The City of Somerville will lift its snow emergency as of 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 3.  Residents parked in municipal or school lots during the snow emergency will have a two-hour window starting at that time in which to move their vehicles. Cars still parked in city lots at 6 p.m. may be subject to ticketing and towing.

By William C. Shelton

(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)

 The new term for Somerville’s elected officials begins on Monday. It comes at a time of unprecedented real-estate-development opportunities and risks that will shape the city’s character, economics, and fiscal health for generations to come.

Public Safety Services to be Maintained

Following the Governor’’s recommendation, the City of Somerville has announced that it will close all city offices on Friday, Jan. 3. Emergency and public safety services will be maintained.

Residents are asked to remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary until the storm has passed and it is safe to travel.

By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to a Pearl St. residence last week on reports of a dispute in progress.

Upon arrival, officers reportedly found a male and female arguing with an apparently intoxicated individual, Carlos Sanchez, 22, on the residence’s front porch.

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)

The New Year is an opportunity to reflect on the past year and on our progress and accomplishments. Somerville had no shortage of accolades in 2013. Here’s a look back at only a few of our community’s awards and achievements over the last 12 months:

In accordance with the city’s Snow Emergency Procedures, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has declared a snow emergency for the City of Somerville will go into effect at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2.  During snow emergencies, parking is allowed on the odd-numbered side of the street only (unless otherwise posted).  Cars not moved by 12 p.m. Thursday afternoon will be subject to ticketing and towing.  Residents unable to find a parking space on the odd-numbered side of the street may park in any municipal or school parking lot for the duration of the emergency.  Full snow emergency and snow removal policies may be found on the city’s website at www.somervillema.gov/snow.

Looking back and looking forward…and taking a breath in between

Year in reviews, regardless of whether they are in print, on TV or online, can be convenient space fillers during a notoriously slow time of year. Of course, looking back at the past year is not exclusively the practice of news organizations. Even a fashion blog might undertake an exhaustive retrospective of “The Shoes of 2013.”

By David R. Smith

The year that was will continue to shape Somerville well into the new year and beyond.

Large-scale plans for revitalizing whole sections of the city took steps – sometimes small and sometimes large – towards becoming reality. And changes made in 2013 to who will represent Somerville and its residents, whether through resignations or elections, will no doubt influence the direction of where the city goes over the next 12 months and beyond.

Happy New Year to all Villens out there from the publisher and staff of The Somerville Times. Let’s hope that 2014 is a better year for all.

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Don’t forget Jan. 1 is the annual raising of the first flag over Prospect Hill. The ceremony will begin at noon at the tower, with a group of locals starting off at City Hall in a small parade marching to the monument. We have a new flagpole at the monument. From the weather forecast, it’s going to be a cold day. Still, for those of you who are new to Somerville, this annual ceremony is one not to miss.