Call for artists: $50K mural opportunity in Union Square

On March 28, 2026, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Pascal Michel painting his mural at Highland Creole Cuisine ~Photo by Greg Cook

A highly visible new canvas is coming to the heart of Union Square—and the city is looking for an artist to define it.
The Somerville Arts Council is seeking a muralist or artist team to create a large-scale public artwork on the exterior of the expanded Prospect Street Substation Building, directly across from the Union Square Green Line Station.

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Money Map Tip of the Week

On March 28, 2026, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Q: If I receive a tax refund, does that mean my tax return is in the clear and the case is closed?

A: No — not necessarily! A refund is a positive sign, but it does not mean your return has been fully reviewed or permanently closed.

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Obituary: Carol R. Margey

On March 27, 2026, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

February 14, 1944 – March 26, 2026

Carol R. (Ivester) Margey, a long-time Somerville resident, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 26, 2026.  She was 82 years old.

Carol was one of five children born in Cambridge to Ellen (Barrett) and Ernest Ivester. Carol was the dear sister of the late Dorothy Shappe, the late Lillian Difraia, the late Maryellen Lawrence and the late James Ivester. She is survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

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Collaborate with the City’s design team on plans to make our next new school building a healthy, low-carbon, and environmentally friendly space ~Photo by Bobbie Toner

As part of the design process for the new school building at 115 Sycamore Street, all community members are invited to join a collaborative workshop focused on sustainability on Monday, April 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the East Somerville Community School.

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PTAC meets to discuss better bus network agenda for spring 2026

On March 26, 2026, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

— Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Ewan Henrie

The Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee met on March 19 at 101 South Street to announce changes to transportation in Somerville. The main topic of discussion was the changes to the bus network of Somerville that will be enacted on April 5.

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Your ‘stuff’ lasts longer than you do!

On March 26, 2026, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I always thought that it was kind of weird that inanimate objects outlast and outlive the people that owned them. The other day, I grabbed the shoeshine box that has been in my family forever to give my shoes a quick once-over before work. As I dug into the box, with its well-worn brush, pieces of torn facecloth applicators, and an assortment of polish colors, I stopped to ponder it.

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Somerville kicks off pothole repair season

On March 25, 2026, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Pothole repairs being done on Highland Ave. Wednesday afternoon. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

After a particularly brutal winter, the City of Somerville’s Department of Public Works (DPW) is ramping up its annual pothole repair push — and asking residents to help by submitting reports through the city’s 311 system.

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Parking Office to be first city-owned building to decarbonize

On March 25, 2026, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

The city’s Parking Office will be the first to go through a decarbonization process to lower costs and help meet climate goals. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

The aging gas-fired boilers and cooling system at the City of Somerville Parking Office building will soon make way for new, green solutions, including solar and heat pumps, making it the first city-owned building to essentially decarbonize. The project will not only deliver energy cost savings and advance the community’s climate goals but will also give city staff experience operating and maintaining the kind of electrified building systems envisioned for all of the city’s buildings in time.

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Somerville residents show ‘coraje’ for tenant facing eviction. — Photos by Mina Rose Morales

By Mina Rose Morales

On a cold, windy St. Patrick’s Day, Somerville residents rallied in Union Square on Tuesday to support Gary Rogers, a week before his eviction trial begins on Monday, March 30.

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Finance Committee report: City Council

On March 25, 2026, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

City Councilor At Large and Finance Committee Chair Ben Wheeler.

By The Times Staff

City Councilor Ben Wheeler reported at the City Council meeting on March 12 about the seven-item agenda from a March 10 Finance Committee meeting.

The committee recommended approval of a $31,000 grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for upgrades to the Franey Road hazardous household waste drop-off site.

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