An aerial view of Foss Park, taken from the document “2019 Foss Park Community Meeting Kickoff – 10-30 and 11-13” available on the city’s Foss Park webpage.

By Jane Regan and Stephanie Wittenbach
Somerville Neighborhood News

Residents, city and state officials all say that Foss Park, one of the city’s biggest open spaces, needs a facelift. And likely much more. And anyone who has played ball or walked a dog there knows about the dustbowls, lack of drainage and other challenges. Last year the state finally announced a $1.2-million-dollar project that includes building a new artificial turf field, field lighting, walkway upgrades and drainage improvements.

Historic new ordinance uses national best practices to implement SomerVision.

 Somerville is the first and largest municipality in the Boston metropolitan region to adopt a citywide form-based code.

After over seven years of research and analysis, hundreds of community meetings, multiple public hearings and extensive review by the former Board of Aldermen and current City Council, Somerville officially has a new zoning ordinance. On December 12, 2019, the City Council voted to approve the administration’s proposed new zoning ordinance, making this the first major overhaul of zoning in Somerville since 1990, and an update of some regulatory elements that have existed since zoning was first adopted in 1924.

Just in time to complete your holiday shopping, the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission has “Preserving Somerville” merchandise available for sale. All merchandise can be viewed on the Commission’s website at www.somervillema.gov/historicshop, and a list of available items is below.

(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

The Tuesday after Thanksgiving has become known as Giving Tuesday. The Giving Tuesday campaign started in 2012 to encourage people to donate to charities and non-profit organizations during the holiday season. While Giving Tuesday is a good reminder to make a donation, nonprofits need support throughout the year to carry out their missions.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville Police officer was dispatched to Once Lounge on Highland Ave. last Wednesday on reports of unwanted customer that was refusing to leave.

Upon arrival, the officer spoke with the manager of the establishment, who stated that he had been having a problem with a patron who kept jumping uncontrollably and bumping into people and also pushing his bouncers and refusing to leave when asked to do so.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I got a call from my daughter last night. When I saw her name come up on my phone I immediately said what every parent says when their kid calls, “Is everything okay?” Thankfully, it was.

The reason she called was to share an old Christmas memory with me. She was in the process of finding the right Christmas tree for her family. Her husband was driving her and their kids around tree shopping.

Assembly Row hosted for the third year on December 5, an Ice Sculpture Stroll sponsored by Capital One. Participants followed a map to discover all ten sculptures and treats throughout the property.

Attendees also enjoyed music, giveaways and earned an Assembly memento when they completed the map.

Governor Charlie Baker addressed those gathered at Somerville City Hall last week to witness the presentation of the $4.4 million grant by MassWorks in support of the Clarendon Hill redevelopment project.

By Jim Clark

A $4.4 million grant was formally presented to the City of Somerville by Governor Charlie Baker at a gathering of state and local officials and other interested parties at City Hall last Wednesday, December 4.

The state grant is intended to fund renovation of streets and other infrastructure elements associated with the Clarendon Hill redevelopment project.

Visitors sampled food from international cuisines at the opening of Nibble Kitchen in Bow Market, on December 3.

By Shira Laucharoen

At long last, the much-anticipated Nibble Kitchen finally celebrated its grand opening on December 3 in Union Square’s Bow Market. The first restaurant nationally to be opened by an arts council, the Somerville Arts Council, Nibble Kitchen rejoices in the spirit of international eats and features a rotating menu of global cuisines. Mayor Joseph Curtatone was present during the revelries and led a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Illuminations Tour 2019 takes place Saturday, December 14, 4:30 to 9:00 p.m. Any leftover tickets will be sold at City Hall the night of the event. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children (12 and under) and seniors (60+). Cash or check only. Proceeds go toward funding the public programs of the Somerville Arts Council. For more information: go to: www.somervilleartscouncil.org/illuminationstour.