Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and Ward 3 Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen invite you to a virtual community meeting to learn about construction progress on the Spring Hill Sewer Separation project. 

(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)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen, who represents the 2nd Middlesex District, has announced her support for the approval of Question 3 on November’s ballot. The question will update Massachusetts’ liquor laws to enhance consumer convenience while protecting small businesses.

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to the Ralph Lauren store at Assembly Row last week on reports of a past larceny.

Upon arrival, the officers spoke with the store manager and the regional manager, who stated that one of their employees, Kyanna Halliday, of Dorchester, came to them and admitted to making fraudulent returns at the store.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Before fun size and bite-size candy bars we used to take a pillowcase and go out trick-or-treating for full-size candy bars. I can still see the Halloween aisle at Woolworths. I asked our readers to share some of the memories of Halloween back then.

Somerville Cambridge Elder Services is hosting a clothing drive to help local people in need through Second Chances.

Second Chances is a Somerville-based nonprofit that puts donated clothing to work for our community, diverting clothing, shoes, and accessories from local landfills while helping our neighbors in need take their first steps toward brighter futures.

The Boston Business Journal recently announced the area’s young professionals who are achieving the most in their careers and giving the most to the community. One of the top 40 under 40 awarded is Somerville’s own Josu’e Velney. The founder and CEO of Velney Development, LLC, he served five years in the Marines. During that time, he was deployed three times. After returning home, Velney served his community as a firefighter and lieutenant for twelve years with the Somerville Fire Dept. He has taken his leadership skills, honed in the military and as a Fire Lieutenant, and has applied them to real estate. Today, Velney is a full-time real estate developer. Velney holds a Bachelor’s degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Construction Management. Pictured here, Velney being presented a citation from the Governor by the CEO of the Somerville YMCA at their board meeting on October 18, 2022.

The city’s intentions for the immediate future of The Armory was discussed at a recent meeting of the Housing and Community Development Committee.

By Jim Clark

The Somerville City Council Housing and Community Development Committee held a meeting on Wednesday, October 19.

Prior to this meeting, 55 voters submitted a petition calling for a public hearing regarding the Arts at the Armory building. During the public hearing portion of the meeting, three speakers were invited to address the Committee Jess White spoke and clarified that the actual name of the building is The Armory.

(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)

Nearly ten years ago Somerville launched Union Square’s redevelopment. City leaders promised community-driven development “in the public interest” that would create the “mix of uses the community wants over time.” Ever since, community forums have identified a community center as critical to that “mix,” making Union Square not just a commercial district, but a neighborhood center that brings people together.

(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)

We scored an important win for road safety and immigrant rights in Massachusetts by voting the Work and Family Mobility Act into law this past June. The law allows all Massachusetts residents to apply for a driver’s license, regardless of their immigration status. Years in the making and backed by law enforcement, immigrant advocates, and labor unions, the law passed overwhelmingly with support of more than three-quarters of the Massachusetts House and Senate. This new law will ensure that all drivers on our roads are licensed and insured.