(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 Will Mbah
Candidate for Somerville City Councilor at Large

In recent weeks, the City Council Land Use Committee has begun to discuss several proposed changes in the text of the Zoning Ordinance, which are intended to increase the numbers of housing units in transit-oriented zones.     

Somerville Police announced the sad news of the passing of the department’s K-9, Lobo. Lobo entered the police service with his handler Officer Timothy Sullivan on December 24, 2015. He proudly served the residents of Somerville for nearly 8 years until his sudden passing on October 15, 2023. Lobo will be missed by many, especially Officer Sullivan and his family, who have taken such great care of Lobo. Our thoughts are with them during this difficult time.

Eagle Feathers #290 – Historic Ways

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

In 1842, she found her way to freedom. For two centuries, our city had been part of Charlestown which at one time encompassed ten Middlesex County towns. Woburn was the first to branch off in 1642 and two hundred years later Somerville was the last to break away.

Whatever one’s feelings may be regarding the relative merits of the city’s SomerStreets events, one thing is clear: a good number of people end up having a really great time for themselves.

For many, the best is saved for last. That, of course, is embodied in the Monster Mashed event that brings out the kid in everyone who gets involved.

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When I heard that the All She Wrote Books is moving from Assembly Row in Somerville to Artisan Way in East Somerville, I decided to contact the owner. According to the store’s website: Christina Pascucci Ciampa is the founder/owner of All She Wrote Books. All She Wrote Books is an intersectional, inclusive feminist and queer indie bookstore that supports, celebrates, and amplifies underrepresented voices through its thoughtfully curated selection of books spanning across all genres.

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Jean Dany Joachim: Community artist, actor, playwright and poet. Former poet populist of Cambridge (2009 – 2011), and the current Poet in Residence at First Church. Jean Dany has been presenting since 2000 the City Night Readings Series in Cambridge which brings together poets, writers, performers, and lovers of literature, poetry, and writing for an evening of literary presentation every month. He serves on the boards of the New England Poetry Club, and (JAE), Jean Appolon Expressions, Dance Company. He says, Life is Good!

One Income-Restricted Rental Unit at 29 Chandler Street, and Eight Income-Restricted Rental Units 7-9 Central Street Are Currently Accepting Applications for New Residents

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Housing Division, in partnership with LaCourt Orphanage Trust, LLC and 7-9 Central Street, LLC, are pleased to announce nine (9) new income-restricted rental units are now accepting applications for new residents.

Richard J. (67) Hoey of Braintree, MA (formerly of Somerville, MA), passed away suddenly on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. Devoted father of Margaret “Maggie” Hoey of La Jolla, CA and Richard “Ricky” B. Hoey of Providence, RI (both formerly of Braintree). Loving brother of William Hoey of Lynnfield, MA, Marie Cimetti of Scituate, MA, Judith Chisholm of Plymouth, MA, Carol Anderson and Teresa Kupris, both of Braintree, MA, Noreen Farrar of Brookline, MA, Gail Garda of Hampton Falls, NH, Elaine Kelly of West Point, VA, and Robert Hoey of Somerville, MA. Predeceased by his parents, William Hoey of Bourne, MA and Hazel Hoey of Somerville, MA, and siblings, Ruth Perry of Tewksbury, MA and Charles Hoey of Brighton, MA. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

The winning design is “Option 3,” featuring a green and dark gray paint scheme along the body of the vehicle, green doors, and a white and navy blue lower running strip.

Riders were invited to select one of three exterior paint designs for the new cars through an online survey that was available from October 2 to October 13. MBTA employees were also asked to provide their feedback.

The MBTA today announced the exterior paint design of the new Green Line Type 10 “supercars,” which was selected by a majority of respondents to an online survey hosted by the MBTA. Riders were invited to select one of three exterior paint designs for the new cars through the survey, which was available from October 2 to October 13, 2023. MBTA employees were also asked to provide their feedback. More than 16,300 responses were received with the winning design receiving 9,566 votes.