These days it seems like all of Somerville is under construction. Even as seemingly all the bridges are being worked on and all the squares have detours, the OPENAIR Circus brings you its 34th annual season-capping performances during the first weekend of August.

Increase is the first in Somerville in more than a decade. New meter rate is $1.25 per hour.

The Somerville Traffic & Parking Department announced this week that the rate for parking in metered spots within the city has increased to $1.25 per hour, a $0.25 increase. This increase is the first for meter rates in more than ten years. The Somerville Traffic Commission approved the new rates at their June 2019 meeting. The new rate is in line with other communities in the greater Boston area, and will help increase turnover of parking spaces in the city’s business districts and squares.

Please join the City of Somerville for a community meeting in regards to ongoing construction and design elements on Powder House Blvd. The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31, at 6:30 p.m. at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, 177 Powder House Blvd., and will include a brief presentation with construction updates, parking study results, questions about the temporary, short-term solution to stripe a bike lane in one direction on a portion of the Boulevard, (see below), and the completion of traffic calming measures this summer.

East Somerville Main Streets today released the following statement concerning the accident that resulted in the death of Cheryl Richards:

“East Somerville Main Street Board and Staff offer our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of Cheryl Richards after the terrible tragedy on Mystic Avenue on July 20th 2019.

(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!

SomerVision 2040 Youth Forum, July 31

Young people’s voices are important as we plan for the future of Somerville, so teens are invited to share their thoughts and concerns about important topics like housing, education, and job training and access at a SomerVision 2040 Youth Forum on Wednesday, July 31, at 5 p.m., in the Central Library auditorium, 79 Highland Ave. This session is being held specifically to hear from youth, but there are plenty of other ways to be part of the SomerVision 2040 process. Visit www.somervision2040.com where you can sign up for updates on SomerVision 2040 and learn more about what’s been done and what’s coming up.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

The Somerville Sunsetters, a traveling performance group comprised of Somerville youth in 6th to 12th grade, performs in Somerville neighborhoods Monday through Thursday evenings in July and August. On Monday, July 22, they gave a performance at 22 Josephine Ave. Visit the city’s website for a full schedule www.somervillema.gov

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to the area of Buffalo Exchange on Elm St. last Friday night on reports of a shoplifter.

Police units searched the area to no avail, until a patrol unit called in over the radio stating he had a party matching the description of the suspect on Meacham St. Near Kingston Rd.

The majestic American elm grows to 80-100 feet high with leaves 3-5 inches long. The Prospect Hill American elm is probably more than 100 years old and is 40″ in diameter. — Photo courtesy of Google Maps

By Denise Keniston

One of Somerville’s largest and oldest trees may have Dutch elm disease. Dutch elm disease is a ruthless beetle–fungus alliance that all but wiped out the beloved American elm nationwide over the past several decades.

By Melissa Rosales

Locals, craft makers, and vendors gathered together on Saturday, July 20, to celebrate the Winter Hill Night Market located beside Winter Hill Brewing Company. The pop-up market is the last of the roaming night market series organized by the Somerville Arts Council and the Somerville Flea for this year.

The prevalence of burnout syndrome in the community has been brought to the attention of the City Council.

By Jennifer Grimes

On July 11, the Somerville City Council discussed ways to manage burnout in the community and how to reduce stress for those who are constantly juggling their home and work life.

The Council examined the need for home/work balance.