Here’s a reminder that applications for the City’s tax deferral program are due on Monday, April 2. Residents may be eligible if they make less than $57,000 per year, if they are willing to volunteer, or if they meet other qualifications. The programs allow residents to delay paying taxes and/or to pay less in taxes. More information can be found by calling the City at 617-625-6600 x3522 or by visiting this website www.somervillema.gov/seniortaxhelp.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(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)

 A monthly look at ways to get involved with your city: Don’t just live in Somerville, be Somerville!

 Conway Park and Playground Meeting, March 29

As previously noted, soil testing conducted in preparation for the proposed renovation of Conway field revealed contamination in the soil, including lead and PCBs above regulatory limits, requiring its closure. Initial samples of the soil in the adjacent playground did not reveal contaminants exceeding regulatory limits. However, as a precautionary measure, the playground is closed for additional testing as well.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

On Saturday, March 24, the Somerville Teachers Association hosted an “alumni tour” of the old high school.

The city will be looking at ways to improve sidewalk mobility during and after heavy snowfalls.

By Jim Clark

The Somerville Board of Aldermen is looking at issues related to mobility on public sidewalk during winter snow conditions.

Specifically, at the last regular meeting of the Board on Thursday, March 22, an order was initiated by Alderman At-Large Stephanie Hirsch, and co-sponsored by the entire Board, asking the Commissioner of Public Works and the Superintendent of Inspectional Services to convene a public community meeting to debrief with residents on the condition of sidewalks this winter with regard to mobility concerns.

Elaine Koury, Public Health Nurse Manager Sara Harris, Director of Human Services Nancy Bacci,Alderman-at-Large Mary Jo Rossetti, Joyce Shortt and Alderman-at-Large Bill White gathered together at a table for an evening of discussion.

By Emily Blackwood

For many people, getting involved in one’s community can often feel like a mission without a map. What do you do? How do you help? Where do you even start?

The Somerville Commission for Women aimed to clear up those questions by opening a direct line of communication to the people who have actually done it: the city’s elected officials. And rather than sending a faceless email or leaving what is probably one of dozens of messages on their answering machines, those officials were sitting at a table, ready to help.

Many Somerville students, particularly members and supporters of the Students Against Gun Violence group, organized primarily by Somerville High School students, took part in the March For Our Lives event in Boston last Saturday, March 24. The photos shown here are from the event.

This week Somerville Rotary is having their annual Giggles Comedy Night at Giggles Comedy Club, Rt. 1 in Saugus, on March 29, at 6:00 p.m. It’s a great event and lots of fun. Professional comedians, plus an auction and raffles throughout the night. Proceeds to benefit the many local Somerville charities. The ticket price is $30. Contact Donald Norton at 617-623-6600 for tickets (also at the door) or for further information.

Concerned residents, members of local advocacy groups, and public officials gathered on Saturday to discuss the Tufts PILOT arrangement. — Photo by Penelope Jennewein

By Dorothy DiMarzo

Members of Our Revolution Somerville, Our Revolution Medford, The West Somerville Neighborhood Association, community residents, Alderman for Ward 7 Katjana Ballantyne and Alderman-at-Large Mary Jo Rossetti joined together this past Saturday, March 24, to talk about how Tufts University could do better by paying its fair share to help offset costs for city services they benefit from and to make contributions to the city since they are tax exempt as a nonprofit.

By Peter Blaikie
Twenty-four-year homeowner

(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)

If you are a homeowner in Somerville and concerned about the transfer fee the city is looking to back room deal on you, you should make a point to be heard on April 4th at Somerville city hall. Here is a reply to one of the supporters of this plan. I had to copy and paste it as it will be deleted like other arguments I responded to about this issue. It seems that when someone makes a valid point and it doesn’t match their mission statement they would rather delete their post then host a counter argument that might make people think about the implications of what is being proposed. Here is my response to Katie Gradowski’s supporting the transfer fee:

The uproar continues as the date for the public hearing on the proposed real estate transfer fee draws nearer.

Advocates and naysayers alike have been actively pressing their cases in the public domain, and there seems to be little change of opinions on either side. Like so many other issues these days, whether local or national, this one seems to be a classic example of everybody knows best.