After an intensive, equity-driven community engagement process that sought out voices not always heard, the newly released 25% Design Ideas & Vision Plan proposes adding over 1.3 acres of open space and reimagining streets to prioritize people 

After nearly five years of innovative public engagement that brought in a broad range of voices followed by design work to transform that input into plans, Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville are pleased to share initial plans to redesign public open space in Union Square. The Union Square Plaza and Streetscape Redesign project has reached its first major design milestone, documenting the community’s vision for the Plaza and surrounding streets in the 25% Design Ideas and Vision Plan.

In partnership with Vistaprint last week, The Boston Celtics hosted its second annual Small Business Celebration to highlight all of the small businesses the team works with around the region. Attendees included business owners from three programs they have dedicated to highlighting small businesses – the Power Forward Grant, Small Business of the Game, and Banner Business.

— Photos by Kayla Sharpe

By Kayla Sharpe

Several groups and families gathered at Union Square to celebrate a night centered around international culture and food at the Ignite Festival on Saturday.

Event hosted by Pathways for Immigrant Workers and the City of Somerville, will be held on October 5, from 6:30pm to 8:00 p.m. at the East Somerville Community School, 50 Cross Street

The City of Somerville and Pathways for Immigrant Workers will host a free immigration legal information session for small employers and lower-wage workers on Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at East Somerville Community School located at 50 Cross Street. 

By Jason Gutierrez

After a quiet acquisition in June, the neighborhood joint announced a temporary, renovation-driven closure with plans to re-emerge with a new menu, staff, and feel. This marks the third time the business, best identified by its street-level box car and overhead pink neon sign, has emerged from the ashes.

Appropriating funds to further the construction of a sound wall along I-93 at the Mystic housing developments was among the top items of business addressed by the City Council’s Finance Committee at their latest meeting. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Jennifer Purcell

Last Tuesday, Somerville’s finance committee held a meeting to discuss and approve several grants that had previously been requested for approval by Mayor Ballantyne. The meeting lasted about two hours as a variety of topics that would ultimately lead to the betterment of the community were discussed.

(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

Every year at the end of summer, the city’s housing and economic development planning staff carries out a performance and financial review of the city’s Community Development Block Grant programs. Even though this involves a relatively modest grant of $2 to $3 million per year, the annual review offers insight into the progress that the city is making to achieve its goals of affordable housing and community development.

Fall 2023 City Hall Community meetings are underway. These meetings are held twice a year in each of Somerville’s seven wards to share the latest city and neighborhood updates with community members. They are an opportunity to get an overview of the latest city news, learn more about city programs and initiatives, meet your neighbors, find ways to get involved, and talk with elected officials and city staff. Join them in person from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to ask questions and get updates from the mayor and city staff. Swing by early at 6:00 p.m. for pizza and refreshments. To learn more and find the meeting in your ward visit somervillema.gov/communitymeetings.

It’s no secret to the people of this city that with all the open-space and recreational opportunities available, Somerville provides an ideal environment for families to live, play and stay healthy and happy.

But it it’s also nice when this is recognized by outside parties, those who compare what cities across the country offer to their residents in the way of family-friendly amenities.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

The Somerville 5K Road Race returned for a 28th year on Saturday, September 30, in Davis Square. Staff, clients, supporters, and local partners came together once again to raise awareness and support for our most underrepresented neighbors, helping in the fight to end homelessness, hunger, and eviction. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/Somerville5KRoadRace.