(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 State Representative Christine Barber and Tisch Scholar Nithya Badrinath

Massachusetts is at a crossroads: will the state build a new women’s prison and continue to invest in the cycle of incarceration, or go another way to support communities? The Commonwealth has one women’s prison, in Framingham, a facility built in 1877 that is incredibly outdated and is becoming more uninhabitable each day. This presents an opportunity to rethink how we address criminal justice, particularly for those who suffer from addiction, acute mental illness, or are victims of trafficking. We have a unique moment to invest in communities, in mental health supports and substance use programs, education that is transferable, and safe housing for women and families to address the root causes of criminalization and stop the flow of incarceration.

By Joe Creason

On Thursday, May 20, the Somerville City Council’s Legislative Matters Committee meeting began with a discussion on the proposal to draft a PILOT ordinance. This effort is inspired by the PILOT ordinance which is currently being implemented by the City of Boston.

Meet at the corner of McGrath Hwy. and Broadway at the former gas station lot (empty lot across from Foss Park) on Wednesday, May 26, at 6:00 p.m., for a rally to demand that MassDOT prioritize the safety of people over the speed of cars. Tell MassDOT to: Accelerate McGrath/Mystic Ave. improvements, Create Blakeley Ave. crosswalk now, enact traffic calming measures now, and erect sound barriers along Rte. I-93 to reduce noise pollution. Local officials attending include: Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, State Reps Christine Barber and Mike Connolly, Mayor Joe Curtatone, City Councillors Matt McLaughlin (Ward 1) and Jesse Clingan (Ward 4). The public is invited to sign the petition to MassDOT.. Attendees must follow Somerville’s Covid-19 mask and social distancing policy. Organized by Somerville Alliance for Safe Streets (somervillesafestreets@gmail.com).

*

— Photos by Claudia Ferro
*
Blessing of the Bay is a slice of nature right here in urban Somerville. The boathouse is home to a canoe and kayak rental plus a rowing club. Now they are adding some great art.

*

Situated inside the Aeronaut Brewing Co Food Hub, this little gem should certainly be on your list to try. If you already tried it, then you know what I mean.

It began as a way to memorialize the military casualties of the Civil War, and was originally termed Decoration Day. Decorating the graves of the countless multitudes of fallen soldiers helped to console the grieving survivors of the debacle while uniting the once divided nation in a worthwhile common cause.

On Monday of next week, we will take some time to pay homage to those who made the supreme sacrifice for their country. For us all. We will have to do it differently again this year because of the precautions being followed due to the ongoing coronavirus problem.

Arrests:
*

Mya Wilborn, of Roxbury, May 23, 6:28 p.m., arrested at Laurel Ter. on warrant charges of furnishing a false ID to arresting law enforcement, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, trespassing, disorderly conduct, larceny from a building, resisting arrest, and miscellaneous common law violation.

*
Kevin McIntosh met me at the outdoor patio of the Neighborhood Restaurant in Union Square to chat about his new book, Class Dismissed, as well as his life as a writer and teacher.

*
Madison Conrad is a nursing student at Endicott College.