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.)

Last Thursday the Somerville Planning Board voted to extend an expired Special Permit that it had granted to IKEA in December 2006 to construct a 340,000-square-foot store.

Speakman’s All-Star program cover.

By Andrew Firestone

Even in Red Sox nation, propaganda is a loaded term. How can one hope to capture the vitality and vigilance with which the Boston faithful hold onto their beloved team with something so simple as a drawing? In Somerville’s own Chris Speakman, 11-year resident of Winter Hill, they seem to have found their Pablo Picasso, or Norman Rockwell, if you will (both propaganda artists for Spain and the U.S. respectively). With Speakman’s understated, yet powerful images on posters and placards depicting heroes of America’s pastime, there seems to be little question of the effectiveness of this propaganda.

Community residents and business owners hoped to influence Planning Board policy at last Thursday’s meeting. - Photo by Ashley Taylor

Condos on Somerville Avenue, more time for IKEA

By Ashley Taylor

Last Thursday, Somerville’s Planning Board met for the fifteenth time to discuss landowner James Herbert’s request for a special permit to replace the three buildings he owns from 378-390 Broadway with a five-story condominium building.  It was the first time the Board met to discuss a request by furniture giant IKEA to extend its special permit for a proposed retail outlet in Assembly Square.  The five-member Board unanimously approved both proposals.

ArtBeat festival was a success. Lots of residents showed up and thoroughly enjoyed the shows, concerts, food, and the various kinds of art as imagined by the many creative people present. Great job by the Arts Council and the mayor’s office.

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Don’t forget to book your reservations quickly as the boat is filling up fast for the 7th Annual Mayor Joe Curtatone’s Summer Boat Cruise, departing Long Wharf on the Cruise Line Pier, Wednesday, August 3, departing at 7p.m. Email brooke@thescannellgroup.com for your tickets. The deadline is July 29.

By Carrie Stanziola

2011 ArtBeat was a cornucopia of sensation, bringing visitors to Davis Square, delicious food, great music, and the added delight of bringing them closer to the community.  The Somerville Arts Council tries to keep ArtBeat fresh every year, so it does not fall into the trap of being a “cookie-cutter” festival, said program manager Rachel Strutt.  Of particular note this Saturday, July 16, were ArtBeats “nomadic performance artists”, including Sandrine Schafer, who wandered through Davis Square fitting herself into small spaces. Strutt adds that Somerville’s sense of humor comes across in the festival.

Kaleigh, 8, with brother Matthew, and parents Karen and Brian. ~Photo by Andrew Firestone

 

By Andrew Firestone

Kaleigh Kosta was commended by none other than the Board of Alderman of Somerville, last Thursday, July 14, receiving a citation for helping her family when her home caught fire. While Kaleigh, 8, had already received citations from the Mayor, and the Fire Marshall of the state, the city itself recognized her for her quick thinking and sense of responsibility.

When it comes to discussion over plans to develop or revitalize a particular section of our community, one thing is certain. Unanimity of opinion is never even close to being in the picture.

Such is the case now as state and city officials sift through the facts, figures, and factions involved in the proposed changes to the Inner Belt-Brickbottom districts.

26 teachers from 9 countries of the Middle East and Africa participated in cultural exchange at the Armory July 12. - Photo by Erin Jenkins

By Andrew Firestone

The Armory hosted a mission of peace this last Tuesday, July 12, when 26 teachers from across North Africa and the Middle East arrived to participate in a teaching exercise with Teen Empowerment as part of their month-long odyssey through the University of the Middle East Project. Begun 11 years ago, the Teacher Education Institute at the UME has been bringing an exchange of information and culture between the U.S. and the Middle East, and this month, the teachers embarked on an exploration through what it means in the west to be an educator in the twenty-first century.

Pardon the pun in the title of the article, but “The Pennies,” a band of friends and a band of musicians are an unpretentious bunch willing to play at any number of venues for the sheer joy of it…and a little money wouldn’t hurt either.

(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.)

Sir,

I want to make clear that the Buena Vista parking lot in Davis Square is an obvious scam operation that the Mayor must be complicit in. The parking meters have been removed and there is no instructions on where or how to pay for parking, if a citizen or visitor to the city is not lucky enough to notice the parking kiosks and realize what they are, then they are entrapped into getting a $30.00 parking ticket for going to see the doctor and thinking they now pay or get validated inside the building.