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The Somerville Police Department has adopted all of the 8 Can’t Wait police reform policies espoused by Campaign Zero (see the graphic ). Six of the policies were already formally in place in writing and two were existing, taught standard procedures (a ban on choke- and strangleholds and duty to intervene) that will now be added to written policy and procedures. Officers will continue to be educated on all of these policies.

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Somerville School Committee public budget hearing

On June 8, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

The Somerville School Committee will conduct a public hearing on the School Department’s FY2021 Budget, Wednesday,  June 17, 2020, at 6:00 p.m.

GoToWebinar Online Meeting Platform.

Please use the following web address to join the Budget Hearing: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5352296567632079115

The Public is Cordially Invited to Attend.

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Anti-racism candlelight vigil

On June 8, 2020, in Latest News, by System

A candlelight vigil in honor of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others killed by police brutality and racist violence took place Sunday evening at the East Somerville Public Library.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

 

The City of Somerville will hold a virtual information session and public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 water and sewer rates on Thursday, June 11. The information session will start at 6:00 p.m. and the public hearing will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Anyone who would like to testify is welcome to attend. Written testimony will also be accepted until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16. Written testimony can be submitted by emailing water@somervillema.gov or by mailing it to the Water and Sewer Department, 17 Franey Rd., Somerville, MA 02145.

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Broadway Bridge is now open

On June 7, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

The Broadway bridge is now open with one travel lane in each direction. During this early stage, temporary accessible sidewalks and bike lanes will be installed on one side of the bridge allowing bike/pedestrian travel in both directions at all times.

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Remembering the Heart of the Library

On June 7, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

(Message from Somerville Public Library)

Dear Community Members,

It is with the heaviest heart that I share with you the passing of librarian, George Pierce. George began his career at the Somerville Public Library as a part-time ‘page’ in 1968, at the tender age of 18, and became part of the full-time staff in 1972. To say George represented the heart and soul of how we approach library service in Somerville is not an overstatement. He is remembered by library staff as a person who loved his job, his family, music, fast cars, and a good IPA. He was a prankster, and always enjoyed a good laugh. He thoroughly enjoyed his interactions with his co-workers, and with you, and is going to be missed terribly.

How fortunate we were to have his service for more than 50 years.

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Memorialization Committee seeks two resident members

On June 7, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

The City of Somerville’s newly formed Memorialization Committee, which will name public assets like buildings, streets, and parks, is accepting applications for two resident positions. The Committee will also develop policies and procedures to follow when choosing names. The committee will meet when needed to name a public asset and meetings could begin as early as this summer. Appointees will serve a two-year term and must be confirmed by the City Council. If you are interested in applying, please send a statement of interest to memorial@somervillema.gov by Sunday, June 28.
 

Message from SHC: Time to change

On June 6, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times
(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.)

Supporters of SHC,

Somerville Homeless Coalition stands in solidarity with protesters and organizations fighting to dismantle pervasive structural racism in our country. George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade – these are the most recent of a long list of names that ring in our hearts and minds as we process the senseless violence, police brutality, and racial injustice exacted on Black Americans.

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Candlelight Vigil

On June 6, 2020, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

There will be a Candlelight Vigil in honor of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others killed by police brutality and racist violence. Sunday, June 7, 7:00 p.m.– 8:00 p.m. at the East Somerville Public Library, 115 Broadway.

 

Demolition will occur for about two weeks between hours of 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

The Green Line Extension (GLX) announced today that demolition of the Lechmere Viaduct between the Gilmore Bridge and existing Lechmere Station in East Cambridge will begin on Saturday, June 6. The work will further advance the relocation and reconstruction of the new Lechmere Station now underway as part of the Green Line Extension project (GLX). The project, scheduled for completion in December 2021, will extend Green Line service from the new Lechmere Station along two new branches to Union Square in Somerville and to College Avenue/Tufts University in Medford.

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