The MAPC is comprised of representatives from the cities and towns encompassed within it as well as by gubernatorial appointees. Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone is one of these representatives. "Mayor Curtatone is an active in MAPC activities and frequent participant in the Metro Mayor's Coalition, which is staffed by MAPC and has been actively engaged in each phase of MetroFuture. The Mayor has invited MAPC to take part in several complementary planning initiatives in Somerville, including the current Mystic River Corridor Strategy Project," said Amy Cotter, MAPC Director of Regional Plan Implementation.

Somerville falls under the Inner Core Communities category within the MetroFuture area. These communities are cities within the heart of the Boston Metropolitan area that have a mix of residential and commercial inhabitants. These cities have the largest populations and provide the most job opportunities. Under the goals that have been specified for the Inner Core Communities under the MetroFuture plan population, job and housing growth would increase significantly over current projections without the plan.

MetroFuture will aim to expand upon the characteristics that already make Somerville a desirable place to live, such as affordable housing, cultural diversity and close proximity to social and business opportunities.

Another main goal of MetroFuture is to increase efficiency and reduce impact on the environment. 100% of newly developed jobs and housing in the Inner Core will be located in close proximity to existing public transit stops. This would increase the number of people using public transportation which would like to an increased return on investment for the transit systems and would reduce traffic, emissions and parking problems from commuters. Under the Massachusetts Brownfields Act funds and assistance are provided to clean and redevelop polluted sites. Most of the sites were formerly used for commercial purposes and are found in urban areas. Somerville has dozens of potential sites that could fall under this category, although only a few such sites state wide will receive actual funding. Also, any newly designed structures will be required to meet the US EPA Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards. These standards ensure that eco-friendly and sustainable structures are developed.

The program, which has been a work in progress since 2003 is set to begin ramping up this month. MetroFuture was unveiled to the public at an open to all reception on June 9 at the Colonnade Hotel in Boston. More information is available at http://metrofuture.org/.

When the news spread across the city that the Traffic Commission had authorized a move in August to citywide permit parking, a rise in meter rates to one dollar an hour, and the extension of metered parking hours to 10 p.m. in Davis and Magoun Squares (and 8 p.m. everywhere else) – the aldermen and I started to hear plenty of comments.

Some of those comments – especially from business owners of all types and sizes – raised legitimate questions that our Traffic and Parking Department had already been planning to address. We heard the concern that a 10 p.m. shut-down time and a two-hour meter limit were incompatible – that customers wanted to be able to park at a metered space and walk away for the evening, even if that evening included drinks, dinner and a two-hour movie. We heard the concern that business employees wouldn't be able to find a place to park for an evening shift if meters ran until 10 p.m.

We also heard about business owners who are accustomed to parking on unpermitted streets but can't get to their offices, shops and lofts if every street is posted for residents only. We even heard from some businesses that aren't in our traditional business districts and whose owners feel that they depend on unpermitted parking spots on streets like Highland Avenue and Elm Street in order to accommodate their evening customers.

Now, all of these are fair issues to raise in the context of the changes we are making, and they have, by and large, been raised in a reasonable way. There are also good solutions to all of these potential problems. To help develop those solutions, and to help work through other issues around these changes, I have created a Parking Solutions Task Force (PSTF) that will bring representatives from the business community, the Board of Aldermen and city officials together to review pertinent information and think about how to address concerns about these new policies. I have also asked Mark Chase, an entrepreneur and Tufts-educated urban planner who has studied urban parking models and strategies, to lend his expertise to the PSTF.

By the time we move ahead on the new rates, hours and resident permit policies, I have no doubt that, with the help of the PSTF, we will be able to address most – perhaps all – of the issues that have come up. For example: if we extend the maximum time for evening parking; if we provide kiosks in the lots (so that patrons can pay with paper bills and credits cards as well as park cards and quarters); if we expand the use of business permits so that businesses can help their employees (and the owners themselves) find parking; and if we put meters near businesses in residential areas, but let Somerville residents with permits use the metered spaces without paying, we can address many of the objections already raised.

