By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The  Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and  do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff  or publishers.)

We have to stop picking around the edges when it comes to funding Massachusetts’ transportation system. The Legislature has arrived at an $800 million compromise bill after Gov. Deval Patrick proposed $1.2 billion in transportation funding earlier this year, but the bill does not account for a potential loss in toll revenue that the state has already agreed upon. We are so close to achieving a victory for our residents and our economy. All we need to do is make sure that the state is budgeting based upon real dollars, and for the long term.

181/197 Washington Street Development at a Crossroads
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(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and  do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff  or publishers.

Over the past few years, the development proposed by the Somerville Community Corporation on the site of the Boys and Girls Club (181 Washington Street) and by Cathartes Private Investments on the adjacent Cota Funeral Home (197 Washington Street) has been extremely controversial.  There are people from all over Somerville support the fact that this project contains a lot of income restricted affordable housing.  But few favor anything else about it.  Many who live near these building are also in favor of affordable housing, but almost all of them have been against the actual physical buildings being proposed.

Last year’s Kingman Rd. flooding provided a stark example of how serious the problem in the area has become.
– Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

Excessive flooding remains problematic for residents during rain storms in parts of Somerville, especially in Ward 2, according to Alderman Maryann Heuston, who addressed the issue at the July 11 Board of Alderman meeting. Specifically, Heuston noted three streets that continue to be affected most by the rainstorms: Dane Avenue, Clark Street and Kingman Road.

– Photos by Claudia Ferro

The heat didn’t stop the Sunsetters from performing at 20 Kensington Ave. on Tuesday night. The Ferro family hosted the performance and Stop & Shop provided refreshments for all. Following the event, the Sunsetters and children at the event were treated to free ice cream courtesy of Louie’s Ice cream at 193 Broadway.

By Jim Clark

Plainclothes on-duty officers spotted a man who was known to have active warrants out for his arrest in Foss Park last Saturday morning.

As they approached the man, Joseph Flynn, 21, and his female companion, Ella Mataev, 24, officers reportedly observed Flynn remove a cigarette package from his pocket and toss it behind him.

Members ask for compromise; vote expected Thursday
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Opponents of a planned development on Washington Street rallied outside last week’s Planning Board meeting.
– Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Developers of a Union Square housing and retail project have until tomorrow to convince Somerville Planning Board members they have a plan the neighborhood can live with.

There’s a brand new park in Somerville, with something for everyone. – Photos by Douglas Yu

By Douglas Yu

Four water beams drop down to the ground from a multi-functional water feature with kids jumping, shouting, and chasing each other. Getting wet does not bother them on a hot summer day. Some others played around with rock climbing and slid down the slides. East Somerville’s new park, Chuckie Harris Park provides all these activities.

Mark your calendar for Friday, July 26. Right here in Somerville, Fox 25 will be broadcasting their Friday morning ZIP TRIP to Somerville from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. from Union Square. The entire morning show will be broadcasting from the Ville. If you haven’t seen ZIP TRIPS watch it this Friday and acquaint yourself. They have all sorts of things they are going to be talking about here in Somerville, restaurants, historic places, groups and sports organizations. This is your opportunity to welcome them to Somerville and show off what we here in Somerville love about the city. The reasons why more and more people are realizing what we have. Look here online and in the paper next week for details on what will take place. If you have a group or organization you want to show off, this is a good time.

Mario Oliveira received accolades from the entire Board of Alderman as they expressed their gratitude for his selfless service to the community.

By Harry Kane

Former Somerville police detective Mario Oliveira, who was wounded in the line of duty during a shootout in 2010, has been unable to perform his duty as an officer, leading to a decision by the City of Somerville and the Aldermen to pass a petition allowing Oliveira to retire and receive a pension, pending state legislature approval.

City planners, residents and developers often find themselves at loggerheads when it comes to ironing out the best possible resolution to conflicting interests. This city certainly feels no shortage of such skirmishes.