Dear Editor,

(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)

There is a saying “you get what you pay for”, but in the case of your utility bill that sadly isn’t true. In Massachusetts, utilities bill you not just for the gas you use, but the gas leaked into the air from the old and ailing pipelines. There are over 16,000 pipeline leaks in Massachusetts, over 200 in Somerville alone. Residents of Massachusetts currently pay an estimated $90 million each year for gas that they never receive.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

On Thursday, August 10, Mayor Curtatone hosted the Sunsetters in front of his home on Ten Hills Rd. The Redbones truck was there, feeding the assembled audience and performers.

More than $880,000 previously approved this round for affordable housing

Upon the recommendation of the Somerville Community Preservation Committee, the Board of Aldermen approved more than $1.3 million in Community Preservation Act funding for 12 open space and historic preservation projects. This follows the previously approved recommendation to provide $880,416 to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in January. The funded projects will bring improvements to historic treasures in Somerville, including the Milk Row Cemetery and the Grace Baptist Church. The CPA will also support a new schoolyard for the Winter Hill Community Innovation School and designs for the Healey Schoolyard, Henry Hansen Park, Blessing of the Bay Park, and the Community Growing Center.

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to a Calvin St. location last week on reports of a package theft.

While en route, police dispatch reported a description of the male suspect, later identified as Adrian Brooks, of Hyde Park.

The 2017 edition of the Marathon Sports Memphis Soul 5km and BBQ took place on Sunday, August 13 in Somerville. First place finisher men: Shawn Wallace of Waltham. First place finisher women: Hayley Sutter of Brookline.

Click here to see all the race results.

Paul (Archie) Archambeau 64 passed away peacefully in his home 8/9/17. Paul was a lifelong resident of Somerville and loving brother of Robin Assaf, of Boston, David Archambeau of North Adams and the late John Archambeau of Wayland brother in law to Malek Al-Khatib and uncle to Brian, Kiersten, Mary Beth & Danny.

Paul attended St. Clements School and enjoyed his career with Arlington Yellow Cab. Paul was a close and loyal Friend of Bill and achieved the promise of serenity. Paul will be remembered by his strong sense of humor and quick wit.

Application materials for this year’s Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds as well as the FY18 Community Preservation Plan, which sets the funding allocations and priorities for the year, are now available.

Up to $2.3 million is available for projects that preserve Somerville’s historic resources and expand and improve our parks and recreation land, including $710,000 earmarked for open space acquisition. The City invites residents, organizations, and businesses to submit eligibility determination forms to see if they qualify for the funding.