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)

The front of Hudson St.

By William A. White, Jr.

A number of residents have contacted Denise Provost and me about the construction on the small lot next to her home, the status of her lawsuit against the City, and about how our City government has responded to the zoning amendments I introduced. As someone who has practiced land use and zoning law in Somerville for decades, I can tell you this is among the worst planning decisions in the City’s history. Everyone should look closely at the accompanying photographs, because as of today, our entire City government is allowing this type of development to proceed unimpeded in our residential neighborhoods.

— Photos courtesy of Somerville United FC

By Christa Lee

Somerville now has its own homegrown soccer team. Soccer, being an international sport, is its own unifying language–a theme that Robert Onjiko, the coach, co-founder, and CEO of Somerville United FC, wants more of.

All city offices are closed for the Independence Day holiday on Friday, July 3. Trash and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day. All Somerville Public Library locations will be closed on Saturday, July 4, for Independence Day. Regular hours will resume on Sunday, July 5. We wish everyone a safe, Happy 4th!

Flying Vipers will be performing at the “Global Grooves: Rhythms of the Game” event. — Photo by Lara Woolfson

 The World Cup delivers a once-in-a-lifetime soundtrack: roaring anthems, jubilant cheers, and plenty of music. Inspired by the energy of the ongoing tournament, Somerville invites all to ‘Global Grooves: Rhythms of the Game,’ a celebration of music, culture, and community, on Saturday, July 11, from 12 to 4 p.m., on the City Hall concourse (93 Highland Ave.). Rain date is Sunday, July 12.

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On a recent visit to Cuba, I was lucky enough to travel with a group of 15 to a restaurant named Finca Agroecological El Paraíso, located in Pinar del Rio overlooking the Viñales Valley, about a 3 1/2 hour drive west of Havana.

The Fourth of July holds a special significance in the hearts of truly patriotic Americans. Not only is it a time to celebrate the birth of our nation, but it also happens to fall at the best time of year to make good times happen, summer.

Who among us doesn’t enjoy the occasion? Who can resist the warm glow of good fellowship between friends, neighbors, and families as the “birthday” of our nation comes around?

Congratulations to Somerville City Councilor Will Mbah and his wife, Christelle, who celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary on June 27. We wish them many more years of happiness

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Review by Off the Shelf Correspondent Marcus Breen

Creative lives offer insights into the human condition that are not replicated elsewhere. No one reads a biography of a business executive to discover insights about the meaning of life and relationships: at least I don’t. Then again, if I was obsessed with learning the nefarious ways of making money by robbing the poor and enriching myself, then business biographies would take me to the ethically challenged world of all-money-all-the-time, or more technically “economism.” Somewhat ironically, artists and creative people offer insights to the human condition because their work reaches the public through the commercial processes of business.

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Our poet writes: “My name is Lizzie Rutberg. I’m a local artist and sometimes-poet living in Somerville.”