By Carlie Lombardi

On April 3, the Somerville Land Use Committee met and dove into key zoning issues, focusing primarily on a proposed upzoning near transit areas and ongoing community conversations around development in Union Square.

New Somerville Commercial Leasing Handbook Offers Tools to Support Small Business Stability

Small businesses face many challenges, which is why roughly one out of five businesses fail in the first year, and about half close in the first five years nationally, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. But as part of overall efforts to combat displacement of residents, artists, and local businesses, the City of Somerville just unveiled a new tool to help its small businesses improve their odds. 

(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)

To the Editors,

Unanimous consent speeds up the Senate by avoiding time-consuming votes on routine business. Under the Trump administration, there is no routine business. Denying unanimous consent can’t stop Senate Republicans from doing anything, but, by requiring quorum calls and roll call votes, it can slow them down.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Remember when your medicine cabinet contained bottles of paregoric and Mercurochrome? On those old fashioned looking small bottles, you could barely make out the words Surabian, Grover, or Sordillo Drugs. There were many, many drug stores in Somerville at one time. Now, not.

Leeann Anderson, 55, of Waltham, MA, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2025. Born and raised in Somerville, MA, she was the beloved only daughter of James Anderson and Lillian (Rugoletti) Anderson. Leeann was the cherished sister of three brothers: Paul and James Jr. who survive her, and John, who predeceased her in October 2020.

The Hudl camera system is being considered for use at Somerville High School and Dilboy Field. — Photo courtesy of Hudl

By Jeffrey Shwom

The Legislative Matters Committee discussed three items, including use of sports camera technology at SHS, and two ordinance changes related to tree preservation and energy use and climate change. 

Former Somerville Mayor Dorothy Kelly Gay with the late Senator Charles ‘Charlie’ Shannon in 1999. — Photo by Sean Fitzgerald

By Sean Fitzgerald

This week mark’s the passing of a Somerville icon, who died in office 20 years ago last Saturday, April 5, 2005. Not many people know this, but Senator Shannon was actually born in Somerville, and served for 20 years as a Lexington Police Officer.

On April 10 at 7:30 p.m., Somerville’s Fair Housing Commission, Department of Racial and Social Justice, and Somerville Public Library invite you to a film screening of Segregated by Design followed by a panel discussion of fair housing and discrimination with local experts. Food and drinks will be provided. Registration is required: www.tinyurl.com/ykjnt9f9.

(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)

By Mayor Emeritus
Eugene C. Brune

The questions I and many Somerville people are asking is what is the mayor or the Ward 6 Councilor is saying?

What do the City Council members think about a proposal to build a twenty-five-story, five-hundred-unit building in Davis Square? Currently, they are waiting as there is no application before any board. If Copper Mill submits one, you will then hear the concerns, as well as the final vote. I am hoping that common sense will prevail.

April is Fair Housing Month, and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is inviting residents to learn about housing rights, discrimination, and how we build a more inclusive community at two free events hosted by the Fair Housing Commission and the Department of Racial and Social Justice. Both events are free, open to all, and include food and refreshments.