By Charles Lane

12 residents from Somerville will run to conquer cancer as a member of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team in the 120th Boston Marathon® on April 18.

The local runners are Micho Pilotte, Erica Omobono, Jennifer Primeau, Kathryn Nathan, Christopher Pollard, Scott Aland, Heather Hagerty, Sara Marden, Laura Burke, Miranda Hooker, Amy Holmstrom, and Jackie Silago.

By William A. White, Jr., President (At Large)

(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)

At the last meeting of the Board of Aldermen, I introduced a zoning amendment which would have required that in certain parts of our City designated as critical development areas, any developer who wanted to build more than 3 residential units on a 10,000 square foot lot, would have to split the development between 60% high-end commercial development and  40% residential.  The high-end commercial development would include office, high-tech, bio-tech and research and development buildings.  The critical economic development areas are the area around Union Square by the proposed T stop and the Boynton Yard area, the Brick Bottom area, the Inner Belt area and the area at Assembly Square that has not been built.  It would not apply to any other areas of the City.  It also would not apply to the high end commercial developers who did not propose any residential units.  After discussion, the Board unanimously recognized that commercial development was so important that we agreed to increase the commercial development  requirement to 68%.  All members of the Board signed on as co-sponsors of the proposed zoning amendment.

‘Villens United by Chris Haskell

(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)

It’s a good time to be a nerd. Fanboy fantasies are becoming reality as superheroes have leapt off the comic book page and conquered both movies and television.  The much anticipated Batman vs. Superman movie hits theaters later this month. It’s a dream come true for both the casual superhero fan and old school comic book readers like myself. An epic heavyweight battle that looks to answer the great age old nerd debate of who would win in a fight between The Dark Knight and The Man of Steel. (I’m geeking out just thinking about it). Batman vs. Superman is just one of several Superhero movies that will dominate the box office this year with Captain America: Civil War and Suicide Squad scheduled for summer releases.

By Gabe Pastel (gabepastelblog.wordpress.com)

(click to enlarge)

By Josie Grove

Redesigned Green Line coming into sharper focus

A raucous crowd packed the Armory for a first glimpse at how a bare bones Green Line Extension (GLX) might look in Somerville. The project must find $1 billion in savings in its construction, or be eliminated altogether.

By Haley ED Houseman

Conceptual drawing of proposed community terrace and new wing as possible features of the renovated West Branch Library.

The West Branch of the Somerville Library is overdue for a renovation, and the city is looking to plan a “hundred year renovation,” that will look to concerns of the future while preserving the beloved but downtrodden historic building.

By Sal Ghamo

On Thursday, March 3, the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts teamed up with Operation Warm to donate 200 coats to the children in Somerville. The event was held at the YMCA. More than 2,000 children will be outfitted with brand-new winter coats because of the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts.

This Friday, March 11, it’s “Flashback Friday” at the Somerville City Club. They used to call these “Sock Hops” in the 50’s & 60’s. Do you still have that poodle skirt? Maybe your bellbottoms and platform shoes? What about those ripped jeans or hammer pants? Break them out! Take a journey back in time and dance the night away to songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Costume dress optional. Join in on Friday, March 11, 7:00-11:00 p.m. at Somerville City Club, 20 Innerbelt Rd., Somerville. Tickets are $15. There will be a cash bar, raffle tickets and 50/50’s. Adults only. All proceeds benefit The Somerville PTA Scholarship Dinner Dance. For tickets, email Kristine Vallery at afaspta@yahoo.com.

Last week’s big Green Line Extension meeting at the Arts at the Armory packed the house and clearly demonstrated that residents here are heavily invested in the future outcome of the MBTA’s efforts to keep the project alive, in whatever form it may ultimately take.

Judging by the efforts of those making the presentation, serious efforts are being made to preserve the project and make sure it goes onward to completion.

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What better way to start off your St. Patrick’s Day than with a hearty Shepherd’s Pie and a pint?!  This pie is packed with flavor and wonderful textures that will have you craving for another piece. By adding the egg to the potatoes, it creates a firmer yet lighter mashed potato that stands up well to slicing. It’s also excellent for leftovers. If you’re looking for some Irish Soda Bread to accompany with this dish, check out the link for the recipe I shared last year: http://www.thesomervilletimes.com/archives/56820