AFFORDABLE CONDOS FOR SALE

Image courtesy 60 Cross St. East

Eleven deeply discounted units currently available via lottery (Somerville Wire) – In collaboration with two private developers, the City is currently offering 11 new condominium units for sale at below-market rates. The opportunity to apply for these homes is open to those who currently live in Somerville or work at least 32 hours per week […]

CENTRA INTELLIGENCE

New Documents Reveal Extent, Cost Of BPD’s Secret Surveillance Strategy After more than 100 white supremacists gathered in Boston and marched through the city over Independence Day weekend, city and law enforcement officials said they “did not have intelligence” that the nationally-known Patriot Front group was coming to the Hub—despite paying a government contractor with […]

SOMERVILLE WIRE: June 28, 2022 WEEKLY ROUNDUP

“What's a ‘Neighborway?’” Photo by Jason Pramas. Copyright 2022 Jason Pramas.

Fourth of July Festivities, Tackling Sewer Overflows, and More! Article COMPREHENSIVE BICYCLE NETWORK PLANNED Streets throughout Somerville to be designated “Neighborways” with reduced vehicle speeds  The City is currently planning a broad new system of bicycle routes throughout Somerville. The preliminary plans, which are being vetted in small pop-ups around the city this spring and […]

COMPREHENSIVE BICYCLE NETWORK PLANNED

Draft City of Somerville Draft Bike Network Vision. Image courtesy of the City of Somerville, Mass.

Streets throughout Somerville to be designated “Neighborways” with reduced vehicle speeds (Somerville Wire) – The City is currently planning a broad new system of bicycle routes throughout Somerville. The preliminary plans, which are being vetted in small pop-ups around the city this spring and summer, would add more separated bike lanes and also improve protection […]

HACKS, FACTS & CONTRACTS

As trains broke down, the MBTA’s million-dollar marketing campaign kept running In 2019, a politically-connected state contractor laid out a series of messages and ideas for its Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority clients in what was dubbed their “MBTA Brand Creative Presentation.” Large concepts like “Performance Improvement” and “Fiscal Discipline” were broken down by objectives, situations, […]

SOMERVILLE WIRE: June 22, 2022 WEEKLY ROUNDUP

"Nope, still in Somerville ... or am I?" Photo by Jason Pramas. Copyright 2022 Jason Pramas.

Teen Spaces, Tenant Protection, and More! Article URBAN RENEWAL FOR WINTER HILL Mixed-use development planned at former Star Market on Broadway The long-abandoned Star Market on Broadway in Winter Hill is moving closer to a new life.  Developers presented their latest revisions for the mixed-use development at a meeting of the Somerville Redevelopment Authority last […]

URBAN RENEWAL FOR WINTER HILL

Mixed-use development planned at former Star Market on Broadway (Somerville Wire) – The long-abandoned Star Market on Broadway in Winter Hill is moving closer to a new life.  Developers presented their latest revisions for the mixed-use development at a meeting of the Somerville Redevelopment Authority last Wednesday. The current plan includes about 300 residential units […]

HIGH DRAMA

Unruly, argumentative Governor’s Council inflames Parole Board Hearings There was high drama on display again at a Massachusetts Governor’s Council meeting at the State House last week. During two nomination hearings on June 15, councilors argued with each other, used their podiums to air their pet peeves, and insulted and cut off witnesses. Such antics […]

SOMERVILLE WIRE: June 14, 2022 WEEKLY ROUNDUP

Former phone reflects the day in Somerville. Photo by Jason Pramas. Copyright 2022 Jason Pramas.

Money for Your Guns, a More Inclusive Farmers Market, and More! Articles NEW LIFE FOR CLARENDON HILL City gives final approval for expansion, renovation of public housing OPINION: ‘FIREHOUSE REELS’ AT THE SOMERVILLE MUSEUM Exhibit highlights the once-controversial practice of cities supporting free speech Shorts Money for Your Guns The Somerville Police Department and the […]

NEW LIFE FOR CLARENDON HILL

Rendering of new Clarendon Hill development. Image courtesy of the City of Somerville.

City gives final approval for expansion, renovation of public housing Clarendon Hill, a 216-unit housing development in West Somerville, will be substantially enlarged, redesigned, and renovated, after the City Council last week authorized $14 million in borrowing to help finance the project. Located at 34 North St. between Alewife Brook Parkway, Powder House Blvd., and […]