Mayor Katjana Ballantyne helped ring in the new year on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, as they raised the Grand Union Flag on Prospect Hill to commemorate the 249th anniversary of the first flag rising. — Photos courtesy of Somerville GovTV

The city is considering steps to rectify issues cyclists have raised concerning the bike lane entry onto Washington St. — Photo by Roberto Fischer

By Harry Kane

Bicyclists say that the bike lane entry onto Washington Street feels unsafe, following a reconstruction project of sidewalks and repaving meant to make it safer for pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists.

By Jeffrey Shwom

Further revelations include parcel counts remaining flat (especially multi-unit housing), high school bond servicing continuing, and a slow-down in new growth.

Another year, another expected increase in property taxes for thousands of properties within Somerville. 18,893 parcels have begun receiving the new FY2025 assessment and tax rates and a joint pamphlet mailed by the City of Somerville’s Board of Assessors and Mayor’s Office to property owners December 31, 2024.

Learn about rodent control at a virtual information session. The city’s Inspectional Services Department and the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs invite community members to attend a virtual workshop about rodents on Thursday, January 9, from 5 to 6 p.m. online via Zoom. Attendees will learn about identifying if rats are on your property, rodent control methods, tips for prevention, and city resources that can help. Interpretation into Spanish will be available. Learn more and attend or get tips now at somervillema.gov/rodentsaway.

“The Phoenix Tree” mural currently graces the grounds of Trum Field.

By Lexi O’Neil

A new year brings new appreciation for The Phoenix Tree mural on Trum Field playground. Originally commissioned to bring the Somerville community together, it reminds us that art is in the eye of the beholder. In the city known for great artistic expression, Somerville renews its glow on a favorite artist who is paving the way for their passions.

The Somerville Public Schools’ (SPS) annual school enrollment period for prekindergarten and kindergarten students opened on January 3, 2025, and SPS staff are ready to support families through the process of enrolling their student(s). All students who will be 4 years old by August 31, 2025 are eligible for the district’s PK program. All students who will be 5 years old by August 31, 2025 are eligible for kindergarten. 189 Somerville families enrolled a student on the first weekend of the enrollment period.

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How quickly a year has gone by! A truly much needed addition to the neighborhood, this family-owned coffee shop offers a variety of specialty coffee drinks like, latte’s, cappuccino’s, macchiato’s, cold brew, and pour overs.

As we get into the snowy months of winter it’s good for all of us to make sure we understand what the odd-even rules are and where we stand this season.

Here is a reminder of what the city’s snow parking rules and guidelines are for the 24/25 winter season:

During snow emergencies this winter, residents must park on the EVEN side of the road only, unless otherwise posted.

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I have been a patron of the Bloc 11 Cafe since its inception. And over the years, the paintings and photographs on the walls have attracted my interest. While munching on my everything bagel and updating a syllabus for classes I teach at Endicott College, I noticed a number of vibrant watercolors of scenes from Boston and just beyond. Well, I was on it like the proverbial hornet, and I decided to ask the artist for an interview.