrees this week.
Temperatures are forecast to feel hotter than 100 degrees at times, potentially rising to a heat index (how temperatures feel) of 106 degrees. Taking steps to keep cool and safe is very important during excessive heat. Continue reading Extreme Heat Expected in Somerville June 18-21: Take Steps to Stay Safe and Cool

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $15 Million in Skills Capital Grants

Funds will support 65 high schools, colleges, and educational institutions in upgrading technology and lab spaces, expanding career programs for young people and adults

MARLBOROUGH – The Healey-Driscoll administration announced that it is awarding nearly $15 million in Skills Capital Grants to 65 high schools, colleges, and educational institutions. This funding, announced at Assabet Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School, will support schools and institutions to upgrade technology and instructional lab spaces, expand career programs for young people and adults, and increase capacity in workforce training programs across Massachusetts. Continue reading Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $15 Million in Skills Capital Grants

MBTA Board Approves Capital Investment Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2029

The Fiscal Years 2025-2029 MBTA Capital Investment Plan includes all planned capital investments over the next five years.

BOSTON – The MBTA Board of Directors today unanimously approved the Fiscal Years 2025-2029 MBTA Capital Investment Plan (FY25-29 MBTA CIP). The FY25-29 MBTA CIP includes over 640 unique capital projects to modernize, expand, and increase the safety and reliability of the MBTA transit network with a programmed spend of $9.6 billion over the next five fiscal years, including $843 million in new funding.
Continue reading MBTA Board Approves Capital Investment Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2029

City of Somerville and CultureHouse Transforming Homans Lot in Gilman Square into a Vibrant Outdoor Community Space This Summer

Gilman Park’s June grand opening party will feature food and beverages, lawn games, a vintage market, and more

SOMERVILLE — Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is announcing a partnership with CultureHouse to transform 350 Medford Street in Gilman Square, known colloquially as the “Homans Lot,” into a dynamic outdoor community space called “Gilman Park” from June through September 2024. This initiative will bring a vibrant, inclusive gathering space to life, fostering connections among residents, local organizations, and businesses. Continue reading City of Somerville and CultureHouse Transforming Homans Lot in Gilman Square into a Vibrant Outdoor Community Space This Summer

APPEAL MBTA COMMUNITIES ACT (H 4707)

By Bob Katzen

House 32-126, rejected an amendment that would require the Department of Housing and Community Development to develop and promulgate regulations allowing a city or town affected by the zoning provisions of the MBTA Communities Act to appeal for relief from those provisions. Any appeal would have to be based on at least one of the following criteria: the community’s inability to meet the drinking water supply or wastewater requirements necessary to support the housing units authorized by the law’s zoning provisions; the inability of municipal transportation infrastructure to safely accommodate the increased population attributable to this housing development; any adverse environmental impacts attributable to the development of housing units under this act; and any adverse impacts on historic properties. Continue reading APPEAL MBTA COMMUNITIES ACT (H 4707)

WAIVER FROM MBTA COMMUNITIES ACT (H 4077)

By Bob Katzen

The House 27-130, rejected an amendment that would waive the requirements of the MBTA Communities Act for cities and towns that have met their Chapter 40B affordable housing threshold. The Chapter 40B law enables local Zoning Boards of Appeals to approve affordable housing developments under flexible rules if at least 20 percent to 25 percent of the units have long-term affordability restrictions.
Continue reading WAIVER FROM MBTA COMMUNITIES ACT (H 4077)

Somerville/Medford Remembering Mathilde LeFleur

Obituary
Sunrise: November 11, 1931 – Sunset: May 31, 2024

Mathilde LaFleur “Grun, Ti Mat, Grun Tutoon, Coco”- With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Mathilde LaFleur, affectionately known as “Grun, Ti Mat, Grun Tutoon, Coco,” who departed this life peacefully on May 31, 2024, at the age of 92 in Malden, Massachusetts. Born on November 11, 1931, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Mathilde lived a life rich in love, faith, and community service. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Mathilde LeFleur

Commemorating Juneteenth in Somerville Juneteenth flag raising at Somerville City Hall concourse in 2023

Sometimes called Black Independence Day, Freedom Day, or Liberation Day, Juneteenth, June 19, has been continually celebrated since 1865, when news reached Galveston, Texas, that all enslaved persons had been declared free.
Continue reading Commemorating Juneteenth in Somerville Juneteenth flag raising at Somerville City Hall concourse in 2023

Where Is Our Old Assembly Square Ford Plant Water Tower?

By William Tauro
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What’s in a name? Assembly Square in Somerville was named for the 52-acre Ford assembly plant that used to operate in the area. The factory closed in 1958, but the name still sticks, as the vicinity transformed into the new now “Assembly Row” shopping complex, apartments, and MBTA station! Continue reading Where Is Our Old Assembly Square Ford Plant Water Tower?

Somerville Firefighters 2024 Memorial Sunday

By William Tauro

Firefighter’s Memorial Sunday ceremonies took place on Sunday, June 9th. Ceremonies began with a wreath laying ceremony at 8:30am at the Arrow Paper Fire Memorial located at 101 South Street. Attendees were requested to then proceed to the Lowell Street Fire Station located at
651 Somerville Ave at 9:15am to honor all of our members who died in the line of duty, as well as our retirees who passed away during the past year. Continue reading Somerville Firefighters 2024 Memorial Sunday

Kiwanis Club of Somerville Award Twelve Scholarships

Pictured L-R: Kiwanis President Dean Austin; First row-Sophia Robbins, Yasmin Nazhar, Emely Portillo-Pena; Second row- Christopher Hopkin, Kyle Ray-Dutra and Kiwanis Scholarship Chairman, Past President Anthony Ciccariello.

