Beginning on Monday, April 11 (weather permitting), the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will permanently close the off-ramp from McGrath Highway southbound to Somerville Ave., and will open a new at-grade, signalized connection from Somerville Ave./Medford St. to McGrath Highway northbound. The existing tunnel from Somerville Ave. to Washington St. will be permanently closed.

Part 3: The Portuguese
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By William C. Shelton

(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)

From the end of World War II through the 1970s, as many as half of Somerville’s long-time residents left the city. The first distinct group of newcomers who replaced them was Portuguese immigrants.

Somerville singing group Mass Whole Notes will appear on the season two premiere of WGBH’s televised singing competition, Sing That Thing! on Friday, April 1 at 8:30 p.m. on WGBH 2.

(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)

I propose that the city seek bids from private developers to construct a building on the site of the municipal lot which now hosts the farmer’s market. The developer would be required to build a 3-4 story building that would meet the following specification: The building’s basement would host a daily live music venue modeled on Johnny D’s, except during business hours on Wednesdays when the basement would host a year-round farmer’s market. The first floor of the building would be a public parking garage. Then 2nd floor would be retail space while the 3rd and 4th floor would be available for use as the developer sees fit. The winning bidder would be given a 100 year lease on the land.

Johnny D’s memorabilia and restaurant ware sale will take place Friday and Saturday, April 1–2, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and, if they still have anything left on Sunday, April 3 beginning at 10:00 a.m. They have all things food and bar service, ceiling fans, office desks, framed pictures, tap handles, holiday decorations, to go containers, bar stools, free CDs and band posters, and more.  They might even offer a couple of decorated tabletops. They also plan to have T-Shirts with an image of their very last marquee for sale. They also found a few more Second Line handkerchiefs.

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)

One of the most surprising facts about Somerville is that we have managed to fit 100 miles of paved road inside a city of 4.1 square miles. Combine that with the densest population in New England and our streets get heavy usage. We’ve got 52,500 registered vehicles in Somerville alone using those roads—plus visitors. We also get New England weather, roadways scraped by snowplows, and asphalt-cracking freeze-melt cycles. Combine it all together and what you get is a never-ending fight against potholes. Consider this your clarion call to join us in that battle.

Villen’s 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)

Imagine someone gave a former 70’s porn star his own variety hour/game show where laughs were had, tears were shed, and life lessons were learned and you may start to get an idea of what Old School Game Show is all about.

By Sal Ghamo

An increase in the inclusionary zoning rates proved to be a hot-button topic at last week’s Board of Alderman meeting. (click to enlarge map)

On March 24, The Board of Aldermen discussed the Land Use Committee’s March 22 meeting that concerned a citizens’ petition supporting an increase in the inclusionary zoning rates to 20% citywide.

By Jim Clark

Jesse Clingan addressed the Board on Thursday night, speaking in favor of renaming Otis Park in honor of the memory of Deanna Cremin.

Ward 1 Alderman Matthew McLaughlin sponsored a resolution at the latest regular meeting of the Board of Aldermen last Thursday asking the administration to consider renaming Otis Park to Deanna Cremin Park.

Odd/even parking starts this week on April Fool’s day, and will continue through to December 31. Those traffic and parking people will be walking around handing out tickets, so watch the signs for the day your street is earmarked for street cleaning.