DOES UNION SQUARE NEED ANOTHER LAB BUILDING?
Developer reveals new plans to replace block of shops with commercial structure (Somerville Wire) – In the heart of Union Square, the new 450-unit apartment building and the seven-story lab building are nearing completion. Last week, the owner of a block of buildings just across Prospect Street from the new buildings held their first public […]
AFTER THE STRIKE
How Did Comm Ave Starbucks Workers Make Out After 2 Months Of Striking? We Asked Them … “Seeing the outpouring of support from people all over the Boston area has renewed a lot of our faith in the community.” Magnus, who asked that we not share his real name for this article, holds the record […]
PAYING TO PLAY
How Rideshare and Delivery Companies Raised $43 Million and Bought Influence In Mass What can $43 million buy? If you’re an alliance of rideshare giants and delivery app companies, it can buy millions of dollars in TV ads, high-powered consultants, and campaign workers who cross over with your biggest opponent. Some say that money was […]
SOMERVILLE WIRE: September 28, 2022 WEEKLY ROUNDUP
‘Opioid Project,’ City Hall Community Meetings, Pollinators, and More! Articles CAN HOLLAND STREET BE SAFE FOR ALL? Proposed street redesign would bring protected bike lanes to Davis Square and beyond OPINION: STATE BOARD RAISES MCAS PASSING SCORE DESPITE 1/2 LEGISLATORS’ OPPOSITION The latest from Sen. Pat Jehlen SAVE THE DATE: Public Forum on the Broadway […]
CAN HOLLAND STREET BE SAFE FOR ALL?
Proposed street redesign would bring protected bike lanes to Davis Square and beyond (Somerville Wire) – Led by Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the City is proposing to install protected bicycle lanes on Holland Street between Davis and Teele Squares. The proposal brought forth passionate comments at a virtual meeting of the Traffic Commission last Wednesday, Sept. […]
OPINION: STATE BOARD RAISES MCAS PASSING SCORE DESPITE 1/2 LEGISLATORS’ OPPOSITION
In August, the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education voted to raise the minimum score that this year’s freshman class, and classes following, will have to attain on the MCAS test in order to graduate. And against Commissioner Riley’s recommendation, they voted to increase the passing score further for classes starting in 2030. They […]
SOMERVILLE WIRE: September 20, 2022 WEEKLY ROUNDUP
New Bike Plan, Fairies, Fall Shots, and More! ARTICLES BACKYARD COTTAGES NOW ALLOWED ‘BY RIGHT’ Council makes it easier to create accessory dwelling units From the Cambridge Day Rally promotes safer bike lanes, other solutions that protect riders across city lines and statewide SHORTS Presenting a New Bike Plan Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, City staff, and […]
BACKYARD COTTAGES NOW ALLOWED ‘BY RIGHT’
Council makes it easier to create accessory dwelling units (Somerville Wire) – Carriage houses, backyard cottages, “tiny houses,” and other accessory dwelling units can now be created “by right” anywhere in a Neighborhood Residence district in Somerville. The City Council voted unanimously at their Sept. 8 meeting to enact amendments to the City’s zoning code […]
UNFARE?
Transit advocates question costly MBTA study to determine new fare structures As the MBTA prepares to launch a massive study of its fare policies—paying private contractors nearly $1 million to recommend potential changes—transit advocates are questioning why the outgoing Baker administration is setting goals for the T and are urging the agency to pump the […]
SOMERVILLE WIRE: September 13, 2022 WEEKLY ROUNDUP
Fluff Festival, Municipal Broadband Discussion, and Local Cultural Council Grants! Article US2 EXPANDS ITS UNION SQUARE FOOTPRINT Two new lab buildings being designed on McGrath Highway at Medford Street Shorts It’s the Fluffiest Time of the Year Union Square will overflow with sweetness this weekend, as the 17th Annual What the Fluff? Festival returns […]