Developer Don Briggs addresses aldermen this week about the tenuous future of Assembly Square. - Photo by Andrew Firestone

City plan to fund Assembly Square development questioned

By Andrew Firestone

Mayor Joe Curtatone is pushing aldermen to make a final decision on a plan to fund Assembly Square development but one alderman is saying the rushed process is like “a gun against our heads.”

The measure is an effort to close a $23 million funding gap for Assembly Square development. U.S. Rep. Mike Capuano had touted $25 million in federal funding since 2005 but the city will receive only $2 million for a project that has stalled for years in legal and political disputes during decades of unrealized potential.

Don’t forget this Saturday night at the new Somerville rink the Somerville Police Department Hockey Team faces off against the Boston Bruins Alumni Hockey Team. This is going to be a great night so come out and enjoy the game, meet and greet and celebrate the newly remodeled rink.

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Does she have the sixth  vote or not? Alderwoman Rebekah is working the votes for Board of Aldermen President and although the caucus is usually held the week of Thanksgiving, and as of Tuesday she wasn’t sure who or where the sixth vote was coming from. We have it from sources that a couple of aldermen are telling her that they are up in the air, and not committed but would be committed if they get prized chairmanships of certain committees. Won’t be long now, she’s working overtime, we hear, to get that vote.  Alderman Tom Taylor wants to be vice president and he doesn’t seem to have a problem. One person who would like to stay  president and has told people, some say  too late, is present President Jack Connolly.

Thanksgiving is here. Next it will be Christmas and then 2010 will be history.

At all levels – from families to local businesses to City Hall – we’ve all felt the effects of the recession this year. Beyond economics, there was a natural disaster far away in Haiti but felt locally in Somerville and tragic incidents in the city where people lost their lives.

By William Tauro

The Somerville Fire Department promoted many firefighters to higher rank late last week. Captain William Lee was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief, Captain Dennis Murphy was promoted to District Fire Chief, Lt.Michael Avery was promoted to Fire Captain, Lt.William Fitzpatrick was promoted to Fire Captain,  Lt.Christopher Major was promoted to Fire Captain. The following Firefighters were promoted to the rank of Fire Lieutenant: Timothy Bakey, Gregory French, Stephen Mauras, Mark  Matthews, and Stephen Belski. Also, Firefighter David Stiltner was approved for appointment to the position of Fire Lieutenant. However, due to a family emergency he was not present that evening. Pictured here are Mayor Joseph Curtatone, newly promoted lieutenants, Timothy Bakey, Gregory French, Stephen Mauras, Mark Matthews and Stephen Belski, Fire Chief Kelleher, and Jay Colbert.

Joshua Scarry has emerged as the leading rusher for the Highlanders, rushing for close to 1,000 yards on the season.

For the Somerville High football team, the 3-6 record is deceiving. Despite suffering two two-game losing streaks, the Highlanders also endured one of the toughest schedules in the state, having faced five top 20 schools in just nine games.

“We were battle tested, and we faced the toughest teams,” said coach Harry Marchetti earlier in the season. “Our record is deceiving because of our schedule. The kids played some of the best teams in the state, and I thought we were able to put up a good fight.”

A juvenile, of Somerville, Nov. 15, 6:48 p.m., Nov. 15, 6:48 p.m., arrested on Heath Street on warrant charges of defacing property, burning personal property and attempt to burn building.

Alberto Contreras, 19, of 27 Addison St., Chelsea, Nov. 16, 5:08 p.m., arrested on Broadway on warrant charges.

Martin Acosta, 17, of 20 River Road, Nov. 16, 9:08 p.m., arrested on River Road on a warrant charge.

By George P. Hassett

A 14-year-old Somerville boy was arrested Nov. 15 after he allegedly lit an umbrella on fire and swung it around in front of the Elizabeth Peabody House on Broadway.

The Aug. 8 incident was witnessed by Somerville Housing Authority police officers. The boy was arrested on warrant charges last week.

The Somerville High Boys Soccer Team advanced to the Division North Semifinals for the Second Consecutive year before losing a tough 2-1 match to Brookline.

By Mike Rubin

Two months ago, the Somerville High School boys soccer team had lost six of their first eight contests and state tournament hopes were dimming.

Despite injuries, the Highlanders regrouped and won seven of their last nine and made a thrilling tournament run.

By William Tauro

(L to R) Somerville Kiwanis President Frank Wright, Somerville Rotary President Ann Kirby and Somerville Lions Club President Bill Tauro

The city’s three service clubs assembled together  Tuesday to attend their annual Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions Club Tri-Meeting.

This year’s well attended event was held at the Mount Vernon Restaurant in Somerville.