(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)

By Joseph A. Curtatone

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

Zoning Ordinance Public Hearing, October 30

The Somerville Board of Aldermen Committee on Land Use, and the Somerville Planning Board, invite all interested community members to a joint Public Hearing on the adoption of a new Somerville Zoning Ordinance. The Hearing will take place on Tuesday, October 30, at 6 p.m. in the East Somerville Community School auditorium, 50 Cross Street. The new ordinance would supercede the current ordinance as originally adopted in 1990.  Public comments will also be accepted by mail to OSPCD, Planning Division, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143; by fax to 617-625-0722; or by email to planning@somervillema.gov.

The City’s Planning Division staff introduced the new proposed ordinance to the BOA and the Planning Board at a joint meeting on October 16, 2018. The video of the meeting is available at www.somervillezoning.com, and will be useful for viewing prior to the public hearing.

Copies of the ordinance and maps are available online at www.somervillezoning.com. Copies of the ordinance and maps are also available for review in the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, located on the third floor of City Hall, 93 Highland Ave.

Vote Early at City Hall through November 2

Cast your vote in this year’s election early by visiting City Hall during the early voting period from October 22 through November 2. All early voting will take place in the Aldermanic Chambers at Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave. The hours for early voting are available online at www.somervillema.gov/earlyvoting.

Can’t make it to early voting? Head out to your usual polling place on Election Day, Tuesday, November 6 to cast your ballot. Polling place information and sample ballots are available at www.somervillema.gov/elections.

Fall 2018 ResiStat Meetings Continue through November 15

Mayor Curtatone and the Board of Aldermen invite residents to the Fall 2018 ResiStat Community Meetings. ResiStat is both a great way to learn more about what’s happening in your neighborhood and around Somerville and a chance to talk with elected officials, City staff, and neighbors. Interpretation into Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole will be provided at every meeting. Meetings run from 6:30 to 8 p.m., with pizza and socializing at 6 p.m. The full schedule of fall meetings is as follows:

• Ward 2 (S. Union Sq., Perry and Lincoln Park neighborhoods, Beacon St. area): , Oct. 30, Argenziano School, 290 Washington St.
• Ward 6 (greater Davis Sq. neighborhood): , Nov. 1, Spaces co-working center , 54 Chester St. (New Location)
• Ward 3 (N. Union Sq., Prospect Hill, Spring Hill, Central Hill): , Nov. 7, Somerville High School cafeteria, 81 Highland Ave.
• Ward 4 (Winter Hill, Ten Hills):, Nov. 13, Healey School, 5 Meacham St.
• Ward 7 (West Somerville, Teele Sq.): , Nov. 15, Tufts University’s Pearson Chemical Lab, room 104, 62 Talbot Ave. (New Location)

For more information contact ResiStat Coordinator Meghann Ackerman at mackerman@somervillema.gov.

Apply for Community Preservation Committee General Public Seat by October 26

Do you have a passion for affordable housing, historic preservation, and parks and open space? The City of Somerville wants your help and is now accepting applications for two public positions on the Community Preservation Committee, which oversees the selection of projects to be recommended for funding by an estimated $2 million in annual Community Preservation Act (CPA) revenues.

There are two open general public seats – one with a three-year term and one with a two-year term. Both would have the option to be reappointed for a second three-year term. Information on how to apply, as well as a video of the information session on the Community Preservation Committee, are available at www.somerville.com/cpa. All applications must be received by October 26.

City Alerts

Get important City notifications for snow emergencies, construction, detours, and other public safety matters delivered to your phone (voice and text) and/or your email. Sign up for alerts at www.somervillema.gov/alerts.

City Newsletter

For weekly updates on city cultural and civic events, City services, job openings, and more, sign up for the City e-newsletter at www.somervillema.gov/newsletter.

City Calendar

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