(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

The remaining businesses in the Arts at the Armory building since Eminent Domain will be coming together for a Town Hall Meeting in the next couple of days. Councilor Beatriz Gomez-Mouakad will be spearheading the meeting, while meeting logistics will be thought out through further discussion with her, the tenants, and Councilor at Large Willie Burnley, Jr. The Town Hall meeting will be held through Zoom, and details about the time of Town Hall Meeting will be released soon by the City Clerk.

Join the Community Design Team on Saturday, May 21,  3:00 –6:00 p.m., Union Square Plaza, to provide feedback on design ideas for Union Square’s public spaces.

By Kyle Dante

Covid-19 remains an issue in the community, especially in the schools. Rapid testing still remains in effect in the Somerville school system. In addition, if one tests positive, the isolation time sits at five days as of this time. An additional five days of masking is required to prevent spreading the virus. Masks will continually be provided to residents and students. To participate in sports, a Covid-19 vaccination is required.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

This year’s edition of Somerville’s annual PorchFest event took place last Saturday on porches, in driveways, and across front lawns across the city. Local musicians showed off their skills and appreciative onlookers took it in, danced to it and sang along.

The MBTA claims that its bus route reroutes will increase overall service while ensuring that routes complement – rather than duplicate – Somerville’s service from the red, orange, and green lines. — Photo by Molly Rains

By Molly Rains

On Monday, the MBTA released a preliminary draft of proposed modifications to bus routes and schedules across Somerville.

The draft marks the beginning phases of a bus network redesign throughout all of Greater Boston. The MBTA has allotted seven years for the planning and implementation of this project, which it claims will increase bus service while improving the equity and availability of high-frequency bus routes across neighborhoods and demographics.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

By Jack Connolly
Jackconnolly422@gmail.com

If you are not aware, last Wednesday morning around 8AM (5/10/22) a lifeless body of a Davis Sq. a regular hang-out guy was found near JP Licks Ice Cream in the Davis Sq, Plaza. Fellow drinking and drugging pals lamented the loss of ‘Mike’, who was well known to all of us who live and work in or around Davis Sq. by daily sightings, as he and others huddled about, taking care of business outside of the 7-11 store.

Readers who pick up our print edition this week will notice a slight change in size that we are trying out. We will be covering the same local events and issues as always, but the leaner format will allow us to move forward with a number of changes for the better that we are striving for. Let us know what you think.

By State Representative Erika Uyterhoeven

In our Commonwealth, diversity is our greatest strength. Somerville is a shining example, where 25% of the community in our vibrant city are immigrants. Our city thrives on the many people and cultures in which we build community together.

The Art For All art sale held at Aeronaut Brewery in Somerville on Sunday raised more than $6,500 to help fund the non-profit group La Colaborativa. — Photo courtesy of Art For All Boston

By Michael McHugh

This past Sunday concerned citizens from Somerville, Chelsea, and beyond attended a fundraising event at Aeronaut Brewery to benefit the Latinx immigrant community. The Art For All 3 art sale put on by the Boston For All community fundraising organization showcased original local art that has been donated personally by each artist, and could be purchased by attendees through a “pick your own price” policy.

Senator Ed Markey and State Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven

Senator Edward Markey joined dozens of local supporters of the Fair Share Amendment to launch the Somerville campaign for the statewide ballot question Sunday May 15.  Teams of Fair Share advocates canvassed the Somerville’s neighborhoods and speaking directly to voters.