(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 Joseph A. Curtatone

Taking a closer look at notable city data – and interesting numbers. 

We recently released the proposed SomerVision 2040 plan, which updates and extends the community-developed SomerVision comprehensive plan. Thanks to months of work by the SomerVision 2040 Committee, community members, and City staff, SomerVision 2040 contains some new and updated goals around important issues like housing, development, the environment, and job creation. Below are a few numbers from the plan, and you can see the full document at www.somervision2040.com. The Planning Board is also accepting comments on SomerVision 2040, which you can send to planning@somervillema.gov.

The Somerville Public Library and St. Mark Community Education Program announced this week that they will partner for spring 2020 to offer a free, twelve-part Citizenship Interview Preparation Class for residents seeking to apply for American citizenship. Classes will be offered on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., from March 7 through May 23, at the Central Library (79 Highland Ave.). The class is designed to prepare students for all parts of their citizenship test. It will cover the literacy test, 100 questions about U.S. history and government, and provide help to improve speaking and listening abilities in English.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville Police officer on patrol at Assembly Row last Friday evening observed a vehicle parked illegally in front of the Montaje building located at 449 Canal St.

The officer parked his fully marked cruiser in the cul-de-sac opposite the vehicle which was occupied by a male driver, a male front seat passenger, and an individual in the rear seat on the passenger side.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Disclaimer: This article in no way advocates the use of marijuana or any other drug. It is simply a look back at the history of pot in Somerville as told by those who remember. It is meant for the adults who grew up with marijuana in Somerville.

In an effort to protect the natural grass field at Lincoln Park and prolong longevity for spring use, a temporary fence will be installed along the perimeter of the playing field from early February until approximately mid-April (weather permitting). It is imperative we give the field time to freeze and thaw in an undisturbed manner so that the field will be available for use by our many local organizations as well as the community at large.

A general use policy governing the operation of surveillance technology in the City of Somerville is being studied by city official for possible implementation in the near future.

By Thalia Plata

The Somerville City Council’s Legislative Matters Committee discussed a new ordinance called the Surveillance Technology General Use Policy at their latest meeting on January 28.

The policy would build off the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology ordinance passed in October of 2019 which will go into effect on October 15, 2020.

1965 rendition of a “New Boston,” depicting the new Government Center taking the place of Scollay Square.

By Sue Minichiello

Yesterday’s urban renewal is today’s gentrification. A bold statement? Perhaps, but there is no doubt that when neighborhoods are redeveloped in ways that exile their longtime residents and businesses, just as much — if not more — can be lost as gained.

AARP is taking appointments to help with income tax preparations starting February 10 at the Holland Street Senior Center at 167 Holland Street. Please call Josephine to schedule an appointment, at 617-625-6600 ext. 2300.

Before school started Thursday, January 30 at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, Somerville Teachers Association (STA) members gathered in the frigid weather in their parking lot with signs to walk in solidarity for paraprofessionals.

(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.)

Star Market Site/299 Broadway

I have not been able to attend any meetings regarding the Star Market site on Broadway because of my work schedule.

I therefore need to express my opinion, as a Winter Hill resident and as a real estate attorney in Boston, via email that the City’s proposal to take this private property by eminent domain is a gross overstep of power. As a Winter Hill resident, I would obviously also like to see the property occupied, but the answer is not to forcibly take the property from a private owner and hand it over to another private owner whose vision for the property aligns with City Hall’s.