(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!

Fall ResiStat Meetings

This fall join elected officials, City staff, and neighbors at your ward’s ResiStat meeting. During the meeting you can get updates on what’s going on both around the city, like efforts to support small businesses, and in your neighborhood, like construction and road improvements. There’s also plenty of time before, during, and after the meeting to ask questions and share ideas. All ResiStat meetings run from 6:30 to 8 p.m., but if you come at 6 you can enjoy pizza and other refreshments. The first fall ResiStat meeting is on Wednesday, October 2, in Ward 6. You can find the full schedule and more information at www.somervillema.gov/resistat.

One-Stop Shop for Small Businesses, September 26
Are you a new business owner or are you thinking about opening a business in Somerville? Join staff members from the City’s Planning and Zoning Division, Clerk’s Office, Economic Development, and Health and Human Services to talk about your business ideas on Thursday, September 26, at 81 Broadway. At this event you can learn more about programs and resources your business might qualify for and get insight into the licensing and permitting process. Questions will be taken on a first come, first served basis from 5 to 7 p.m.

Discussion on State Route 38 Road Safety, October 1
A community meeting has been scheduled with the City’s Mobility Division to discuss two fatal crashes along State Route 38 (Mystic Avenue) in Somerville and efforts underway to improve safety for all road users. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 1, in the auditorium of the East Somerville Community School at 50 Cross Street beginning at 7 p.m. Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) officials have been working in partnership with City officials on planning and engineering for the complex series of intersections and highway ramps where Interstate 93, Route 38 and Route 28 (McGrath Highway/Fellsway) all meet. MassDOT staff will also be in attendance.

SomerVision 2040 Open House, October 10
Come review the topic chapters the SomerVision Committee has been working on at an open house on Thursday, October 10, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Winter Hill Community School, 115 Sycamore St. The final SomerVision 2040 plan will help identify Somerville’s strengths, challenges, and goals for the next 20 years and builds on the work the community did in writing SomerVision 2030. You can learn more at www.somervision2040.com.

Voter Registration Deadline, October 16
Wednesday, October 16, is the deadline to register to vote or to update your address before the November 5 municipal election. In Massachusetts you can mail in your voter registration, do it in-person at the Elections Department office, or register online. Find more information on registering to vote at www.somervillema.gov/elections.

Join the Community Preservation Committee
There is an opening on the Community Preservation Commission (CPC), which recommends projects to be funded by the Community Preservation Act (CPA), and applications are being accepted through noon on Friday, October 25. CPA funds can be used for affordable housing, historic preservation, and parks and open space. Since the CPA was adopted by voters in 2012, 66 projects have received a total of $3.8 million in funding. CPC members review proposals and make funding recommendations based on Somerville’s needs. The person selected for this open position would serve on the CPC from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022, and would have the option to renew for a second three-year term. To learn more about the CPC and how to apply, visit www.somervillema.gov/cpc.

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.