Plan proposes community-driven redevelopment of vacant Star Market lot and nearby properties

The City released a draft Winter Hill Urban Renewal Plan today, following a year of public meetings, online engagement, and community conversations about the future of the vacant Star Market site. The Plan proposes that the Somerville Redevelopment Authority (SRA) take a 2.8-acre area that includes the Star Market, Walgreens, and two buildings at the corner of Temple St and Broadway for the purpose of creating more green open space, affordable housing, and a mixed-use development. Community members are welcome to submit feedback on the draft to the SRA, who will vote on the approval of the plan no earlier than September. 

As part of their continuing coverage of the local and Massachusetts Election 2020, Joe Lynch caught up with United State Senate candiate Congressman Joe Kennedy, III for a conversation about the campaign and the election issues

Doug Holder, the host for Somerville Media Center’s “Poet to Poet Writer to Writer” program interviews Thomas Lyons about his quixotic quest to open a bookstore in Davis Square. Lyons is the owner of the new England Book Fair.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is warning residents in the area to take precautions against getting mosquito bites and to learn preventative techniques for avoiding them.

Wareham now at high risk for EEE
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The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced ten new EEE positive mosquito samples. These results include samples from Carver and Wareham in Plymouth County and from Canton in Norfolk County. As a result, the risk level in Wareham has been raised to high.

Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, and Urban Design Commission are accepting applications through August 21

The City of Somerville is seeking to fill vacancies on essential boards and commissions appointed by the mayor and coordinated by the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development. All new board and commission members must be approved by the City Council. Boards and commissions offer an opportunity for community members with a range of experience, skills, expertise, and perspectives to share their talents and insights with their community. Applications for open positions will be accepted through 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21.

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched Third Ave. location last Sunday evening on reports of a large car group.

According to reports, over the course of the previous two Saturday evenings there had been similar calls for service to this area.

Upon arrival in the area, officers encountered approximately 400 cars lined up on both sides of the street and in private parking lots along Inner Belt Rd.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

This article was originally published on March 8, 2014.

In 2009, I did a story about shopping in Davis Square. Someone left this comment: “I had a relative, Hyman Kimmel, who owned a store called Mickey Finn’s in Somerville. Do you know how I could find more data about this store or the owner?”

Teachers, administrators and civic leaders are currently hammering out a plan to get kids back in school this fall.

By Rachel Berets

Five weeks before the school year is set to begin, the Somerville Teachers Association (STA) and the district are debating the safest and most effective way to start teaching in September amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

At a Town Hall on Wednesday July 29, the Mayor of Somerville, Joe Curtatone, Superintendent Mary Skipper, and other administrators presented an update on the Somerville Public Schools Reopening Plan.

On a cloudy day in June, a young man holds his Black Lives Matter sign at Powder House Square.

By Alberto Gilman

The pandemic is proving to be a challenge for the few Black-owned restaurants in Somerville, but the Black Lives Matter movement has created a new sense of direction.

Across the country, the outpouring of support for the African American community through the Black Lives Matter movement has brought about reform and change to the social landscape. Cities and smaller towns all over, including Somerville, have taken part in supporting one another through this difficult time.

The end of the additional $600 per week unemployment benefit will likely create new financial hardship for people in our community. If you’re lucky enough to have some extra money, please consider a donation to the Somerville Cares Fund. This donation-based fund provides direct assistance to Somerville residents, workers, and parents of school children so that they can cover basic expenses like housing, food, and utility bills. If you’re unable to donate you can still help by sharing information about the Somerville Cares Fund with your friends and family.