Spoiler: Somerville on average is still pretty happy

How happy are Somerville residents? According to the city’s latest biennial Happiness Survey, residents continue to report high levels of satisfaction with life in Somerville.

By Dennis Fischman

I am a sucker for historical mysteries, but too often, the author slips attitudes of her own time and place into the story. That is not a problem with A Murder in Time, by Julie McElwain, because the main character is a woman, an FBI profiler in the 21st century who’s trying to figure out what she’s doing in the early 19th century (and solve a murder mystery, along the way).

(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)

Congratulations to Jake Wilson, our newly elected mayor, At-large Councilors Kristen Strezo and Will Mbah for being reelected, At-large Councilors Elect Jonathan Link and Ben Wheeler, and Ward 7 Councilor Elect Emily Hardt for earning the privilege of joining the rest of the Somerville City Council for the first time.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Once again I have called on the amazing memories of my longtime and dear friends to help me tell the story of a beloved old neighborhood school. And again, sorry for another West Somerville story, but, hey, that’s where I’m from, folks!

Beginning Thursday, November 13, at approximately 4 p.m., city contractors plan to mill (remove the top few layers of asphalt) the roadway surface at the intersection of Somerville Avenue and Central Street in preparation for paving.

136 affordable housing units are slated to be constructed at 299 Broadway, the site of the former Star Market. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By The Times Staff

The housing affordability crisis in Massachusetts is a growing challenge and a hot-button issue. Home prices are rising much faster than incomes. The shortage in affordable housing is a result of restrictive zoning laws, lengthy permitting processes, and high land and labor costs.

The city’s Land Use Committee, along with the Planning Board and Redevelopment Authority, recently met to discuss plans for the 90 Washington Street Demonstration Project. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Jordan Pagkalinawan

On November 6, the Somerville Land Use Committee held a joint session with the city’s Planning Board and Redevelopment Authority to discuss potential changes to the 90 Washington Street Demonstration Project plan. The committee also heard from several city officials requesting amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and upzoning classifications on various properties.

(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 Matthew McLaughlin

It’s been 22 years since I enlisted in the Army and served in the Iraq War. Every Veterans Day becomes more significant to me. This year is made more significant by the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney, a person who had a profoundly negative impact on my life.

Beginning Thursday, November 13, at approximately 4 p.m., city contractors plan to mill (remove the top few layers of asphalt) the roadway surface at the intersection of Somerville Avenue and Central Street in preparation for paving. During this work, Somerville Avenue between Lowell Street and Park Street will be closed to motor vehicle traffic in both directions. Milling is expected to begin at approximately 4 p.m. and end at approximately midnight. This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other factors. For more information, including full detour maps, please visit www.somervillema.gov/somcentralpave.