By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

A monthly look at ways to get involved with your city: Don’t just live in Somerville, be Somerville!

Community Preservation Act FY18 Application Accepting Comments through 2/22

An estimated $2.3 million in Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding is available for historic preservation, open space and recreation land projects in fiscal year 2018. But before CPA money can be awarded, the projects need to be selected, and we need your help to prioritize the potential projects. Project information can be found at www.somervillema.gov/cpa by clicking on the ‘CPA Projects’ tab and then ‘2018 Projects.’ Written comments can be submitted by emailing CPA Manager Kristen Stelljes at kstelljes@somervillema.gov by Thursday, February 22. (CPA affordable housing projects will be funded through a separate Affordable Housing Trust Fund process later this year.)

Apply to be on the City’s Internet Access Task Force by the 2/23 deadline

In his 2018 Inaugural Address, Mayor Curtatone vowed that the City would explore options to preserve and expand affordable and neutral internet service across Somerville. Earlier this month, the City announced the formation of an Internet Task Force to do just that, and interested community members are encouraged to apply to be members through February 23. Area experts willing to serve as occasional or one-time advisors are also sought for a wide range of knowledge areas from public utilities management and small cell technology to federal communications policy. Task Force members will meet with experts, conduct research, and develop recommendations to submit to the Mayor. Areas for consideration may include, but are not limited to, increasing internet service provider competition, establishing a municipal or quasi-public internet provider, and developing policies that encourage equitable access and service. To apply, send a brief statement of interest and information on any relevant qualifications to mackerman@somervillema.gov by Friday, February 23. Persons interested in serving as advisors may send their information on a rolling basis to mackerman@somervillema.gov as well. While there is no deadline for advisors to respond, early replies are welcome.

West Branch Library Landscape Walkthrough, 2/24, and Community Meeting, 2/26

Join us on Saturday, February 24, for a walkthrough of the proposed landscape upgrades at the West Branch Library from 10 a.m. to noon at the West Branch Library. Then on Monday, February 26, at the Community Baptist Church from 6 to 8 p.m. there will be a community meeting to review the findings of the walkthrough and further discuss the renovation and landscape. For more information on the West Branch Library renovation, visit www.somervillema.gov/westbranchlibrary.

When/where: Walkthrough on Saturday, February 24, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the West Branch Library, 40 College Ave. Community meeting on Monday, February 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Community Baptist Church, 31 College Ave.

You too can be an Urban Agriculture Ambassador, Apply by the 3/1 deadline

The City’s Urban Agriculture Ambassador Program (UAAP) is accepting applications for the 2018 class. Taught by Somerville-based Green City Growers, UAAP offers free training around urban growing techniques to 20 residents each year in exchange for 30 hours of volunteer service in garden projects throughout the city. Applicants must be Somerville residents who are at least 16 years old and are required to attend four intensive Saturday workshops. Applications and additional information are available at www.somervillema.gov/urbanag, or www.somervilleurbanag.tumblr.com,  or by emailing urbanagambassadors@gmail.com. Applications are due Thursday, March 1.

Apply for the Mayor’s Appointments Advisory Committee by 3/5

Mayor Curtatone’s recently established Appointments Advisory Committee (AAC) will be tasked with reviewing applications and making recommendations for vacant Mayor-appointed posts on boards and commissions with regulatory or decision-making authority such as, but not limited to, the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, the Conservation Commission, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Ethics Commission. Interested residents should submit their name, address, telephone, email address, and a brief statement outlining their interest and any relevant qualifications by Monday March 5 by emailing aconnor@somervillema.gov. More information is available at www.somervillema.gov/appointmentsadvisory.

Zoning Overhaul Public Hearing, 3/13

An essential part of the work around the proposed zoning overhaul has been hearing from you—and there’s still time to join the discussion. After multiple years of community process, the Administration has officially submitted the proposed Zoning Overhaul to the Board of Aldermen. Members of the public are invited to attend upcoming public meetings and public hearings by the Somerville Planning Board and the Board of Aldermen’s Land Use Committee to provide feedback. Feedback can also be submitted online at www.somervillezoning.com, where detailed information on the overhaul, timeline, and upcoming meetings and events are also available. Questions? Reach out to planning staff by emailing planning@somervillema.gov.

When/where: Tuesday, March 13, at 6 p.m. at City Hall in the 2nd Floor Aldermanic Chambers, 93 Highland Ave.

Community Discussion about Central Hill Campus Parking Changes, 3/19

With site preparation for construction on the new Somerville High School building project underway, gradual changes to parking options on the Central Hill Campus (which includes City Hall, Somerville High School, and the Somerville Public Library) and the surrounding public streets have begun. All interested residents are invited to attend public quarterly meetings, with the first one taking place on Monday, March 19, where City staff will provide updates about parking changes, new data collection, and strategies for impact mitigation.

When/where: Monday, March 19, at 6 p.m. in the Somerville Public Library Auditorium, 79 Highland Ave.

City Alerts

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City Newsletter

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City Calendar

Look up city events and meetings (as well as agendas and minutes) 24/7 on the City calendar at www.somervillema.gov.