A bill to allow a waterfront park in Assembly Square has been signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick.

The legislation allows for a land swap between the Department of Conservation and Recreation and developers Federal Realty Investment Trust that is necessary for the creation of the open space. DCR will give Federal Realty a piece of land currently being used for winter boat storage in exchange for a larger parcel on the Mystic River.

The land swap will ensure increased access to Draw 7 Park and will allow for easements onto DCR property necessary for the planned construction of storm water improvements and other environmental infrastructure improvements that will benefit both Assembly Square and the Ten Hills neighborhood, according to city officials. 

By Tom Nash

The presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in Somerville last week revealed gaps in communication between the immigrant community and city government, according to local immigrant rights advocates.

On Aug. 5, ICE agents were seen stopping people at the Sullivan Square MBTA station and a Dunkin’ Donuts on Broadway, feeding fears of a large-scale immigration raid.

ICE agents were in Somerville as a part of Operation Community Shield, which targets illegal immigrants who are gang members. The four-day operation took in 80 people with criminal records and open warrants throughout the greater Boston area, according to ICE. Among the arrested were 52 gang members, according to an ICE press release.

By Matthew McLaughlin

Throughout the nation, growing gas prices are forcing people to make serious changes to everyday life. One local non-profit organization that helps elderly residents in need of a ride is trying to overcome the crisis creatively.

SCM Community Transportation, an organization that has helped people throughout Greater Boston for 25 years, is trying to find a formula to keep afloat.  Reed Cochran, executive director for SCM, said harsh economic times have forced the organization to be creative. 

By George P. Hassett

Two former Tufts University employees accused of stealing almost $1 million in separate schemes and spending the money on lavish trips and fashion accessories were arraigned Tuesday in Woburn Superior Court.

Josephine Neally and Raymond Rodriguez, were released on personal recognizance under the conditions that they stay away from the college and all witnesses. Neally and Rodriguez both worked in the school’s Office of Student Activities until 2007.

By Mia Lamar

For many Somerville residents, the diverse array of ethnic food shops in Union Square are a treasured city destination.. The face behind the counter is a familiar one, and the special foods still a bargain. Yet, as commodity prices continue to rise, and incremental costs chip at the bottom line, many of the area’s beloved shop owners admit they are having a tough time maintaining business as usual.

Nice little crowd on Mayor Joe‚Äôs annual Boston Harbor cruise last week, a well rounded group from Somerville was on board and from what we saw, everyone had a good time.  Lips were sealed, and no one wanted to be quoted, but the arrest of John Buonomo that evening caused quite a mixed bag of emotions from everyone on board.

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Speaking of John Buonomo, we hear that the Queen of the Progressives already asked the Governor to appoint her as the Register should the position be opened up unexpectedly. We were in disbelief over hearing that, we thought her and John were extremely close, as John referred to himself as a Progressive. He’s not even tried yet, and already his so-called friends want a piece of the action.

O’Donovan to challenge Buonomo

By George P. Hassett

The elected official who allegedly stole thousands of dollars from government copy machines could face a challenge from a Somerville alderman in November.

Ward 5 Alderman Sean T. O’Donovan told the Somerville News on Tuesday that he will challenge John Buonomo for Middlesex County Register of Probate. Buonomo was arrested last week for allegedly stealing cash out of copy machines at the Registry of Deeds office. Video of Buonomo, a former Somerville alderman, crouching down and pocketing cash and change from the machines was played repeatedly on local news stations.

By Jack Nicas

The Green Line is coming to Somerville; that is definite. However, where it will stop is not. The Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) is carrying out its Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which analyzes all proposed stations to determine where each will be definitively located.

“No location has been secured for any of the T stops,” said Ward 1 Alderman William M. Roche. “They are all basically placeholders.”

Heavy rains yesterday caused flooding throughout the city including the parking lot of the Somerville Police Department.

Photos by William Tauro

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.)

Visiting Somerville’s public libraries is one experience that always makes me consider the possibility that my tax dollars are being well spent, even though library expenditures are only 1 percent of the city budget. Paraphrasing Daniel Webster, it is a small government institution, but there are those of us who love it.

So I was alarmed to learn that Somerville’s libraries are at risk of being decertified; and perplexed to learn that the reason for this is a history of inadequate funding.