Nonprofit tenants notified in April of August 31 closure, recent findings underscore safety concerns; both nonprofits offered city support to assist with relocation  

The Somerville Building Commissioner, in consultation with the Somerville Fire Chief, has ordered that the city’s 90-92 Union Square building close to the public on August 31 due to public safety risk. In 2019, city and independent inspectors determined that the building, which dates to the late 1880s, needed significant structural repairEmergency repairs were made at the time, but the assessments found that complete gut renovation is required for full and lasting building repair. In early April, the city gave final notice to both tenants,  two Somerville nonprofits, to close operations by the end of August to protect the public as well as the organizations’ staff, clients, and members. The city has voluntarily provided and offered both nonprofits range of relocation support. 

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Winter Hill School Community Meeting

On August 14, 2023, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times


Virtual meeting with City & School staff regarding the status of the Winter Hill Community School.

 

O’Neill Scholarships support higher education of local students

On August 13, 2023, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

John O’Neill Scholarship recipients (L to R) Isadora Oliviera and Aya Mahrous.

By Nathan Lamb

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) has awarded John O’Neill Scholarships to support the higher education of two local students.

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(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)

 

On Tuesday, August 15 from 7-9pm, the Center for Arts at the Armory will be hosting a community meeting during which we will:

  • share our perspective on the City of Somerville’s “Armory Master Plan Process”

  • educate our audience about our non-profit arts organization

  • and provide opportunities for attendees to speak, ask questions, and have the meeting recording and this petition delivered to City government. 

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Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 5 City Councilor Beatriz Gomez Mouakad, and the city’s Division of Public Space and Urban Forestry invite you to a virtual community meeting to learn about upcoming construction to improve and expand Somerville Junction Park.

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Potential Candidates Learn More about Becoming a Somerville Firefighter at Upcoming Registration Events on August 17 and August 24

Interested in serving your community as a member of the Somerville Fire Department? Then join current members of the SFD, along with the City’s Human Resources and Racial and Social Justice Departments, to learn more and get on-site assistance with the application for the firefighter exam.

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Local artist Martha Friend explores universal love of blue

On August 11, 2023, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Martha Friend is preparing sculptures for her upcoming exhibit on the color blue.

By Maile Blume

Martha Friend’s glass-covered home is a community landmark in Somerville, evoking wonder and joy in people passing by. People are often drawn in by the expanse of blue sculptures, said Friend. “If I’m out gardening, people always stop and just start talking to me about blue and how much they love blue,” she said. The positive community response to her art and Friend’s own love of blue inspired her to curate a show on the color, for the Somerville Museum. The show will open on September 21.

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Somerville Community Access Television, doing business as Somerville Media Center, has been ordered by Mayor Katjana Ballantyne to cease operations in its facility at 90 Union Square and vacate the building by August 31, 2023.

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Outdoor dining license fees virtual community meetings

On August 10, 2023, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville invite you to a virtual community meeting to discuss a new fee structure for outdoor dining licenses. 

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Yart Sale this Saturday

On August 10, 2023, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Yart Sale is a citywide event that will take place on Saturday, August 12, 12:00 to 6:00 p.m., (rain date 8/13). Think of a yard sale but with ART! Don’t miss these featured artists: Jo Studio, Britt Jones Art, Robert Boyer Pottery, Amanda Claire, Cheat Death Tintype and Bulgihan Press.

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