By Tim Talun

(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)

Often cited as New England’s densest city, Somerville is set to become significantly denser. The zoning ordinance overhaul now before the Board of Aldermen would guide the changes this increase in density will bring. Whether these changes would make our city more vibrant and livable, or uncomfortably crowded and congested, depends on how well they facilitate the variety, amenities, design quality and mix of property uses necessary to create great neighborhoods.

— Photos by Richard Foscarota

The SHS Highlanders Hockey team’s end of the season banquet was held at the City Club this past weekend.

(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)

Thank you for your time.

The amount of disinformation being spread on Somerville’s new proposed zoning has prompted me to write this letter.

There are claims the new zoning code would somehow devalue property by a newly imposed limit on tenants in a single unit. The limit of four unrelated individuals to live together in a single dwelling unit, is already the law in both Somerville and the Commonwealth and has been for years. So nothing new is proposed here. The same source also claims this would limit how much rent could be charged while at the same time claiming it would cause upward pressure on rents, which is contradictory. Besides trying to figure out how both of these conditions would coexist, it is obvious the rule has not kept rents and property values from increasing every year. One has to wonder if the people trying gambit know it has been the law and if they have been violating it for years. As for Boston allowing more and it being fine, I would say you only need to watch the news each year on the issues with rental properties in Allston. The number of neighbor complaints, fines against property owners and unacceptable living conditions is exactly what we do not want.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

On March 26, the East Somerville Community School 2nd grade class came to the Growing Center and enjoyed five educational stations: Maple jeopardy, arts and crafts, syrup taste test, boiler observation, and tapping demonstrations.

By Jim Clark

Police executed an arrest of Jonathan Machado on warrant charges of assault with a dangerous weapon, assault to murder, armed robbery and home invasion last week.

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)

Somerville was honored at WalkBoston’s 25th anniversary gala last week, where I accepted a Golden Shoe Award on behalf of all our community partners who have worked tirelessly to advocate and help us build a walkable community. We are committed to making Somerville the most walkable, bikeable, transit-accessible city in the nation, and the data behind walkable neighborhoods make the benefits clear. Transportation costs for families are lower, while sales for local businesses are higher. By giving people the option of not having to use their cars to run errands, air pollution goes down while our residents’ personal health gets better as they choose to walk more. And the greatest benefit of walkability is perhaps the hardest to measure, but easiest to identify: it creates community.

Friends,

I am ELATED to share with you the following:

Last month I was invited to speak before a Grad Class at BU Medical School. The topic of discussion – impact of quality of life on surrounding districts of Logan Airport. Many districts were represented and I have just learned that East Boston and SOMERVILLE have been chosen for their study!

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

The Duhamel Education Initiative 19th Annual Pancake Breakfast to support Somerville Public Schools took place on Saturday, March 28 at the First Church Congregational. Residents and public officials took part in the fundraising event that benefits Somerville schools.

By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to the Adidas store at Assembly Row last week on reports that a shoplifter was being detained by store personnel.

Upon arrival, officers spoke with the store staff and were told that a female, identified as Saundra Hart, of Dorchester, had allegedly entered a dressing room carrying five items.

 By Donald Norton

Everyone is invited to the Masonic Open House on Saturday, April 11.

Throughout the entire state of Massachusetts, all Masonic buildings will be open to the public as well as here in Somerville from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 125 Highland Avenue (rear).