All posts by thesomervillenewsweekly

Somerville Launching “Adopt-a-Drain” Program to Help Prevent Flooding

Community Encouraged to Join City’s Efforts to Keep Local Storm Drains Clear

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, in partnership with the Mystic River Watershed Association, is inviting residents and business owners to help protect the health of our local environment and reduce flooding by adopting a storm drain in their neighborhood.
Continue reading Somerville Launching “Adopt-a-Drain” Program to Help Prevent Flooding

Somerville Community Invited to West Broadway Reconstruction Community Meeting, October 23

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 7 City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld, and City staff invite you to a virtual community meeting about transportation safety improvements on Broadway between Clarendon Avenue and Alewife Brook Parkway (West Broadway). The meeting will take place Monday, October 23, at 6 p.m. on Zoom.
Continue reading Somerville Community Invited to West Broadway Reconstruction Community Meeting, October 23

Victim In Somerville Mayor’s Husband’s Restraining Order Case Speaks Out Against Him and Mayo

By Somerville/Medford News Weekly staff

In her own words Somerville mayor’s neighbor victim Gabrielle Rene speaks out:

“So the most important detail is he uses his wife’s position to intimidate us. He has literally said to us on multiple occasions that he is the mayor’s husband and we don’t know who he knows. He has made comments about our daughter and he will stand in front of our property refusing to leave while talking nonsense. When we tell him to leave or to go away he claims it’s a public sidewalk and he can do whatever he wants. All I want out of this is a sense of peace. I want him to leave us alone. Continue reading Victim In Somerville Mayor’s Husband’s Restraining Order Case Speaks Out Against Him and Mayo

Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log

Commercial Breaking & Entering

23057501: On 10/7/23 at approximately 2:55 AM, Somerville Police responded to a business in Assembly Row for a past breaking and entering. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the manager who stated the front window was smashed with a chair and the cash register was found on the ground inside. Approximately $2,000 USD was reported stolen.

Assault Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log

Judicial Inquest Report in Cambridge Fatal Police Officer-Involved Shooting Released

WOBURN – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced that, following an inquest, Judge John Coffey has issued a Report regarding the death of 20-year-old Sayed Arif Faisal. Faisal died after being shot by Cambridge Police Officer Liam McMahon on January 4, 2023, in Cambridge. The inquest was conducted between May 22-25, 2023. Continue reading Judicial Inquest Report in Cambridge Fatal Police Officer-Involved Shooting Released

Now Somerville Is Shifting Into Parent Unfriendly No-Parking Mode at Edgerly School

By William Tauro

When is enough enough?  Why can’t we just achieve something good by just using common sense instead of removing more resident necessities? It’s congested as it is by the Edgerly Education Center picking up and dropping off school children, so why do we have to make it more difficult for parents to do so? Continue reading Now Somerville Is Shifting Into Parent Unfriendly No-Parking Mode at Edgerly School

PSA Identification Needed:Somerville Police Are Asking For Your Help

The Somerville Police are asking the public’s help in identifying the pictured person of interest in three recent residential housebreaks that occurred near the Powder House Rotary. The unknown individual has been observed in homes between 12 AM and 8:30 AM by entering unlocked doors. Continue reading PSA Identification Needed:Somerville Police Are Asking For Your Help

Endorsement From The People Of Somerville

Thank you!

Endorsements

Most endorsements I don’t give much attention to as many are just not relevant. Like a movie star for a product. However it is hard to ignore the endorsements given to Mr. Tauro in his fight to become the mayor of Somerville when the very people who work for us and protect us and are responsible for saving lives here are the very ones endorsing him. Continue reading Endorsement From The People Of Somerville

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Somerville Is Messed Up

 

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

Hi Billy just a quick note but all this new road work down around Mount Vernon Street & Pearl they are eliminating several parking spots on Mt Vernon St & Pearl by putting now handicap ramps which i have no problem, but they should have been closer to the corners because all this new reflector tape these walk ways are very wide but 4 6 spots have been taken away & its unfair!

I love my city as well but I cant take it any more with traffic congestion on Broadway & McGrath. I live on Mt Pleasant but park on Mt Vernon a very lot because no driveway but I cant wait to move getting ready to sell real soon!!!

Before I have a road rage incident I’m out of here because they destroyed this place!!! Last thing why are there no rodents at Assembly Row?
That place should be loaded with them being on the Mystic and all idk or understand how they seperated with Somerville Mt Vernon & Assembly row !!! just venting but i would love to show you the parking spots that I’m telling you about if you like. Thank you and keep up your good publicity & good luck !!

Jim Hughes

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

“The Green Communities program helps our cities and towns make important investments at the local level to achieve their own climate goals and lower carbon emissions. This moves us forward on our clean energy path and lessens our reliance on volatile fossil fuels, lowering costs and risks for our communities and their residents and businesses.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

ALLOW CITIES AND TOWNS TO IMPOSE A NEW 2 PERCENT ALCOHOL TAX (S 1773)

By Bob Katzen

The Revenue Committee held a hearing on a bill that would allow cities and towns to impose a local sales tax of up to two percent on alcoholic beverages sold at retail, bars or at restaurants. Municipalities that choose to impose the local tax would be required to use the revenue generated for substance abuse prevention and for protecting the public health. Continue reading ALLOW CITIES AND TOWNS TO IMPOSE A NEW 2 PERCENT ALCOHOL TAX (S 1773)

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Mayor’s Own Neighbors Can’t Go To Her With Any Problems, Now That’s Sad!

