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A H a n d p i c k e d P o e m

Review by Off the Shelf Correspondent Michael Todd Steffen

From his new book of poems, Pink Dust, in a section with the title Geezer, Ron Padgett writes,

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Mollie O’Leary is a poet from Massachusetts. She holds an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the University of Washington. Mollie’s chapbook The Forgetting Curve was selected for publication in 2023 through Poetry Online’s chapbook contest and is currently in its fifth printing. Her poetry has appeared in Chestnut Review, wildness, McNeese Review, and elsewhere. Find more of her work at mollieoleary.com.

(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’s been lots of differing opinions and lots of misinformation swirling about the Union Square Neighborhood Council’s Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) with Somernova. The first thing to clarify is that a no vote for the CBA does not mean a no vote to a  development. A no vote of the CBA means Somernova can still build by right and the community gets NOTHING.

(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)

By Rand Wilson

Over the last two years the Union Square Neighborhood Council (USNC) and RafiProperties have worked to negotiate a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) for the neighborhood as part of Somernova’s campus expansion.

Thanks to the Neighborhood Council and the CBA negotiation process, our community has had substantial input into this large project.  Prior to the formation of the neighborhood council, real estate developers got their approvals and building permits from the city and then did pretty much did whatever they wanted.

(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)

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the Somernova campus expansion. For over forty years, I have worked in Somerville supporting children, youth, and families in many different capacities.

This second round of funding allows nonprofits and municipalities to apply for matching grants from the statewide pool of opioid abatement funds

The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $1.5 million in matching grants to 30 municipalities and community-based organizations in areas disproportionately impacted by the overdose crisis.

(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)

Dear Neighbors, particularly those in Somerville,

This is from me as a person (yes, I’m not just a senator).  It’s about an issue in Somerville. 

Very few people in Somerville or in the affected area know about the Somernova development proposed on tiny residential streets near Market Basket. Yet many of us can vote Wednesday June 4 on a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA). 

If the CBA passes, the City Council is likely to approve this huge development.

That’s why I’ll be voting no.