Zones aim to eliminate double-parking in traffic lanes and increase safety for all modes of transportation

In an effort to increase safety and reduce congestion in one of Somerville’s busiest squares, a passenger drop-off and pickup only zone has been established in Union Square. The pickup and drop-off zones are open to all users including the public, taxis, and ride share services. Parking and idling more than five minutes in the designated zones are prohibited. The spaces are located between 345 and 347 Somerville Ave. near the entrance to Bow Market.

L-R Standing: Bill Lemos, Eugene Brune, Federal Realty Assistant General Manager David Middleton, Darcie DeLuca, Regina Bertholdo, Somerville Schools Parent Information Center, Jim Bowdring, Julia Esko and Courtney O’Connor from Prospect Hill Academy; Seated: Kiwanis President Paul Upton, Program Chairperson Haley Adams, Assistant Chairperson Catia Aruda. ~ Photos courtesy of Somerville Kiwanis

On  August 16, the Somerville Kiwanis Club wrapped up their month-long drive to collect school supplies for local children in need. The program began in early July with donation collection boxes being placed at local businesses across the city where the supplies were collected. On two July weekends, Kiwanis members collected supplies donated by customers at Staples located at Assembly Square Marketplace. In addition, club members and corporate supporters donated more than $2000 in cash.

The Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and 351 Summer LLC are pleased to announce an affordable homeownership opportunity for four (4) condos at 353 Summer Street for eligible households with a combined gross income at or below 80% or between 81 to 110% of the Area Median Income. Please see the sales prices and descriptions of the units below:

~Photos by Bobbie Toner

Union Square Farmers Market is back for its 14th season. With over forty vendors, a great lineup of musicians and bands, and community groups – it promises to be one of the best seasons yet.

Task Force will identify and recommend policies and safety improvements to be included in Vision Zero Action Plan.

The City of Somerville is seeking applicants for a newly formed Vision Zero Task Force. In September 2017, the City announced the launch of Vision Zero Somerville, reaffirming Somerville’s commitment to multi-modal road safety. The initiative will take a multi-department, data-driven approach to improving safety for all road users, whether on bicycles or on foot, in vehicles, or aboard public transit. The Task Force will explore potential policy and infrastructure changes the City may include in the upcoming Somerville Vision Zero Action Plan. Area experts willing to serve as occasional or one-time advisors are also sought for a wide range of knowledge areas from active transportation, traffic safety, public health, data analysis and visualization, and other relevant fields.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Somerville is a great big melting pot with a mixture of all kinds of different people, all ages, cultures and groups. We have folks moving here from other countries, transplanted newcomers, and of course, the lifers.

Lifers are those who have been lucky enough to be able to stay in the houses their parents bought in the 50s and 60s and 70s for prices that are now equal to some monthly rents in parts of Somerville and surrounding areas. Lifers are also dyed in the wool Somerville people who grew up here and now either bought or rent because they still love this city.

By Jim Clark

According to the City of Somerville and specialists in this field, invasive plant species, such as black swallow-wort (BSW), can interfere with monarch butterfly reproduction.

Monarch butterflies help pollinate other plants, so a healthy population is important. If you have black swallow-wort in your yard, now is a good time to get rid of it before its seeds drop.

~Photo courtesy of Somerville Overcoming Addiction

City Hall to Be Lit with Purple Lights; Ceremony to Place 157 Flags for Those Lost to Overdose; Communitywide Call for all to Display Purple

In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) on August 31 and National Recovery Month in September, advocates and officials in Somerville have united in their call for Somervillians to observe both events in a few simple but powerful ways. From displaying purple lights and ribbons to attending vigils and events, residents can send a message of support and hope for recovery.

(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!

State Primary Election, September 4

The September 4^th State Primary Election is quickly approaching and sample ballots are available now. Find them along with information about polling place locations and other important upcoming election dates like voter registration for the General Election and the early voting schedule by visiting www.somervillema.gov/elections.