SOMERVILLE_The Kiwanis Club of Somerville awarded twelve $1,000 scholarships to deserving Somerville High School students this week. The students were selected from among seventy-five applicants for the annual awards. Six of those students were able to join us today for the club’s annual scholarship luncheon at the Mount Vernon Restaurant. Continue reading Kiwanis Club of Somerville Award Twelve Scholarships

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Corrupt, Illegal and Unethical Practices at the South Middlesex Registry of Deeds

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

I’m a very concerned citizen and affiliate who has daily interactions at the Registry of Deeds for your opponent Maria Curtatone…..if you want some information to help your campaign I’m sure I can provide some useful news and this is what I have been told……I am also a concerned property owner in Middlesex South District…..who is very concerned for my friend because I believe my friend is a target and is afraid for their job. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Corrupt, Illegal and Unethical Practices at the South Middlesex Registry of Deeds

The Week’s Quotable Quotes On Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

“As Massachusetts seeks to address soaring housing prices and rising rents that harm our residents, families and businesses, my office has unique tools to help address the crisis, and we intend to do our part. By establishing the Housing Affordability Unit and appointing Esme Caramello, who has deep expertise in housing, my office is committed to using all of our tools to ensure more safe and affordable housing opportunities for all.” Continue reading The Week’s Quotable Quotes On Beacon Hill

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE (H 3515)

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would amend the state’s current veterans’ preference law which places veterans who pass the exam at the top of the eligibility list for civil service positions. The current order is: disabled veterans, veterans and spouses or single parents of veterans who were killed in action or who died from a service-connected disability incurred during wartime service, provided that the spouse or parent has not remarried. Continue reading VETERANS’ PREFERENCE (H 3515)

RESTRICT CARRYING GUNS (H 2305)

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that would prohibit anyone, except on-duty law enforcement officers, from carrying a firearm in any state or local government-owned building, polling place or demonstration. The measure imposes up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to a 2-year prison sentence on violators and allows law enforcement officers to arrest, without a warrant, anyone who violates this law.
Continue reading RESTRICT CARRYING GUNS (H 2305)

RENAME THE OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Maura Healey filed legislation that would change the name of the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Executive Office of Aging and Independence. The proposal also replaces outdated language in the state’s lawbooks, including changing “elderly persons,” to “older adults” and “handicapped” to “adults with a disability.” The new legislation also incorporates gender-neutral language into current law.
Continue reading RENAME THE OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS

COMBAT ANTISEMITISM (S 4)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved an amendment that would require the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to make resources, curriculum and professional development available to schools on antisemitism and the harm that it causes. The amendment also establishes and regulates a special commission on combating antisemitism in the Bay State.
Continue reading COMBAT ANTISEMITISM (S 4)

Somerville Community Invited to Immigrant Workers’ Rights Fair on Saturday, June 8

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Somerville’s SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs, and the Somerville Worker Center, in partnership with the Brazilian Worker Center and the Brazilian Women’s Group, are announcing a free immigrant workers’ rights fair on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Somerville Worker Center located at 530 Mystic Ave, Suite 111. Continue reading Somerville Community Invited to Immigrant Workers’ Rights Fair on Saturday, June 8

Applications Now Open for Two Income-Restricted Somerville Rental Apartments at 205 Beacon Street

    SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD), in partnership with 717-719 Washington St, LLC, are pleased to announce an income-restricted rental opportunity of two (2) 2-bedroom apartments.

    Continue reading Applications Now Open for Two Income-Restricted Somerville Rental Apartments at 205 Beacon Street

Central Street between Summer Street and Highland Avenue to Become One-Way (Northbound) for Vehicle Traffic on Monday, June 17 or Soon After

Change will precede construction of streetscape improvements including new sidewalks, cycle tracks in each direction, and new tree plantings.

SOMERVILLE – Beginning on Monday, June 17 or soon after, the segment of Central Street between Summer Street and Highland Avenue will become a permanently one-way northbound (travel from Summer St. north toward Highland Ave.) street for vehicle traffic.
Continue reading Central Street between Summer Street and Highland Avenue to Become One-Way (Northbound) for Vehicle Traffic on Monday, June 17 or Soon After

Attend the Morrison Ave. Flood Relief & Water Quality Open House on June 10

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 6 Councilor Lance Davis, and Ward 5 Councilor Naima Sait, and the City of Somerville’s Engineering Division are inviting the community to an open house on flood relief and water quality improvement efforts planned for Morrison Avenue (Cedar Street to Grove Street) and the surrounding neighborhood.
Continue reading Attend the Morrison Ave. Flood Relief & Water Quality Open House on June 10

Fueling the Future: Somerville to Implement Charging Fees for Electric Vehicles

Charge4Charge aims to help City invest in future electric vehicle charging infrastructure

SOMERVILLE– The City of Somerville is announcing that starting Monday, July 1, 2024 a fee of $0.25 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will be implemented at all City-owned electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, aligning with neighboring communities including Boston, Cambridge, Medford, and Arlington. Continue reading Fueling the Future: Somerville to Implement Charging Fees for Electric Vehicles