~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Demolition of the Broadway/Ball Sq. bridge began last weekend. The heavy equipment tore into the steel and concrete structure, taking it apart bit by bit. Transit police were on hand to help redirect traffic and keep the public safe from harm.

For the next phase of work on the Green Line Extension (GLX) Project, the Washington St. bridge, in East Somerville near McGrath Highway, will close for construction beginning Monday, April 8, at about 10 p.m. This bridge will close for two separate phases: first, from April 8 through approximately November 2019, then again from about April 2020 through August 2020.

(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.)

As a Somerville homeowner, I applaud the Tree Protection amendment to Somerville’s zoning ordinance introduced by City Councilors Mark Niedergang and JT Scott (“Legal protections for Somerville’s trees”, February 13, 2019). Opponents of this amendment argue that it is a regulatory intrusion and an undue financial burden on homeowners. However, they are mistaken on both counts.

A new type of fitness has been developed for folks who want to stay active and do something different from the usual gym or walking routine. This innovative Parkour class has recently been launched in Somerville at the Armory. It is designed for active aging adults (ages 50+) who want to become physically stronger, develop mental confidence, address the loss of balance and a growing fear of falls, and turn obstacles into opportunities, to feel younger and livelier. All classes are taught in a safe and positive environment by ADAPT certified coaches. They are open to all abilities and fitness levels, from beginners just off the couch to seasoned athletes. Movements are tailored to individual capabilities, including pre-existing injuries and limitations.

(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

A monthly look at ways to get involved with your city: Don’t just live in Somerville, be Somerville!

Join a Board or Commission

The City is accepting applications to fill vacancies on five boards and commissions – the Planning Board, the Somerville Redevelopment Authority, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, and the Somerville Housing Authority. To learn more about each position and how to apply, visit http://bit.ly/5BoardOpenings. All applications are due by Wednesday, April 17.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville Police officer who was monitoring vehicular traffic near the intersection of Elm and Chester Streets last Sunday was flagged by bystanders down and informed that a man had just come out of the Burren bar and broke the side mirror of a parked taxi cab.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

The Ball Square bridge is closed. The detours seem to be working smoothly. Just for kicks, I threw a question out there. It read: “Name, or change a song/title dedicated to the Ball Sq. bridge closure and other detours in Somerville … I’ll start … Bridge Over Troubled … Train Tracks!”

The ordinance vote goes before the full council on Thursday, March 28, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

By Denise Keniston

On Thursday, March 21, the Somerville Legislative Matters Committee passed a revised Condominium/Cooperative Conversion Ordinance. A condo conversion ordinance – enacted back in 1985 – is already on the books, but the committee approved revisions that substantively increase and update tenant’s rights.

Somerville High School students recently participated in the National Kick Butts day by writing anti-smoking messages on city sidewalks with chalk.          

By Jackson Ellison

March 20 was National Kick Butts day, where events take place all over the country to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking. It is mainly targeted towards educating teens about the risks that come along with cigarettes.

The Ball Square Bridge is closed, but several local eateries are depending on you to continue stopping in and having a great breakfast or lunch. Whether it’s Ball Square Café, Sound Bites, Kelly’s Diner, or Victor’s Deli – which everyone loves – please don’t forget them. Business will be rough, but each place in Ball Square has loyal dedicated customers who need to keep coming back. Don’t forget the many other businesses in Ball Square either. So far, as we are located here in Ball Square (the newspaper) traffic hasn’t been that bad!