That said, I think it's reasonable to ask interested parties to give the new task force a chance to do its work. They should have their recommendations before the end of the month, and I expect that they will be thorough, thoughtful and fair.

I also think it's very important to remember that a primary goal behind these policy changes is to improve the availability of parking in the City of Somerville.

Understandably, everyone wants free, or at least subsidized, parking. Businesses want it for their employees and customers; residents want it for themselves and their visitors. But Somerville is, by a wide margin, the most densely populated city in New England. Except in one or two specific locations, we don't have the big open lots and empty curbs associated with suburban sprawl. Parking is a scarce and valuable resource here, and we need to treat it that way.

Right now, our business districts need to get more out of their existing parking spaces through better pricing policy and increased turnover. In Davis and other busy squares, we need to take steps to make sure that visitors can find a space when they need one – otherwise they'll stop showing up. Now, some out-of-towners have already written to say that they not only expect parking, but they expect it to be free after 8 p.m. as well. I don't think that's actually true: we may be in a recession, but paying a dollar an hour to park in a walkable entertainment district like Davis Square is not an undue burden – provided you can find a space and pay for it conveniently. If we can find the right balance of availability and convenience to go with a reasonable price, I think we'll actually be helping our businesses and their customers.

As for citywide permit parking: right now, Somerville's taxpayers are providing free parking for hundreds of people who don't register their cars here, pay excise tax here or participate in the permit system. That's not right in the best of times: during a fiscal crisis, it's totally unacceptable.

And for those folks who say, "This is all about the money," my answer is that these policies stand on their own merits, but we can't afford to pass up any legitimate revenue opportunities at a time when the state has cut Somerville's local aid by 30 percent. Of course we need the money – but we also need to manage our parking to maximize supply for residents and businesses alike. If we work together on this, and show some patience and creativity, I think we can do it all.

The performances were personal and poignant. One teen's spoken word piece expressed the feelings of worthlessness that accompanied her periods of homelessness and drug-dealing, and recounted her successful battle to regain control of her life, and her pride. Another young woman spoke about the influence of the media on her ideas, ranging from body image to the glorification of drugs and violence. Throughout the night, many of the pieces made clear the important role that Teen Empowerment had played in the lives of the young performers.

Performances were interspersed with messages from staff and board members. Lauren Lapat, who sits on the board, spoke to the audience about the importance of supporting the group's programming. "A lot of funding is at risk for youth programs," she told the audience, managing to maintain the event's upbeat tone. She went on to talk about the impact of the group's programs. "75 dollars will fund 3 days of youth leadership training," she said, giving audience members an idea of the impact of their contributions.

A sheet passed out to attendees gave a more detailed account of the financial troubles that could affect the organization. $2 million in state funding for youth programs, which supports Teen Empowerment and similar organizations, is at risk for being severely reduced or eliminated. The handout encouraged people to contact state representatives before the budget is finalized.

Stephanie Berkowitz, Director of Fundraising for Teen Empowerment, said that the organization plans to host approximately 3 small fundraisers like this one per year. They are also implementing a fundraising strategy that she described as grassroots, creating a program called "Friends of TE". The initiative aims to collect smaller donations from a large number of people, forming more widespread community engagement.

Next up on the group's programming agenda is hiring its summer group of youth leaders. Past issues addressed by these groups have included teen summer employment and police-youth relations, but the group members will get to decide for themselves which issue to take on.

After the official program ended, a band led by Teen Empowerment's executive director and founder Stanley Pollock took the stage, treating the audience to yet another display of the organization's creative talent.

The winning entry, entitled "A Cry For Help," was submitted by a group of students from Somerville High School. The students involved in the video were: Mitch Freitas, Jason Corey, Aakash Sharma, Jerry Alphonse, Anthony Bohan, and Stefanie Vivian. To view the winning video,please click here

The District Attorney's Teen Dating Violence PSA project, created in conjunction with Middlesex Partnerships For Youth, Inc. and REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, was initiated in an effort to spark a positive dialogue and encourage teens to speak out against teen dating violence. Launched in April, it asked high school students from throughout Middlesex County to create and produce their own PSAs on the issue of teen dating violence.

