By William C. Shelton

(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.)

Somerville is increasingly home to innovative companies with intriguing missions and technologies. It’s also a place that such companies are outgrowing.

Somerville Chamber of Commerce President Stephen Mackey understands the attraction. He points to Somerville’s great urban lifestyle, nightlife, and walkability, in a location that is minutes to transportation centers and the enterprise-creation engines of MIT and Harvard.

The Hungry Tiger Street Festival will transform Union Square,  Saturday August 6 from 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. into a bustling night food market similar to those found in Far East Asia, South America and the old-world cities of Europe. It will feature foods from around the globe served by local Union Square restaurants, including El Potro (Mexican/El Salvadorian), The Neighborhood Restaurant (Portuguese ), India Palace, Pão de Açúcar (Brazilian), Ronnarong (Thai) and Precinct (American). Singaporean caterers, Kueh, will also share their fare.

By Jim Clark

Police patrol units were alerted to a report of a vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road with no lights on in the wee hours of last Saturday.

The car was eventually spotted traveling eastbound on Somerville Avenue on the westbound side of the double yellow line with no headlights displayed, according to reports.

By Cathleen Twardzik

On August 5, The Elizabeth Peabody House will kick off its new Hot Days Cool Nights Summer Safety Basketball Initiative, which will run until September 11.

Surging colony populations are the likeliest cause for the increase of local rodent sightings, according to expert researcher Dr. Robert Corrigan.

By Harry Kane

Where does your average rat hang out? The answer is underneath your feet, according to Dr. Robert Corrigan, PHD.  Corrigan is a rat specialist from New York City brought in to Somerville to review strategies for the ongoing rodent issue. “The rats in Somerville are commonly known as brown rats or sometimes are referred to as Norway Rats,” says Corrigan. These diabolical rodents dwell in Somerville beneath the surface waiting till night to forage for nutrition.

After years of urban wasteland, new life comes to the MaxPac site. - Photo by Ashley Taylor

Construction to begin soon

By Andrew Firestone

Davis Square Partners, the companies of K.S.S. Realty and Gate Residential Properties responsible for the MaxPac condominium development, has announced that they have cemented the deal for financing, signed their construction contracts, and will now break ground on the $52.5 million 184 condo project. The announcement, made last Wednesday, July 27, marks an end to the formerly blighted property, and the beginning of the Maxwell’s Green project, as the land will be known henceforth.

By Jim Clark

A dramatic chase and confrontation occurred as several police units responded to a report of a breaking and entering incident in progress at a Cooney Street residence last Wednesday.

Investigating officers spoke to the witness who called the report in to police, and she pointed out the house that had been entered by a man through a window.

Concerned individuals voiced their opinions of the Group Insurance Commission at last week’s Board of Aldermen Finance Committee meeting.

By Andrew Firestone

The scene at a public hearing of the Board of Aldermen Finance Committee was one of caution this last Wednesday, July 27, as city employees spoke out against the joining of Group Insurance Commission. Despite Mayor Joseph Curtatone’s assurance that the savings would amount to a total of $9.3 million, aldermen took note of the worries and concerns of the citizenry, and vowed to further look into alternatives, and to discuss the issue more deeply.

By Harry Kane

The opening of Hodgkins-Curtin Ball Field brought families from neighboring communities to celebrate the joyous occasion of a new park for the city of Somerville. Bob Trane, Ward 7 City Alderman, was proud of his accomplishments. “I’ll be able to appreciate that I got it done,” Trane said. The day began with a speech from Mayor Curtatone. “Hodgkins-Curtin Park is about one and a half acres, making it one of the largest city owned public spaces in Somerville. The Hodgkins ball field is a community space that will be used for many future events,” proclaimed the Mayor.

Tonight, Wednesday, August 3, is the 7th annual boat cruise. As in all the previous years, the boat will be filled and a good weather evening out on Boston Harbor. We hope everyone enjoys themselves. Just in case you want to try to go, contact brooke@thescannellgroup.com. The boat leaves Long Wharf at 7 p.m.