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.)

In last week’s announcement of Somerville’s Union Square Green Line station agreement with MassDOT and the MBTA, Mimi Graney, the energetic and effective executive director of Union Square Main Streets, referred to the Square as “Somerville’s first downtown.” That’s both historically true and a prediction of good things to come.

– Photos by Bobbie Toner

Somerville’s 9th Annual National Night Out” (NNO)  is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW).  The  event took place  August 7, at Foss Park.

By Jim Clark

Police officers were dispatched to 61 Union Square last Saturday of a report of a drunken man urinating in public.

Shape Up Somerville (SUS) will drive trucks that will contain local produce to various areas, around the city at which mobile farmers markets will be set up.

By Cathleen Twardzik

To ensure that healthy, fresh food is available to the city’s residents, Shape Up Somerville (SUS) will drive trucks that will contain local produce to various areas, around the city at which mobile farmers markets will be set up.

In Past, Veteran Manager Oversaw Successful Completion of Argenziano School Construction, Upgrade to Trum Field and Rehab of Conway Park

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced  that Inspectional Services Superintendent Edward Nuzzo will be appointed to the position of Capital Projects Manager in the City’s newly reorganized Department of Capital Projects.  A licensed construction supervisor with over 25 years of experience, Nuzzo previously served the City as a capital projects manager from 1998 to 2010. As ISD Superintendent from 2010 to the present, Nuzzo has overseen a team of building and safety inspectors that provides inspectional and permitting support to every public and private construction project in the city, as well as assuring that Somerville residents and businesses comply with health and safety codes.  Nuzzo has also played a leading role in the City’s aggressive rodent control program. Mayor Curtatone announced that Nuzzo would continue to serve as Superintendent of Inspectional Services until his successor is appointed.

Plans for Union Square revitalization include a $45 million new library building, shown here in an architect’s rendering. – Photo courtesy of The City of Somerville

Steps forward for T station, new library

By Elizabeth Sheeran

If all goes according to plan, the Prospect Street area of Union Square will be a hotbed of public works development over the next few years.

The City of Somerville has reached a legal agreement with the state that clears the way for the planned Union Square Green Line station near the intersection of Prospect Street and Webster Avenue. That followed recent news the city had moved a step closer to winning state funding for a new Central Library on the block east of Prospect between Washington Street and Somerville Avenue.

The Annual Mayor’s Senior Picnic is today Wednesday, at Powderhouse Park. As usual, a huge turnout is expected. Lots of food, entertainment and gifts for the day. Every year since Mayor Brune’s days this event has gotten bigger and bigger. We wish everyone a great time today.

Somerville teens Fatima Khan (left) and Jasmine Ngan (right) presented results of their independent studies at Tufts University School of Medicine. – Photos courtesy of Tufts

Two young Somerville residents participated in an event at Tufts University School of Medicine celebrating their achievements as part of Tufts’ program to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in medicine and science.  Somerville residents Fatima Khan, 16, and Jasmine Ngan, 16 presented the findings of their independent studies to family, friends, and the Tufts community.

The Hubway bike sharing system is now a reality for Somerville, and many are applauding its inclusion as a transportation option, while others have questions and concerns regarding the costs and the potential drawbacks that may come to the fore as time passes.

The Fourth Annual Metro Mayors Basketball Tournament brought area youths and law enforcement staff together in a spirit of solidarity.

Law enforcement officials, youth services workers and local teens joined together for the Fourth Annual Metro Mayors Basketball Tournament Saturday, August 4, at Trum Field in a show of solidarity among youth and those who fight for their safety.