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speak up Line,

I am writing to you with a serious concern for safety in my neighborhood, which is also the current mayor’s neighborhood. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Mayor’s Own Neighbors Can’t Go To Her With Any Problems, Now That’s Sad!

Somerville Police Department Recognizes Cheryl Delafano of the COHR program

Congratulations to Cheryl Delafano of the COHR program for her Beyond the Call of Duty award! Cheryl, a Jail Diversion Coordinator embedded in the Somerville Police Department, was recognized for her fast acting communication and collaboration skills on August 15, 2023. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Recognizes Cheryl Delafano of the COHR program

Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Reports

Residential Breaking & Entering

23053815: On 9/19/23 at approximately 8:00 AM, Somerville Police responded to a residence on College Ave for report of a past breaking and entering. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the reporting party who stated the home is being remodeled and multiple tools were stolen.

Residential Breaking & Entering Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Reports

Thanks to our community for over 1,000 petition signatures!

With our community’s strong support, we exceeded our goal of 1,000 signatures on our petition related to the Armory Master Plan within a 30 day window. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to the sign the petition, attend a meeting, and follow the progression of this situation. The petition is now closed. Continue reading Thanks to our community for over 1,000 petition signatures!

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: City of Somerville has refused to comply with this directive for the youngsters at St.Theresa’s Elementary School

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:

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

Dear Mr. Tauro,

It is my understanding that the Governor said all school children would receive free meals this year. However, the City of Somerville has refused to comply with this directive for the youngsters at St.Theresa’s Elementary School on Summer St. This current mayor has never returned our calls. 
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: City of Somerville has refused to comply with this directive for the youngsters at St.Theresa’s Elementary School

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Winter Hill School Concrete Concerns

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

Hope you and your family are well, just wanted to reach out with a little info about the Winter Hill School…I do not have first hand knowledge of this but the time frame fits… the Winter Hill School was built in 1975, asbestos was commonly used in concrete until the early 80’s….the two types were “chrysotile” and “amphibole” with the later the more dangerous. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Winter Hill School Concrete Concerns

This Is Why William Tauro Should Be Elected Mayor

All that I ask is the chance to prove myself for the melioration and advancement of Somerville and it’s residents.

Hello Everyone,

My name is Billy Tauro

I am here to ask you for your vote to allow me the opportunity to serve, as your next Mayor

Lets face facts,

This city has not moved forward under the current Administration to serve the people.
Continue reading This Is Why William Tauro Should Be Elected Mayor

BBB Scam Alert: “Free solar panels” can cost you big time! How to spot a phony offer and find a trustworthy business

If you want solar panels, be very careful when evaluating installation offers. Con artists use misleading sales tactics and lies to trick homeowners out of money and personal information. If you’ve received an offer for “free solar panels,” it could be a scam. Always look for businesses you can trust – like Accredited Businesses using the BBB Seal. Here’s what you should know. Continue reading BBB Scam Alert: “Free solar panels” can cost you big time! How to spot a phony offer and find a trustworthy business

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:City Hall Not Listening To Our Voices

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

Mr. Tauro,

Thank you so much for listening to me the other evening at the fundraiser at the Dante club. It was an honor to see youagain. Matt McLaughlin’s uncle died so I wasn’t able to reach him and he has been out of touch. That being said, I really do need you to petition. Whoever you can to have speed humps finally poured on my street. The situation is worsening daily. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:City Hall Not Listening To Our Voices

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Longtime Somerville Business Victim Of New Administration

 

 

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

Billy, like the video that you did at Mama Lisa’s Pizza the other night, the same happened to Alibrandi’s Barber Shop on Holland Street. My grandfather started that shop on October 4 1938. And has been on Holland st for 85 years. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Longtime Somerville Business Victim Of New Administration

Public Protest to Fight a Social Injustice is a Civic Responsibility

At any given time, the one mile stretch from Sullivan Station to McGrath Highway on Washington Street can back-up with trucks, cars, motorcycles, pedestrians, electric scooters, and bicycles as commuters elbow their way through East Somerville. On Thursday mornings between 9:00 and 10:00 AM, many of these commuters have become accustomed to seeing an assembly of Cobble Hill elders who stand with home-made signs in determined protest of the city’s plans for 90 Washington Street. Continue reading Public Protest to Fight a Social Injustice is a Civic Responsibility

Food For Free to Host Annual Party Under The Harvest Moon Friday, September 29

CAMBRIDGE/SOMERVILLE, Mass. – On Friday, September 29, hundreds of supporters, donors, and community members will unite at Party Under The Harvest Moon – an annual celebration hosted by Food For Free to raise awareness and funds to fight food insecurity across Eastern Massachusetts. The event goal is to raise over $175,000. Continue reading Food For Free to Host Annual Party Under The Harvest Moon Friday, September 29

TAX REVENUE FROM MILLIONAIRE’S TAX (S 3)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment that would remove a section in the budget that exempts tax revenue generated from the recently voter-approved Millionaire Tax from counting toward the allowable state tax revenue limitations, under Chapter 62F, which provides that whenever revenue collections in a fiscal year exceed an annual cap tied to wage and salary growth, the excess is returned to taxpayers. Continue reading TAX REVENUE FROM MILLIONAIRE’S TAX (S 3)

INCREASE ESTATE/DEATH TAX EXEMPTION (S 2397)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 5-33, rejected an amendment that would increase from $1 million to $5 million the amount of money that is exempt from the value of a person’s estate from the state’s estate/death tax that a person is required to pay following their death before distribution to any beneficiary. The increase to $5 million would be implemented over ten years. Continue reading INCREASE ESTATE/DEATH TAX EXEMPTION (S 2397)