The Fixer Fair celebrates repair! Don’t recycle it, FIX it.  Don’t buy a new one, make your old one better! Join the Somerville Arts Council on Sunday, June 10 in Union Square for the Fixer Fair, from noon to 3 p.m.

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)

Taking a closer look at notable city data—and interesting numbers. 

223 inspections and 99 health license applications in 2017: How do you know a pound is really a pound at the store and a gallon is really a gallon at the gas station? The Weights and Measures Division of the City’s Inspectional Services Department is responsible for enforcing the accuracy requirements and other standards relating to weighing and measuring devices used in the sale of food, fuels, and other products. The work they do is instrumental in protecting consumers whether they take a taxi, fill up their gas tank, or purchase items that need scanning at a grocery store.

Broadway (Ball Square) Bridge to close first, beginning Fall 2018 and lasting for one year. Detour routes and impacts under review by GLX team.

In anticipation of the planned release of the proposed schedule and detour plans associated with upcoming GLX construction and bridge closures, the City of Somerville has planned an information and Q&A Session on Saturday, June 23, from 9 to 11 a.m. As part of a regularly-scheduled Community Working Group meeting convened by MassDOT, the MBTA, and GLX Constructors, the proposal for closures of seven bridges between 2018 and 2020 will be discussed, among other items. Meeting minutes will be posted at www.greenlinextension.com/cwg.html following the June 5 meeting. On June 23, city and GLX staff will be available at an informational/Q&A table in front of Blue Cloud Gallery and True Grounds, 713-717 Broadway in Ball Square. Please stop by to learn more about the current proposals, or visit www.somervillema.gov/glx for updates.

After going through all the details with a fine tooth comb, the Somerville Board of Aldermen approved the controversial Home Rule Petition for the Clarendon Hill Project.

By Jim Clark

The Somerville Board of Aldermen’s Legislative Matters Committee of the Whole met last Thursday, May 31, to discuss and take action in regards to the reconstruction of the Clarendon Hill housing project.

The first order of business concerned the Director of SPCD advising the Board on any conditions to be imposed on the developers of the Clarendon Hill housing project regarding property ownership and land use, relocation of tenants, local and state approvals, financing and construction, occupancy requirements, and project design.

A controversial construction project at 130 Walnut St. in Somerville has many residents crying foul as the perception grows that the Zoning Board of Appeals is showing favoritism towards developers involved in the project.

By Henry Lin-David

A Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) meeting is being held to discuss the the ongoing construction on 130 Walnut Street. Opponents say that the ZBA’s decision regarding the property indicates favoritism for developers over the community.

By Courtney Young

Rainbow banners billowing in the wind, glittered pennants shimmering in the sun, cosmic-colored ice cream glistening in the hands of children, and the vibrant, eccentric stylings of LGBTQ+ identifiers and allies all gather in Union Square on Saturday night in Somerville for the 2nd Annual Big Gay Dance Party. While some attendees have come from other cities, the music draws hundreds of locals toward Union Square, making Saturday night a huge success for Somerville and the LGBTQ+ community.

Lyrics Champs presents A Super Hero Wrestling Fundraiser this Friday, June 8, at the Somerville High School Field House, 81 Highland Avenue. Tickets are available online at www.LyricsChamps.org. The cost is $15.

— Photo courtesy of City of Somerville

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Somerville High School Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) gathered together on Tuesday, June 5, at the the City Hall concourse to raise the Pride flag in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month and LGBTQ Youth Pride.

While not quite as popular among some city residents as others, the many 5K style foot races that take place throughout the years bear one remarkable similarities: they all contribute much needed funds to many worthwhile causes and charitable institutions in the area.

Last Sunday’s Just One Run Fundraiser in Memory of Anthony D. Giurleo ran in support of the fine work of the The Ryan Harrington Foundation, whose stated mission is strengthening community through financial support of youth organizations, charitable efforts to help those in need (such as food and clothing drives), and material support for young men and women struggling with substance abuse disorder.