— Photo courtesy Google Maps

Trees in City-owned parks to undergo preventive maintenance in 2020 following comprehensive health assessments.

Beginning in February 2020, Somerville community members will see preventive maintenance operations on trees in some city-owned parks, thanks to a new Parks Tree Health Program launched by the Public Space and Urban Forestry Division in fall 2019. The new program analyzes and proactively maintains trees located in city-owned parks using best arboreal practices to promote healthy tree growth. The program goes beyond standard tree maintenance to perform comprehensive health assessments of the trees in each park, creating and executing a proactive, preventive work plan for tree maintenance, and creating long-term maintenance recommendations.

(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 Joseph A. Curtatone

Although frustrating, it’s understandable that large construction projects often face delays. They’re complex, involve complicated logistics, and sometimes more work needs to be done than originally planned. But that didn’t soften the blow when, earlier this week, we found out that the three bridges currently closed for Green Line Extension construction would be delayed in reopening. GLX officials still expect the project in full to be completed on time, by the end of 2021.

CAAS staff sign in to vote on the proposed contract.

By Rand Wilson

Union members at the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) overwhelmingly approved their new contract on Thursday, January 23 in a secret ballot ratification vote. Through the process of collective bargaining that involved CAAS management and agency staff, a new labor contract maintains a comprehensive health insurance plan at a low cost to employees while also improving wages.

By Jim Clark

At approximately 1:30 a.m. last Friday, a Somerville Police officer on patrol observed a vehicle take a right off of Somerville Ave. onto Medford St. As the vehicle traveled toward officer on Medford St., he estimated the speed of the vehicle to be 50 mph.

The officer turned his cruiser around and could not see the vehicle’s taillights. He continued down Medford St. and in the parking lot of 61 Medford St. he noticed the headlights of the vehicle he had been pursuing.

(This article first appeared in the January 29, 2013 edition of The Somerville Times)

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Growing up and living in Somerville has been a blast. There was always something to do and always someplace fun to go close to home. We could walk or ride our bikes to a number of exciting destinations.

Last week I wrote about The Bingham School that used to be on Lowell Street. Well, this week we revisit Lowell Street to reminisce about The Hostess Bakery that was located at number 259.  You read it correctly! They actually used to make Twinkies, Sno-Balls, cupcakes and Wonder Bread in Somerville! Now tell me growing up in Somerville wasn’t the best!

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

Mr. Darrell and the West Somerville Neighborhood School music program put on a winter concert on Friday, January 24, for families and friends of the students.

Lots of great talented students sang and played instruments for the appreciative audience that was in attendance.

By Anna Schaeffer

The Somerville City Council gathered on Thursday night, January 23, for its usual meeting to discuss matters of legislative and public concern.

The meeting began with a moment of silence in remembrance of Catherine B. Canaan who passed away on January 18. A math teacher who was deeply involved in the Somerville community, Canaan used her retirement to actively pursue the Somerville Math Fund and manage state education assessment examinations.

The site where La Ronga Bakery and Delicatessen conducted business for many years has been sold to 599 Somerville Ventures, LLC.

Laronga Realty Partnership announced on Monday the sale of 599 Somerville Avenue, to 599 Somerville Ventures, LLC, managed by Rafi Properties, LLC (Rafi) which occurred on Thursday, January 23.

The approximately 21,908 sq. ft. mixed-use site was home to La Ronga Bakery and Delicatessen, a family-owned and operated Somerville business for over 50 years.  Known for high quality breads and turn-key manufacturing, La Ronga distributed products daily to local colleges and universities throughout the region as well as popular retail grocers such as Trader Joes.

(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 Matthew McLaughlin

When people use the phrase “identity politics” transportation policy does not come to mind. Yet if you examine the debate over bike lanes, there are undertones of a cultural divide that mirrors national politics.

Bike lanes straddle the line between basic infrastructure improvements and cultural lightning rod. They are seen as an attack on the American way of life to some, and treated as a progressive litmus test to others.

Well, the big news around the city this week is the announced delays in construction and reopening of the bridges that have been closed due to the Green Line Extension Project’s activities. We are certainly disappointed by the delays. We have been contending with the traffic snarls and rerouting for quite some time already, and now we’re being asked to put up with it a bit longer. It is important for all of us to get out and support the local businesses that are have been feeling the effect of the bridge closures already. We sure hope that it will all ultimately be considered worth the trouble and expense.