A total of 35 entries were submitted by more than 200 students from throughout the county. The six PSA finalists were then selected from those entries by a panel of school personnel, domestic violence experts,and members of the Middlesex District Attorney's Office.

Those six PSA finalists were then viewed and voted on by more than 1000 high school students in health and physical education classes throughout Middlesex County.

"This was a project for teens by teens, and our hope with the project was to help spark a positive dialogue about healthy relationships," District Attorney Leone said. "We want to congratulate today's winner and commend all of the students who participated in this project for their leadership in speaking out against teen dating violence. They have helped send a clear message that physical and verbal abuse have no place in a healthy relationship."

Now, the winning students will work with staff from Conover Tuttle Pace (ctpboston.com), a Boston Advertising and Public Relations Firm, to professionally edit the video. The final video then will be submitted to Boston television stations for airing.

Teen dating violence has long been a focus of the District Attorney's Office and domestic violence service organizations like REACH. However, the recent incident in which pop star Chris Brown was charged with allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, Rihanna, has placed a new spotlight on this troubling dynamic.

Among the statistics that demonstrate the challenges we face regarding the issue of teen dating violence:

1 in 3 teenagers report knowing a friend or peer who has been hit,punched,kicked, slapped, choked or physically hurt by their partner.

Youth, specifically between the ages of 16 to 24, experience the highest per capita rate of intimate partner violence in the nation.

Following news reports on the alleged incident between Chris Brown and Rihanna, a survey of Boston teens revealed that 46% of respondents believed that Rihanna was in some way responsible. In addition, 44% said that fighting was a normal part of a relationship.

In the contest, high school students from Middlesex County communities were asked to produce and submit their own 30 or 60-second PSA about the issue of teen dating violence. Topics could include, but were not limited to:

Speaking out against abuse

Understanding that physical and verbal abuse is never an a cceptable part of a healthy relationship

Recognizing abusive behavior or an abusive relationship

Stepping in and standing up to abusive behavior by a friend

After receiving the 35 entries, a panel of domestic violence experts, school personnel and members of the Middlesex District Attorney's Office selected the six finalists. State Representative Cory Atkins (Concord), a leading advocate on the issue of domestic violence, served on the panel along with members of the domestic violence advocacy community including staff from from Jane Doe, Inc., REACH Beyond Domestic Violence and Voices Against Violence.

Also serving on the panel were school administrators and counselors from various high schools, members of the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, and Mark Bappe, Creative Director at Conover Tuttle Pace.

The six finalists that were selected by the panelwere:

"A Cry For Help"

Students: Mitch Freitas, Jason Corey, Aakash Sharma, Jerry Alphonse, Anthony Bohan, and Stefanie Vivian.

Somerville High School

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"Just Because He Doesn't Hit You"

Students: Kelly Sullivan, Christian Sullivan

Bedford High School

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"Speak Against Teen Dating Violence"

Students: Christine Bondanza, Bobby Bennett, Matt Roach, Colin Alexander

Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Marlborough

**********

"She Changed"

Students: Tom Kennedy, Haley Lynch, Jeff Wairi, Josh Sperat, Alex Chisholm

Somerville High School

to view, please click here

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"Take A Stand"

Students: Taylor Dube, Richie Carbone, Amy DeCelles, Sara Elwell, Samantha Gumtow, Kim Haley, Kasaey Hill, Nichole Layon, Evan Lord, Dan McCauley, Michael O'Connell, Briana Wiley

Shawsheen Valley Technical High School, Billerica

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"End The Cycle Of Abuse"

Students: Jaharah Samson, Aida Rivera, Brian Ramonno, Marianne Oliveira, Gardy Elivert, DeAndra Davis, Jessica Davis,Bryan Christie, Andrew Beckford-Rosario, Maranjellie Abreu, Mathews Alves de Sousa, Richard Monexant

Everett High School

**********

To learn more about teen dating violence, please visit:

·www.reachma.org/pavenet

· http://www.loveisnotabuse.com

· http://www.safeyouth.org/scripts/topics/dateviolence.asp

Since he began serving as Middlesex District Attorney in January 2007, Leone has launched a number of initiatives to better serve victims and enhance the investigation and prosecution of domestic violence cases. Leone created the office's Domestic Violence Unit, a team of specific prosecutors and victim witness advocates charged with investigating and prosecuting DV cases. That unit also offers comprehensive trainings for local police departments as well as organizes community-based Domestic Violence Roundtables throughout the county.

