By Rachael Hines

The Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday evening last week to discuss various upcoming construction projects, and voted to allow demolition plans to continue on 25 Appleton Street.

The vote was 5-1, with the only dissent being from commission member Dick Bauer. “The house ought to be preserved,” said Bauer, who expressed minor concerns over the safety of the demolition and the vague wording of the paperwork involved with the construction contract.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

A family of my friends with small children were heading up to Story Land in New Hampshire. With gas and hotel, that costs a pretty penny. A day at Canobie Lake Park, for a family of 4 without discount coupons, will cost a whopping $120.00. Toss in the food and some souvenirs and you’re coming home with an empty wallet. It’s all relative too.

Three of Somerville’s polling places have been relocated for the upcoming election cycle. All other polling locations will remain the same as they were last year. Before voting in the September 14 preliminary election, don’t forget to double-check your polling location.

The deadline to register to vote or update your party affiliation or address for the September 14 preliminary election is Wednesday, August 25, at 8 p.m. Massachusetts voters have the option to register online or via a paper form. To register by mail you can call (617) 625-6600 ext. 4200 and request a form be mailed to you, or you can download one from the Elections website. Don’t forget that your form must be returned to the Somerville Elections Department by 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 25. You can also visit the Elections Department in City Hall to register to vote. Please note face coverings are required in all City buildings.

Congratulations to LT Andrew Guralnick, LT Barry Hamilton, Capt Timothy Bakey, and LT Brendan Noonan on officially being sworn in as Somerville’s newest firefighters. Well-deserved, gentlemen!

The future of the former Star Market site was a particular topic of discussion at the meeting held by Mark Development. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Emmanuel Vincent

This past Thursday, Mark Development held an evening meeting centered on the Winter Hill Plan Implementation. This allowed the new team to take a look at 299 Broadway, which was the former Star Market site.

The nearly two-hour meeting consisted of visuals and in-depth analysis. It was also an interactive event, as residents in attendance were able to engage by asking questions and giving input.

Among other matters, planning for the properties flanking the site of Royal Hospitality are being addressed by the Somerville Redevelopment Authority.

By Joe Creason

The Somerville Redevelopment Authority held a meeting on July 21 to discuss ongoing plans for urban renewal and to offer the public an opportunity to comment on upcoming development projects.

A ground-breaking ceremony for the Union Square development celebrated the start of construction for the D-2 parcel located from 10 to 50 Prospect St on July 21.

By Camille Andersen

The second virtual town hall discussing a supervised consumption site, held on Thursday, July 22, focused on the impact opioids have on family members and loved ones. The panel was moderated by Doug Kress, Director of Health and Human Services for Somerville. It featured Brian Sink and Mark McLaughlin, both harm reduction specialists, and local community member Bonny Carroll.

Old Powder House tour docent Mary Mangan welcomed and informed visitors to the site last Saturday.

By Bella Levavi

Public parks serve many purposes. They can be a place for public gatherings, for jazz concerts, public theater, food festivals, quarries, pickle fermentation, grain mills, gunpowder storage, WPA projects made out of old train stations, and parking pass offices. Well, not all parks, but Powderhouse Park has a unique history that has been used for all of these and more throughout its tenure in Somerville. 

Somerville High Class of 1971 is looking for classmates for their 50th reunion on Saturday, October 23 at Anthony’s Function Hall in Malden from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. The price is $65 per person. Please contact Rosalie DeLucia or Jimmy Del Ponte, or the SHS71 page on Facebook for more information. Wave high your guilded banners as SHS 71 celebrates their 50th!