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Smart Growth in Somerville
Part 2: The next giant step
A Commentary by William C. Shelton
(The views and opinions expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of The Somerville News, its publishers or its staff)
This Thursday evening the Somerville Planning Board will conduct a public hearing on the largest single private development ever proposed in Massachusetts. This Planned Unit Development (PUD) would absorb two-thirds of Assembly Square’s developable land. It is the first tangible outcome of the settlement between Ikea, Federal Realty Investment Trust, and the Mystic View Task Force.
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News Talk for the week of Nov. 15
Seems that Ward Seven Alderman Bob Trane is very upset with the VNA as well as the Planning Department at City Hall Рtheir proposed development up at the old Conwell School site was supposed to be 90 assisted living units Рwhich was already approved. Jim Kostaras of the Planning Department and Linda Cornell for the VNA decided to go ahead and change the plans and not let the Alderman or the neighbors know about it Рnow the plan calls for 60 assisted living units and 30 low-income units. Alderman Bob Trane was quoted as saying “I was shocked to learn that Linda Cornell would make a major change of this magnitude and totally bypass the neighbors in the process. I was further disappointed to learn that the Executive Director of Planning, Jim Kostaras, was aware of this change and said nothing to me so I could inform the neighbors.”
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Brune to News: Can we set the story straight?
To the editor,
For a long time now I have had to listen to and read the many varied and wild stories in reference to the sale of the former Western Jr. High School site, now known as the tab building. The article would always mention that when serving as mayor I gave away the building to tufts for $1.00.
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The Somerville News 4th Annual Writers Festival
Come enjoy an evening of wonderful readings tomorrow night – Sunday, November 12th at 7 PM – hosted by Jimmy Tingle at his Off Broadway Theatre. Tickets are a very affordable $15.00.
Featuring Nick Flynn and including a lineup of writers such as: Steve Almond, Michael McGlone, Christopher Castellani, Lisa Carver and Timothy Gager. Also joining us will be a fabulous group of poets including: Hugh Fox, Marc Goldfinger, David Slavitt, Joanna Nealon, Marc Widershien and our very own Doug Holder.
David R. Godin will be receiving the Ibbetson Street Press Lifetime Achievement Award and the musical guest for the evening will be Meg Hutchinson.
Once again the event has been organized by Timothy Gager and Dough Holder and is proudly sponsored by: Grub Street, Industrial Myth & Magic and Porter Square Books.
A community speaks up
By George P. Hassett
Nearly 40 Portuguese speakers lined up to voice their support for a liquor license for the International Soccer Club last week. The licensing commission hearing was called to determine if the club deserved the privilege of being allowed to serve alcohol.
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Norton featured in Financial Times of London
The owner of The Somerville News and the Ball Square real estate agency ERA Norton Group, Donald Norton gives Europe’s leading financial newspaper the story behind the story:
To some, Union Square’s revival was only a matter of time. Donald Norton, who has sold houses in Somerville for 26 years and also owns The Somerville News, the local newspaper
, says he remembers the neighbourhood’s glory days and is eager for them to return. "When I was a kid, Union Square used to be a vital neighbourhood filled with shops. It was where everyone went to do their Christmas shopping," he recalls. "Then the 1960s happened, the community changed and half the stores were boarded up. For a long time after that, Somerville was a place that people made fun of. The politicians were corrupt and it was just an unattractive city."
Nowadays Union Square is coming back to life, he says. "There are several coffee shops that have moved in and there are more on the way. And coffee shops bring in the more educated, artsy crowd."
Top cop accused of ethics violation
By George P. Hassett
A food industry group filed a complaint last week with the state Ethics Commission over Acting Police Chief Robert R. Bradley’s television ad opposing ballot question 1.
The group, the Massachusetts Food Association, said Bradley used his public office to promote his opposition to a ballot question calling for the sale of wine in grocery stores. Bradley has also participated in radio ads and Tuesday his picture appeared in a full page ad Boston Globe ad denouncing the proposal.
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Mayor to promote four new police sergeants
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today that the city has begun the necessary steps to promote four Somerville police officers to the rank of sergeant. The candidates for interview and final selection will be drawn from the current civil service list of experienced officers who have passed the state’s sergeant exam.
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