Plan Establishes Vision for an 88-Mile Network of Connected Bike Facilities Citywide 

 After a year of community engagement, data analysis, and policy research, the City of Somerville has published a draft of Somerville’s first Bicycle Network Plan. The Bicycle Network Plan is a visioning document intended to guide the next few decades of work to improve and expand Somerville’s bicycle facilities.   

Celebrations for the opening of the five new Medford Branch Green Line stations are scheduled for December 12 and 17.— Photos by Bobbie Toner

It’s finally real. After decades of advocacy, a lawsuit, endless planning, delays, a miraculous win of federal funding, more advocacy, an 11th hour save via a $50 million payment, bridge closures, travel disruptions, and several years of less-than-welcome construction impacts, the Green Line Extension is finally here.

Six members of the Somerville Public Schools (SPS) staff were recognized for outstanding work by regional, state, and national organizations in 2022. Awards went to teachers at Somerville High School, our Athletics staff, and to the Director of the SPS’ newly-formed Office of Basic Needs and Housing Support.

Cash prizes up to $500, incredible inflatable Festivus Village, Elfie Selfies supporting local food programs & more.  

Union Square Main Streets (USMS) and 30+ local businesses crank up the jolly for the 8th Annual Holiday Stroll featuring rad retail, unique eats, an incredible inflatable Festivus Village, the Keep Small Strong Challenge, and much more. This free and family-friendly celebration makes spirits bright on Saturday, December 10 from 12-6pm throughout Union Square.

Ahead of the Green Line Extension opening next week, the School Street bridge in Somerville’s Gilman Square is expected to reopen to all users this Saturday, December 10. The bridge has been closed since April 2020 to support GLX construction.

In 2022, Lyndell’s Bakery located at 720 Broadway Somerville, MA celebrates its 135th Anniversary opening for business in December of 1887. Lyndells, which is the oldest scratch bakery in New England, has been selling fresh bakery goods to the public ever since and will continue the great tradition for years to come.

Online survey offered in four languages; survey, public listening sessions will help Screening Committee narrow down applicant pool.

A new, online community survey as part of the Somerville Public Schools’ Superintendent Search process is now live on the district’s website. The survey is available in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. A survey in Haitian Creole will also be available soon. To access the surveys, residents can visit www.somerville.k12.ma.us/superintendent-search.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is announcing the city’s annual support of local holiday gift and toy donation drives. In the giving spirit of the season, Somerville is placing toy and gift donation boxes at city buildings through Sunday, December 18, to support two community toy drives for families in need of gifts for children and teens this holiday season. 

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Over the past couple of months, I’ve done stories on businesses leaving Somerville and buildings being demolished. I didn’t think I’d be writing another one so soon but when I heard this news, I was flabbergasted. Supposedly, they’re taking four houses on Highland Street and making an 86-unit building.