In addition, Leone created a first-of-its-kind program to help victims of domestic violence during the restraining order process. Specifically, because prosecutors are not allowed to represent victims during that process, Leone's office has partnered with private law firms to help assure that victims are afforded pro bono legal services during these restraining order hearings that are critical in helping victims extricate themselves from abusive relationships. Leone's office has also partnered with organizations to form community-based DV rapid response programs.

Blayn Jiggetts, 19, a.k.a. "Bliz," of Mount Vernon, New York, was arrested yesterday in Harlem at approximately 11:50 p.m. by Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, Cambridge Police, and detectives from the New York City Police Department Manhattan North Homicide Unit. Jiggetts was arrested on a Massachusetts warrant charging him with first degree murder, accessory after the fact of murder, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm. He will appear this morning in Manhattan Criminal Court at 100 Center Street, Manhattan, and be charged as a fugitive from justice.

Jabrai Jordan Copney, 20, of New York City, New York, had previously been arrested in connection with the murder. Copney was arraigned on May 22 in Cambridge District Court on charges of murder, accessory after the fact to murder, and possession of a firearm. He was ordered held without bail.

"We allege that this defendant and two others arranged to meet Justin Cosby over drugs with the intent to rob him, and then ultimately shot and killed Justin during the course of that confrontation," District Attorney

Leone said. "We now have two of the three suspects in custody. This fluid investigation is developing well, with a focus on anyone else who may have had involvement in this incident. We expect truthful and complete cooperation from anyone with helpful information."

According to authorities, on Monday, May 18, at approximately 4:48 p.m., the Harvard University Police responded to the Kirkland House located on Dunster Street in Cambridge on reports of shots fired. Cambridge Police were also notified and responded to the scene.

Cosby, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the abdomen, had left the Kirkland House and ran to the intersection of Dunster Street and Mount Auburn Street, where he collapsed. He was transported to Beth Israel Hospital and was pronounced dead at approximately 4 a.m. on May 19.

Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Middlesex District Attorney's Office, Cambridge Police, and Harvard University Police began an investigation into the circumstances of the shooting.

Based on that investigation, it was determined that the Copney, Jiggetts, and a third suspect, none of whom were students at Harvard University, arranged for a meeting with Cosby for the purpose of robbing Cosby. The three men met Cosby in a common area inside the Kirkland House and, during the course of the confrontation, multiple shots were fired. One of those shots struck Cosby, resulting in his death.

Copney, Jiggetts, and the third suspect involved fled the scene and returned to New York City on a bus from Boston that evening.

This investigation is ongoing into the circumstances of the shooting, as well as into any others who may have been involved in, or know about the circumstances of this incident.

One need only look at the weekly arrest log and factor in the combination of the dismal economy with warmer weather – and you can see the trend of mildly violent and drug-related crimes increase as the weeks go by. Aside from the typical flurry of drunk and disorderly and motor vehicle-related incidents, our police department keeps a good lid on criminal activity in the 'Ville.

That's because they know how to do more with less – just like other departments have for a long time. It's no secret that our police, fire and schools have been churning out high quality services with relatively small budgets, when compared to other surrounding communities.

Maybe we as a community have learned from years gone by – to depend less and less on state aid, to create economies of scale and to come together, not just to celebrate our history with parades and fireworks, but to celebrate our future. This coming fiscal year will be difficult for many people and local businesses, but, we can pull together and survive – because that's how we do it in the 'Ville.

The courtroom was packed for the 2pm hearing. Many in the room were lawyers representing defendant Massport and the plaintiff communities who have brought this case to trial. Some in the courtroom were Somerville residents who came to support the case, tired of the increased air traffic over their homes. Judge Stephen Neel presided over the hearing.

