(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 Members of the Somerville City Council,

Tonight at 5:30 PM, many residents of Cobble Hill Apartments will gather at 50 Washington Street to watch the public Zoom meeting to decide the path forward for the redevelopment of 90 Washington Street.

Abundant Housing Massachusetts (AHMA) has announced its endorsement of Representative Mike Connolly for reelection to the State House representing the 26^th Middlesex District, Somerville City Councilor Will Mbah for state representative in the 34^th Middlesex District, and Somerville City Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen for state representative in the 27^th Middlesex District.

Union Square Plaza set the scene for the 2026 edition of the Big Gay Dance Party. ~Photo by Megan Senturk

By Christa Lee

Pride Month went out with a bang at the Big Gay Dance Party the last week of June in Union Square Plaza. It was free and included vendors, a live DJ, drag performers, and plenty of dancing, with an extra hour added this year.

Beginning the week of July 6, Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program interns and Public Works staff are bringing MassDEP’s Recycling IQ program to Somerville. We will be conducting recycle bin checks in neighborhoods across the city to identify common recycling mistakes and share information with residents on proper disposal.

Register for free SomerCup community soccer tournament through July 6; Watch games at local businesses; Join watch parties scheduled citywide; Take part in youth soccer clinic with New England Revolution

The first weeks of the World Cup have been a whirlwind of celebration, community, and, of course, kilts. Head to Somerville as the festivities continue. Below find upcoming World Cup events happening around the city, with opportunities for fans, athletes, and neighbors to celebrate together.

The Department of Fire Services posts a list of permitted fireworks displays and updates it each week through the summer. To view the list – and to learn more about the dangers of illegal fireworks – visit the DFS website.

Fires, explosions, and serious injuries related to illegal fireworks spike each summer in Massachusetts, and fire service leaders are hoping to reverse last year’s increase over 2024.

Several community groups will jointly host a multi-community forum for the 2nd Middlesex State Senate candidates on July 16, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Somerville High School, 81 Highland Ave. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.