Is there a Walmart store in Somerville’s future? Time, and much deliberation, will tell.

By Andrew Firestone

Big box stores, as they are called, have received dubious reputation in the last decade, and are regarded by some as draining to the local economy. With Walmart unveiling their new plan to open a new 34,000 square foot store at the site of the abandoned Circuit City on Assembly Square, the Mayor of Somerville, Joseph Curtatone, has picked up this gauntlet. In a surprise move, Curtatone has said that he will not support licensing Walmart until he is assured that their hiring practices are ethical.

A ribbon cutting ceremony heralded the completion of the Jackson Street Group Home project.

By Harry Kane

The Walnut Street Center has expanded, and now a new group home for handicapped adults opened last Friday July, 22 on Jackson Street. “There are currently 18 of these facilities in Somerville now,” said Katherine Hardy, the Office Facilities Manager at the Walnut Street Center. “There will be 5 new tenants living at the Jackson Street facility starting in August.” The Walnut Street Center provides support services in Somerville and other nearby communities to people with developmental disabilities.

By Jim Clark

An ongoing sting operation run by the Somerville Police Department Drug/Vice Control Unit has been focused on prostitution activity in the area. By searching through classified advertisements, investigators make contact with suspected offenders.

One such incident occurred last Wednesday when a meeting was set up after responding to an ad offering sexual services for a fee.

Bucolic greenery and serene tranquility such as is depicted here could be in the offing for Assembly Row.

Public to DCR:
keep it natural
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By Andrew Firestone

The debate of Somerville’s last refuge of natural green arose this past Wednesday, July 20, when community members met with representatives from the Department of Conservation and Recreation to discuss new development for the Mystic River Park. The Mystic River Park will undergo a major renovation during the first phase of the Assembly Square development, aided by one million dollars of funds from the Federal Realty Investment Trust for mitigation.

Next week is Mayor Joe Curtatone 7th annual Boston Harbor Cruise, Wednesday, August 3, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Departs from Long Wharf. Cost is only $50pp. Email brooke@thescannellgroup.com

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Happy Birthday to a lot of people in the ‘Ville this week. Two special ladies of The News, Marisa Tauro and Patti Norton are celebrating this Friday. Of course, we wish them the best and a great day. Some other notables here are Rick Hart of the Hart family fame. Hard to believe he’s now a father of 3 himself. We wish him a Happy Birthday. Locally, John Serpico, who is a new resident of Winter Hill and recently got married. Our own Jimmy Del Ponte, who writes about himself and all of us here in the ‘Ville – those special memories – and is extremely active here in the city. We wish him a great day. To Janice Delorey of City Hall, a nice person who is always pleasant and smiling if not helpful to those that call. We wish her a great day as well. We want to wish our good friend Joe DaSilva, who comes back every now and then from his home in Florida to visit all the relatives and friends here in the ‘Ville, a good day. Diane Mahoney, who moved as well but her heart is always here in the ‘Ville – she’s also back and forth – a special day for her as well. To all the Happy Birthday people here in the ‘Ville this week, enjoy and have a great day – and stay cool.

On it goes. For nearly a decade now we have dealt with the supposedly imminent installation of an IKEA store at the slowly developing Assembly Square site. Another delay was thrown into the picture a week or so ago as the city’s Planning Board went along with the company’s request for a one-year extension to its special permit, citing a wish to relocate its proposed building site just a little over and down to the left a bit, thereby forestalling a real start to the project for at least another year.

Are we surprised by this? Should we be?

By Krysia Wazny

“Road Closed” signs lined the intersections of Highland Avenue from Walnut Street to Cedar Street, but traffic continued to pour through the area of another sort. People of all ages made their way on foot or bicycle from one end of the street to the other on a quest for fitness.

By Andrew Firestone

Tonight, July 27, at 6:00 p.m. begins the public forum of the city’s efforts to join the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), and thus save a possible $9.3 million. The meeting will be held as part of the Somerville Board of Aldermen Finance Committee in the Aldermanic Chambers of City Hall, and all are invited to attend.

The Finance Committee went over the ins-and-outs of the possible joining at a meeting on July 21, where a few of them raised concerns over the quality of hospitals opened to the those on the plan. President Rebekah Gewirtz of Ward 6 was especially passionate regarding the best care for those who have serious illness or injury.

The 4th place Alibrandis managed a 4-3 victory over Malden last week, bolstering their resolve to seize a playoff berth. - Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

The Somerville Alibrandis won last Wednesday evening against the Malden Bulldogs in a 4-3 victory. Manager Cam Lynch of the Alibrandis spoke about the night’s success. “This was a big win for us,” Lynch commented. Somerville is currently in 4th place out of 15 Yawkey League teams.  “With just a few games out of first we’ve now got the momentum to keep this up. There are 11 games left in the season and we’re trying to get our groove going for a play off run,” Lynch said.

“Bon Appétit” in three different languages. Adventurous diners sampled an eclectic mix of gastronomic delicacies during their one-night tasting tour of Union Square eateries. - Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

Ever taken a tour of three restaurants in one night? The Somerville Arts Council held a tasting tour in Union Square this past week to explore food and culture. The goal was to show the diversity of the square through the food offered by restaurants in the neighborhood.