The initial ruling in the 2004 case of Massport vs. City of Boston et. al. allowed for the construction of the runway with the understanding that it would not be used except for during certain wind conditions and other extenuating circumstances. When employed by Logan, runway 33L, which is included in the 2004 ruling on runway 14/32, sends airplanes on a flight path directly over Somerville and many surrounding communities.

Construction on Runway 33L finished in 2006. By the summer of 2007 Mayor Curtatone and his administration began hearing anecdotal reports of an increase in air traffic over Somerville. "In late June 2007 there was a period where the take off traffic from 33L was pretty constant for a solid week. No one had seen anything like this before," explains Thomas Champion, Director of Communications for the city of Somerville, "After that residents started noticing more air traffic than ever before. This is an issue that resonated with many long term residents."

In December 2008, the Somerville Board of Alderman approved Mayor Curtatone's request to appoint the law firm of Robinson & Cole to represent the city in the runway 14/32 case.

"Massport argued in the original case that there would be no major changes in noise levels as a result of 14/32 construction," said Mayor Curtatone, "But we've seen them go up rapidly. This is a legal issue with major environmental and public health impacts, and we think the court should be looking at whether the terms of its operational restrictions on the runway are being properly observed."

Last Wednesday, Mayor Curtatone's push for reopening the case came to fruition. Attorneys Steven T. Perlmutter and Tom Holloway from Robinson & Cole submitted statistical evidence showing that prior to the construction of runway 14/32 approximately six percent of Logan's flights flew over Somerville. After 14/32 became operational, that number increased to 17 percent.

"That is the equivalent of thousands and thousands of additional flights over Somerville per year," commented Champion on the statistic. "If you've lived here for a long period of time it has been a very noticeable change."

Attorneys for Massport, the defendant at the hearing, argued Logan's increased use of runway 14/32 was for safety precautions. They claim that by using 14/32 in its current capacity, the risk of an on-runway collision is reduced because it allows some flights to circumvent crossing runway intersections.

Furthermore, Massport argued the use of runway 14/32 was a decision made by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Massport could not therefore be held accountable for the increase of air traffic.

The FAA says it cannot comment on the issue because of outstanding litigation of a similar case involving four individuals from Chelsea.

At the end of the hearing, Judge Stephen Neel gave both parties 10 days to submit any other evidence for further consideration and took the case under advisement.

"We are not asking for them to shut down the airport," says Champion, concerning the hearing. "We are just asking for acknowledgement of this violation, and hopefully a solution. It was very clear that the court was originally trying to avoid major changes in the use of the airport. Obviously those changes have occurred."

As a nosey loudmouth who always adds his two cents, whether anyone wants to hear it or not, here comes about $500.00 worth of gripes.

It's hard enough driving in the first place, but when a jogger is running toward you in traffic, that is just plain treacherous. First, you have to swerve away from him or her because, well, it's a natural reaction. This poses the problem of swerving into the oncoming traffic, thus scarring the hell out of the driver in the other lane. WHY? Why do you people want to give us drivers heart attacks? Some of you city sprinters choose to run in the middle of the two lines of traffic. This is not a smart idea either. You are obviously trying to take care of yourselves by exercising, and that's great – but what if you get clipped by a car? They'll be saying, "it's such a shame he's gone, but boy, wasn't he in good physical shape?" You could also be the cause of a horrific car accident with drivers nervously trying you avoid hitting you and hitting other cars. It's time you exercise nuts used some consideration and think of the safety of others while toning your bodies. There has to be an reasonable and intelligent co-existence between jogger and driver.

Now let's discuss you gas saving cyclers. God love ya! Can you please try to stay a little closer to the parked side of the street, please? I know it's difficult and I've said it before, but please remember that it's hard to stop our vehicles on a dime. Some of you bikers taunt us drivers, but we really are just trying not to hit you. Honest. The blinking lights at night really help too, thank you. And I believe you bike people are supposed to ride WITH the traffic. When I see a bicycle heading toward me, I start sweating profusely. You are taking precious moments off of my life. Please stop trying to take me out. We have to share the road. And do I even have to mention the granddaddy of all driver's nightmares? It's those cyclers who are towing junior behind them in those canvas rickshaw thingies. God help us.

