42 people in Somerville have died as a result of COVID-19. There are more than 200,000 people who have lost their lives across the country. Mayor Joe Curtatone speaks to the sorrow of these grim milestones, and urges everyone to mask, distance and wash their hands to prevent the transmission of this deadly disease.

Old wood gutter, soffit and fascia that needed replacement.

By Marian Berkowitz

The COVID-19 pandemic is still in full swing, but I am determined not to miss learning more about the owners who are winning 2020 Awards from the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission!

Members of the public are invited to attend and speak at two public hearings on Wednesday, September 30, at 6:00 p.m. both regarding the processes for enforcing zoning requirements. 

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to the Union Sq. area last Sunday on reports of a woman behind the wheel in the middle of the road.

Upon arrival, the officers spotted an SUV stopped in the middle of Union Sq. in the travel lane. The vehicle was running and the woman inside was unresponsive, but the officers could tell she was breathing due to her chest rise.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Growing up in Somerville over the last few decades gave us lots of delicious dining memories. We had a lot of very good local restaurants. I remember those Friday nights at The Continental on Somerville Ave. for pizza and orange tonic. There was also Frascatis and The Venice in Davis Square. The Paddock and The Mount Vernon were great places also, among many others.

(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 need bold ideas – and new revenue – to respond to this moment
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By State Rep. Christine P. Barber

Recent months have been incredibly challenging for our cities, our Commonwealth, and our nation. I consistently hear from constituents in Somerville and Medford who have been out of work for months, have trouble paying rent, have fears about their children’s education or have concerns about their future. COVID-19 has created a significant public health threat and laid bare ever-present inequalities that continue to grow in our communities. 

The State of Massachusetts empowered the SRA to characterize the “project area” as a “decadent area” and to prepare an Urban Renewal Plan for its redevelopment. The current parcels will be acquired, either by private sale or eminent domain. — Photo courtesy of Google

By Denise Keniston
tw:@denisekeniston

The Winter Hill Urban Renewal Plan, which includes the vacant 31,000 sq. ft. Star Market, has been approved by the Somerville Redevelopment Authority (SRA). Since closing in 2007, Star Market’s two-acre lot, located at 275 Broadway, has been a “blight” on the neighborhood and fallen into a “decadent” state.

The operators of The Jungle Community Music Club have taken their act outdoors as a restaurant, but eagerly await approval to offer live entertainment as well.

By Rachel Berets

In June, the City of Somerville worked quickly to get restaurants up and running outdoors. They streamlined licensing processes, waived fees, and repurposed public space to help restaurants weather the COVID-19 crisis.

So naturally, Sam Epstein, the owner of The Jungle Community Music Club, a restaurant and independent music venue in Somerville, expected the city to do their best for performance halls as well.

(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 Jack Connolly
Jackconnolly422@gmail.com

Whether you’re new to Davis Square or a lifetime long-timer, it is obvious something is not right. On-street parking on Elm St. gone, restaurant tables and chairs in the street, Dunkin’ Donuts closed, empty storefronts on Elm St., the Somerville Theatre closed, most due to the scourge of the COVID-19 virus.

Urban Axes and Brooklyn Boulders are now open in a limited capacity. We wish them luck and encourage all who have enjoyed them in the past, as well as newcomers, to take part in their reopening and let them know you are standing behind them. They can use the businesses and you could use the fun diversions they are offering after this long period of relative inactivity most of us have undergone.