This week on Somerville Neighborhood News, we feature the story on “197 Washington Street Project Reaches First Building Goal.” Construction at 197 Washington Street is moving along. A topping off ceremony was held recently to commemorate the progress of the project. Once the building is complete, it will house thirty new condominiums. A state-of-the-art fitness center and a roof top solar lounge with incredible skyline views are also included in the construction plans. Luxury amenities come with a price. The one to two bedroom units have an asking price between $449,000 and $660,000.

Secretary Peyser, Mayor Curtatone, Superintendent Skipper help kick off week-long Somerville Hour of Code 2015 with special event at East Somerville Community School

On Monday morning, December 7, students, educators, and volunteers across the world will be launching into a week-long exploration into the world of computer science when the annual Hour of Code event kicks off. In Somerville, Massachusetts Secretary of Education Jim Peyser, Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Somerville Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper, and representatives from the Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council Education Foundation (MassTLC EF) will be joining students at the East Somerville Community School at 9:45 a.m. to help kick off the district’s second consecutive district-wide Somerville Hour of Code event.

By Marian Berkowitz

19 Campbell Park owner in front of her restored porch and garden.

On the periphery of Davis Square between Mass. Avenue and the Community Path, is a closely settled, lovely neighborhood with a mix of single- and multi-family homes. Many of them are part of the Campbell Park-Meacham Road Local Historic District (LHD) designated by the City in 1989.

58 Columbus Ave. frontal view.

By Marian Berkowitz

It’s Preservation Month and time to start interviewing homeowners who received awards this year from the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission for their outstanding restoration work on the exterior of their properties. What a great time to walk through the neighborhoods as everything is in bloom.

By Jim Clark

While on assignment at Assembly Row, a Somerville police officer took notice of two males who had entered the Nike Factory Store on Artisan Way. A short time later, the same individuals were spotted leaving the store at a fast pace. One of the men was carrying a reusable shopping bag that he did not appear to be carrying when he first entered the store.

Wednesday, November 25, the Winter Hill Community Innovation School won the middle school Flag Football City Championship with a 33 to 22 win over the West Somerville School. The team was made up of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students from The Winter Hill School and was coached by the physical education teacher, Mr. Senecal.

By Mayor 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)

For the past century we’ve been modifying cities to accommodate cars. Now, thanks to a collaboration between the City of Somerville and German automaker Audi, we may be on the verge of engineering cars to accommodate city living. The partnership will turn Somerville into proof-of-concept lab for cutting-edge automotive technology involving self-driving cars and intelligent traffic systems. Yes, that sounds a little sci-fi, but it’s actually just simple planning ahead to meet our shared goals.

Displaced since August and left unsure of when reoccupation will be possible, partners Michael Krupp and Chef Jeff Pond announce they have terminated their lease for 445 Somerville Avenue and effectively closed A4 Pizza.

Left to right: Best Teacher winner Victoria “Vicki” Macrokanis, Best Principal winner Sophia Carafotes, and The Somerville Times Publisher Ross Blouin.

By Charles Lane

Two outstanding recipients of The Somerville Times’ “Best of Somerville 2015” competition were recently awarded their certificates of merit.

Denise Cosby, whose son was murdered in 2009, spoke at the Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month opening ceremony at the State House last week.

By Rebecca Danvers

Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month (SHVAM) held its opening ceremony on Monday, November 23 at the State House. This commemorative month has been observed since 2000.

SHVAM is an observance that provides a platform where the state’s legislators and the public can learn from and about families who experience murder.