Now, let's rap about you speeders and tail-gaters. Slow the hell down. There are kids everywhere. And most of you jerks who are driving like Speed Racer down residential streets are on your cell phones. Do you know why they call them cell phones? It's because, God forbid, you hurt someone, you'll end up in a cell. There was a guy years ago who would throw rotten apples at speeding cars – ah the good old days. And just a word to you out of state drivers who are habitual tail-gaters. Haven't you caught on yet? The closer you are to a Somerville drivers car, the slower we go. Come on get with the program .

One more word to pedestrians, who I am proudly one and want to stay one. You must make sure the driver acknowledges that he sees you before you proceed into the crosswalk. I used to do this myself ,but I've really smartened up lately. I just told you about speeders and cell phone talking drivers. Do not assume that just because it is a crosswalk that a driver is going to stop. Sometimes they are not paying attention, and sometimes the drivers are not aware that there is in fact a crosswalk. Make sure they see you. Take that extra safe second to actually make sure the car slows down before you walk across the street. Also, if you just dart across the street willy-nilly, tossing caution to the wind, that's very foolish. Some cars take an awful long time to stop, and if their brakes are bad, well, that just makes it worse. Believe me no driver wants to hurt a pedestrian, so please help us out. A mother or dad who is driving a mini-van full of screaming kids deserves a break. Do not assume that they will see you. And bikers, lose the iPods and pay attention.

Drivers, especially you out of state BMWs – lighten up on attitude and the gas pedal. I drive at least 100 miles a week in and around the 'Ville, so I see it all.

We welcome everyone to Somerville, but please be careful and practice safety and consideration on our roads.

Bottom line, let's all strive for a safer Somerville – drivers, slow down and get off the cell phones; joggers and bikers, let's all drive in safe harmony. Did any of you joggers hear that we have a wonderful bike path available? And you guys who run down College Avenue and through the Square, for God's sake keep your shirts on. You can email Jimmy direct at jimmydel@rcn.com.

Free care safety net patients are patients who are either not eligible or simply not covered by any sort of health care services. This is a rarity in the state of Massachusetts, considering the fairly new law that makes not having health insurance illegal. The question at hand here was whether the hospital was charging different fees for the same services to different people.

The Somerville Hospital is one of the many hospitals under the Cambridge Health Alliance.

According to Doug Bailey, the Chief Communications Officer of the Cambridge Health Alliance, charging patients at different rates according to their health insurance status is not just illegal, but impossible. He explained that some of the confusion might be from different co-payments, or even the differences in the cost of services. Each health care provider has different rates at which the patient will have to pay. Some would cover a large amount of the bill, whereas some would not.

Another source of confusion according to Mr. Bailey could have been a difference between the quote given by a doctor or the like to a patient going into an operation and what is actually charged. Each hospital has different methods of charging patients in accordance with their own estimates of a given procedure. To answer the question of is this how all hospitals work, it is apparently the case that they do all function this way with the billing process. As for the question of its legality, if a hospital were to be charging patients a different flat rate, (that is before the rate is divided between the portion covered by the health insurance and the co-pay), it would be very illegal.

Mr. Bailey made it very clear that no hospital charges different flat rates for people under different health insurance statuses.

This still falls somewhat short of an explanation to these specific questions. Although this argument very well might have risen out of pure confusion with the billing process of the hospital, it could also be a mistake on the part of the hospital in the way they either calculated or chose the price the patient would be charged. The cause of this could have also been a result of many other things, but there is no real and absolute answer to this dilemma.

I could not get in touch with the sender of the letter to the editor. The specifics of the their experience could prove to be helpful in pinpointing exactly where this either misunderstanding or wrongdoing started, and how to bring it to light.

As an aside, Mr. Bailey stated how certain health care providers like Medicare and Medicaid are not covering the cost that they insure they would. At the moment the Cambridge Health Alliance is on the path toward a $25 million deficit that could cause a lack of services for patients. Some of this, he believes, is a result of the lack of health care providers adjusting their payouts and rates with the growing expenses of the services provided by the hospital. He stated, "these need to be adjusted at a Federal level."