By State Sen. Patricia Jehlen
Second Middlesex District

(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.)

Faced with physical limitations, some seniors and people living with disabilities may have difficulty navigating their own homes safely. In some cases, they might even be forced to move away or to assisted living facilities. The Massachusetts Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) provides another option, the option of living independently and safely.

– Photos by Donald Norton

The last block within Phase I of Assembly Row broke ground today. The last block will consist of 100,000 Square Feet of Class A office space and 30,000 Square Feet of retail space. Construction is progressing on schedule: a six-acre waterfront park is to open this summer, residential to begin pre-lease, a new Orange Line T station to open summer 2014, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues to celebrate grand opening spring 2014.

By Jim Clark

While sitting in his cruiser in front of the police station last week monitoring traffic flow, a SPD officer took notice of a group of males walking towards him.

One of the males, later identified as George Rivera, 22, appeared to be bringing the butt end of a marijuana cigarette to his lips, according to the officer.

Somerville By Design is seeking to complete its mission to help guide development processes throughout the city.

By Cathleen Twardzik

Meeting Three of Somerville by Design: The Complete Streets Series, which was a public meeting, was recently held to discuss ideas which were delved into at previous meetings and to further outline concepts for interventions around the city.

Peter Case will be performing at Johnny D’s in Somerville on Friday, May 3.

By Max Sullivan

Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Peter Case is coming to Johnny D’s in Somerville, and he’ll also be returning from his first trip ever to the Land Down Under.

Sean Collier’s stepfather, Joseph Rogers, thanked the mayor and the Board of Alderman for recognizing and working to realize his stepson’s dream of becoming a Somerville Police officer.

By Jim Clark

The Somerville Board of Alderman acted last Thursday to approve a Home Rule Petition authorizing the mayor to posthumously appoint slain MIT Police officer, and Somerville resident, Sean Collier to the Somerville Police Department.

The Somerville Chamber of Commerce Business after Hours this month is at the The Burren, 247 Elm Street, Davis Square, 5-7 p.m., Thursday, May 2. Free appetizers, excellent networking, free business card drawing and a cash bar. Sponsored by Eastern Bank. Hosted by Dana Iacopucci of Cubby Oil. RSVP with name(s) and affiliation(s) of guests to smackey@somervillechamber.org.

By Jim Clark

With little pomp and ceremony, but with much pride evident in the faces of the parents who stood behind her, Courtney O’Keefe was administered the oath of office of Alderman for Ward 5 at last week’s regular meeting of the full Board.

By Harry Kane

Alderman appointments could come to an end if enough Somerville residents have their say.

Proposed legislation to amend the alderman’s “vacant seat tradition” could mean a change in the Somerville Charter. The “vacant seat” policy is currently used to appoint a new board member after an alderman retires early, with less than a year left of service.