Taking a closer look at this month’s notable city data—and interesting numbers.
*

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)

30 – That’s the number of months that rates are locked in through the city’s new Community Choice Electricity program (Somerville CEE). We recently joined more than 60 other cities and towns in Massachusetts to harnesses the bulk buying power of ratepayers to secure a low, fixed rate for electricity. Somerville CEE, which will run from July 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019, aims to reduce the cost of electricity for residents and businesses in Somerville by insulating them from market fluctuations like those that have occurred in recent winter months.

(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,

Over the last 11 months, the Board of Aldermen has been hammering out the details of new zoning for Union Square including the seven Union Square Revitalization Area blocks, most of which are adjacent or near the future Green Line stop.

~Photos by Bobbie Toner

At the Legislative Matters committee meeting last Thursday, Alderman At-Large John Connolly expressed his view that it would be wrong to restrict service on the CBC by municipal employees.

By Jordan Deschenes

After over two months of discussions, Somerville city officials are still in the editing stages of the proposed Community Benefits Committee (CBC) ordinance. Aldermen met last week at a Legislative Matters committee meeting to review two drafts of the document, deliberating the lawfulness and ethical implications of the drafts’ language.

Bluntly Speaking by Ross E. Blouin, Publisher The Somerville Times

On June 8, the Somerville Board of Aldermen will have the opportunity to finally vote on new zoning that will allow Union Square’s revitalization to move forward.  The redevelopment, which will be implemented by Union Square Station Associates (US2), is slated to create over 1.3 million square feet of commercial space, high quality open space and hundreds of units of new market rate and affordable housing over the next decade or so. The new development will create 5,000 new permanent jobs, 4,000 construction jobs, will generate millions in new annual tax revenue and will help to pay for the Green Line Extension to Somerville.  The vote comes on the heels of several missed deadlines and extensions for the rezoning process that started in summer 2016.

By Donald Norton

The Ward 4 ResiStat meeting was held last Thursday, June 1, at the Healey School. There was a good turnout of Ward 4 Winter Hill and Ten Hills residents who came out to find out what is going on in their ward. Many city department heads were present and they talked about the issues facing not just Ward 4 but all of Somerville. The new zoning ordinance will be up for a vote shortly. After the mayor spoke he opened it up for questions and answers from the audience.

“East Somerville Reunion 17” will be held this year on June 24 at the Somerville City Club. Anyone that grew up in East Somerville is invited to attend to meet and greet old friends and reminisce about your park or the corner you grew up on, and so much more. Come and have some fun. Hook up with old friends. Eat, drink, and dance your ass off to a live band. Tickets are $10 each, available at the City Club bar. $15 at the door. This is an adult only event. No one under 21 allowed. We know what it was like back in the day to grow up in a unique part of Somerville. The last reunion had well over 100 attendees. It looks like this year’s event may be even more successful. Go to the Facebook page “East Somerville 17” and check in if you will be attending. The reunion is the idea of Dan Rogovich and his committee. They have worked hard to make this a success. A big thank you for having Somerville Pride, in particular East Somerville Pride.

— Photos by Donald Norton

The Ryan Harrington Foundation held a 5k Walk/Run to raise funds to help individuals and families impacted by addiction.

By Donald Norton

Alderman At-Large Bill White, who is running for re-election, held his campaign kickoff last week on June 1 in Union Square at Cantina La Mexicana. The event was hosted by outgoing Ward 4 Alderman Tony Lafuente, who introduced several of the local politicians who were present, proceeded to make a very emotional introduction of his good friend Bill White. Lafuente spoke of how much Bill White meant to him and his family, but also just as significantly, how important it is to re-elect White to the Board of Alderman, because of his integrity and his love for Somerville.

— Photo courtesy of Charlie Houghton

A memorial service honoring the sacrifices of fallen Somerville firefighters was held on Sunday, June 4 at the Lowell Street Fire Station. Firefighters, elected officials, and members of the general public gathered to take part in the ceremony.