Sam Bayer

By Rebecca Danvers

Somerville Songwriter Sessions at the Armory Cafe presents a concert with Boston singer-songwriter Sam Bayer, New York singer-songwriter Krista Baroni and Wellesley singer-songwriter Beth DeSombre on Saturday, March 7.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

The FCC took a historic and important stand last week when it voted in favor of innovation and equal access by embracing the value of net neutrality. By reclassifying Internet service providers as public utilities, the FCC has ensured that all internet traffic is treated equally and providers won’t be able to create a virtual fast lane for those with the means to pay more. The FCC’s action is a demonstration of how good government regulation can protect both private sector innovation and consumers at the same time.

By Maya and Brien Tal-Baker

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

One in a series of columns regarding Somerville’s new draft zoning ordinance.

Somerville’s current multiplicity of initiatives, including transportation infrastructure overhauls, the zoning ordinance rewrite, and large district master plans, has cast a shadow of confusion over the differences between Planning and Zoning.

Dear Friends & Supporters,

I hope this message finds you doing well and looking forward to the spring season. I know I am!

I wanted to take a moment and address recent published reports regarding my aspirations in 2015. After much thought, conversations with family and a weekend in Maine to think, I have decided not to pursue political office in the City of Somerville this election year. Between family obligations and a very fulfilling professional opportunity I have had since last fall, my time is being taken up by the things I love and the goals I would like to achieve.

By William C. Shelton

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

The disappointment in the room was tangible last Wednesday night. Greg Karczewski, president of the Somerville Redevelopment Authority’s chosen Master Developer Partner US2, had just told Somerville residents that his firm intended to build 525 housing units for affluent young professionals on Union Square’s most strategic block.

Jovan Tanasijevic shows off the drone that was used recently to help assess snow accumulation on rooftops throughout the city. — Photo by Douglas Yu

By Douglas Yu

A once cool gadget for cinematographers to shoot impeccable 360-degree birds-eye views of natural landscapes now has been put into use to identify at-risk collapsing rooftops in Somerville due to excessive snow.

Somerville residents gave members of the Board of Alderman a collective earful last week as they voiced their grievances concerning the city’s current snow removal ordinance. — Photo by Claudia Ferro

By Douglas Yu

Somerville residents expressed their complaints about the city’s snow removal ordinance last Wednesday as the Board of Alderman held a public meeting at Somerville City Hall to crowd source ideas from the community for the improvement of the ordinance.

Alderman at Large Jack Connolly had high praise for the job that the mayor and his administration has done in dealing with the extraordinarily severe winter storms.

By Jim Clark

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and his administration was once again commended by the Board of Alderman for their leadership and hard work during the latest spate of snow emergencies taking place over recent weeks.

The Somerville Chamber of Commerce “Business After Hours” get-together is 5-7 p.m., Thursday, March 5, at Olde Magoun’s Saloon, 518 Medford St., Magoun Square. No cover, free appetizers, excellent networking, gift certificate drawing. RSVP with the name(s) and affiliation(s) for you and your guest(s) to smackey@somervillechamber.org.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Somerville is overhauling its zoning code. The current one dates back to 1926, with several revisions since. This is a rare opportunity for people concerned about the lack of green space in Somerville to make a difference. We need your help.