City again earns highest long-term debt rating from S&P Global Ratings

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is proud to announce that for the third year in a row, the City of Somerville has received the highest possible long-term debt rating of ‘AAA’ from S&P Global Ratings. This rating reaffirms the city’s financial strength and ensures lower borrowing costs for critical infrastructure investments that benefit residents.

Vinal Bakery and Vinal General Store’s Sarah Murphy (left) and Chloe Nolan (right).  Photos by Brian Samuels (www.briansamuelsphotography.com)(❁´◡`❁)

By Jeffrey Shwom

Now, I jokingly tell friends that I have never cared much about British things since we revolted in 1775. When Prince William and Princess Kate visited Greentown Labs in 2022, I went to Market Basket that day in support of local business (plus the parking lot was empty due to heavy security and road closures).

By Carlie Lombardi

On Thursday, February 6, The School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee met virtually to discuss important issues surrounding the future of school infrastructure in the city. The meeting, which covered various topics, was focused on the process of replacing the Winter Hill Community Innovation School, the results of the community feedback survey, and the timeline for school construction.

Bring a friend, a date, a group or just bring yourself to our Valentine’s Day Mixer!

Free Valentine’s Day portraits taken by professional photographer, John Capello, while you whet your appetite for the evening with Mocktails and sweet treats, and take in our current exhibition, the “Art of the Festival” about the origins, rituals and preparations for Nepal’s largest festival!

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I’m lucky I’m in walking distance of Davis Square if I need something down there. But what are drivers to do if they need to shop there? There are two municipal lots that are filled up quickly. There are still a handful of meters scattered around the square. My go to spots are across from Redbones on Chester St.

The city released three Anti-Displacement Task Force reports late last month.

By Jeffrey Shwom

Almost 20 months after beginning its effort, the City of Somerville released three Anti-Displacement Task Force (ADTF) Reports on January 30, with hopes of informing and guiding city and state level policies concerning displacement. Three committees were formed “to develop recommendations aimed at reducing the rate of displacement,” per the city.

(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 Denise Provost

People all over town are talking about the 25-story building proposed for Davis Square. The most asked question seems to be, are you for it, or against it? But it seems to me that this question is premature.

We probably all have first reactions to the concept of a 500-apartment high-rise. But whatever these initial feelings, it will help to have more detailed information.

Join a public Community Meeting regarding 231-249 Elm Street and 6-8 & 12 Grove Street (the development project from the Burren to Dragon Pizza). Wednesday, February 12, at 6 p.m. Somerville Community Baptist Church, 31 College Ave. The property owner and developer will be engaging in a discussion regarding the project. This is the 5th conversation and meeting notes from the previous four meetings can be found here: https://allevents.in/somerville/community-meeting-re-231-249-elm-street-and-6-8-and-12-grove-street/200027806790629.

Members of the city’s Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee have expressed concerns over the quality of transportation options provided for our senior population. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Lexi O’Neil

Concerns are on the rise as Seniors are at the forefront of the Monday, February 3, meeting held by the Equity, Gender, Seniors, Families and Vulnerable Populations Committee. Some of the topics on the agenda varied from helping seniors deal with the grocery inflation prices to ensuring their voices are being represented and heard in council meetings and decisions.