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)

On Monday, we held a groundbreaking for Partners HealthCare’s new administrative building in Assembly Square that will bring 4,500 permanent office jobs and 1,500 construction jobs to Somerville. This building is the first phase of Partners’ eventual 1.1-million-square-foot development that, when complete, will yield slightly more revenue for the City than the site would have generated in commercial taxes if IKEA had developed the site as previously planned. Partners’ move is a milestone—the first in what will be a surge of new businesses coming to Somerville, and this isn’t happening by accident. It’s only happening after years of patient, prudent planning with the community and investments based on that planning.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

The annual SHS Craft Fair Sponsored by Track PAC took place on Saturday, November 29th. It was a day of gift shopping at the Somerville High School Atrium/Field House.

(L to R) Attorney Philip J. Privitera, presents $1000 Angel Fund Donation from Arlington’s Mystic Valley Lodge of Freemasons to Jean DeVanthery, at the East Somerville Community School, while the School’s Counselor on Education, Carlie Calioro, and Ted Wilson of Dearborn Academy in Arlington stand by.

By Tom Bannister

On Tuesday December 2, 2014, Somerville Attorney Philip J. Privitera visited a First Grade Classroom at the East Cambridge Somerville Community School on Cross Street and presented a $1,000 donation to assist the children and the school during the Christmas season.

Chief Assessor and Chairman of Somerville Board of Assessors, Marc A. Levye, reported his findings to the Board of Alderman.

By Douglas Yu

The residential value in Somerville will increase over 10 percent in the next fiscal year, according to the findings of the most recent Board of Alderman public hearing. However, the city is also going to raise the property tax at the same time, especially on condominiums.

The Chamber of Commerce monthly Business After Hours is this Thursday, the 4th. It is an excellent networking event featuring free appetizers and a free business card drawing with cash bar. Guests are welcome to bring unwrapped Toys for Local Children. Sponsored by Bonney Automotive and the Law Offices of Isaac M. Machado. Hosted by Somerville Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Chair Dana Iacopucci of Cubby Oil & Energy.

The Partners HealthCare campus will sprawl across four urban blocks.

Assembly Row’s first major industry tenant bringing 4,500 jobs to new office and retail building;Curtatone, Capuano, Gottleib & other officials mark start of construction

Partners HealthCare formally broke ground on its new administrative offices in Assembly Square yesterday that will bring approximately 4,500 permanent and 1,500 construction jobs to the 45-acre Assembly Row development.

By Rebecca Danvers

The City of Somerville has some serious questions it wants answered, such as does workplace safety affect substance abuse? How does access to a means of transportation weigh upon how quickly someone becomes proficient in English? The city doesn’t know yet, but is launching a new program to explore those possibilities and more, fundamentally changing the way the city approaches policy-making.

A peaceful protest was challenged on Monday. ~Photos by Donald Norton

By Tom Bannister

A quiet protest of two individuals on Winter Hill in front of Citizens bank on Monday drew the attention of many passers by and customers of the bank.

One customer was offended by the protesters’ signs that read “Impeach Obama” so he called the Somerville Police.

“Holiday Lights” by V Van Sant.

By Gabriela C. Martinez

Nave Gallery is currently holding a photography exhibition titled Illuminated: A Photographic Essay of Holiday Lights, which explores the spirit and feelings of holiday season through images of winter lights.

No matter what end – or portion of the middle – you may lean to politically, you have to hand it to those who step up and serve their communities. It takes a lot of dedication and know-how to effectively get there, and then do a good job once one actually gets there.

This is so on the grand national scale, and just as much so on the smaller, civic level of city administration. Service is service, and it takes the same grit and commitment, no matter how large or small one’s constituency may be.