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Tuesday, July 30, 2013

ASSEMBLY ROW AFFORDABLE HOUSING LOTTERY APPLICATION DEADLINE AUGUST 8



Two new housing complexes at Assembly Square, AVA Somerville and Avalon at Assembly Row, will hold a lottery for 56 affordable apartments, with applications due on Thursday, August 8, 2013, by 5 p.m.
Applications can be picked up at Avalon at Assembly Row’s Leasing Trailer located at 74 Foley St. in Assembly Square and should be returned to the same location by 5 p.m. on August 8. Applicants must meet income guidelines to be eligible for the lottery. Applicants who live or work full-time in Somerville, and applicants on the Somerville Housing Authority waitlist will receive preference. If the applicant is claiming a preference, they will need to provide additional documents along with their application.

The affordable units at AVA Somerville and Avalon at Assembly Row offer two options for eligibility: either for those earning up to 50 percent of the area median income or for those earning up to 80 percent of the area median income. Occupancy requirements are 1-2 residents for studios, 1-3 residents for 1 bedroom units, 2-5 residents for 2-bedroom units and 3-6 residents for 3-bedroom units. Rents and corresponding income ranges are:
Units available for households earning up to 50 percent of area median income
Units available for households earning up to 80 percent of area median income
Studio — Rent: $664
·         1 person: income $15,936 - $33,050
·         2 people: joint income $15,936 - $37,800
Studio — Rent $843
·         1 person: income $20,232 - $47,150
·         2 people: joint income $20,232 - $53,900
1 Bedroom — Rent: $657
·         1 person: income $15,768 - $33,050
·         2 people: joint income $15,768 - $37,800
·         3 people: household income $15,768 - $42,500

2 Bedroom — Rent: $761
Household income:
·         2 people: $18,264 - $37,800
·         3 people: $18,264 - $42,500
·         4 people: $18,264 - $47,200
·         5 people: $18,264 - $51,000
1 Bedroom — Rent: $896
·         1 person: income $21,504 - $47,150
·         2 people: joint income $21,504 - $53,900
·         3 people: household income$21,504 - $60,650

2 Bedroom — Rent: $1,068
Household income:
·         2 people: $25,632 - $53,900
·         3 people: $25,632 - $60,650
·         4 people: $25,632 - $67,350
·         5 people: $25,632 - $72,750

3 Bedroom — Rent: $1,190 (Avalon at Assembly Row only)
Household income:
·         3 people: $28,650 - $60,650
·         4 people: $28,650 - $67,350
·         5 people: $28,650 - $72,750
·         6 people: $28,650 - $78,150
The lottery itself will be held on Friday, August 16, 2013, at J. F. Kennedy Elementary School, 5 Cherry St. beginning at 10:15 a.m. You need not be present at the lottery, but are welcome to attend. Applicants chosen in the lottery on August 16 will receive a letter letting them know what number they are on the list in the following weeks. Once your placement has been determined in the lottery you will be notified via mail. Applicants chosen in the lottery must first be determined to be income-eligible. You will be advised what income documentation you will need to provide and the timeline for submission. 

“As Assembly Square transforms into Somerville’s newest neighborhood, it’s important that we continue expanding the availability of permanently affordable housing units in the city,” Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone said. “Everyone should be able to live in walkable, bikeable and transit-oriented neighborhoods. The building of these affordable apartments helps us realize that goal and is another step toward our long-term goal of creating 1,200 permanently affordable housing units citywide that will help us attract and retain Somerville’s best asset: its people.”

“Somerville is a city open to all and creating affordable housing for both newcomers and long-time residents who want to stay in the city is critical to maintaining the diversity that we all love about our city,” Ward 1 Alderman Maureen Bastardi said. “I’m excited that these units are becoming available in Assembly Square and look forward to welcoming Ward 1’s newest residents over the next year.”

Apartments will be offered over the next several months as they are completed from October 2013 through June 2014 and when residents receive an offer, they must respond within 7-10 days. When offered an apartment, residents must contact the leasing office to leave a security deposit of $500 and once credit is approved, will need to complete an interview checklist and submit necessary documents to establish income eligibility. 

To obtain an application or additional information about the affordable housing lottery at AVA Somerville and Avalon at Assembly Row, contact Avalon Bay at Phone: 855-211-8154, MABlueSkies@AvalonBay.com or visit the Leasing office at 74 Foley St., Somerville in Assembly Square. Mailing address for applications is Avalon at Assembly Row, P.O. Box 45377, Somerville, MA 02145.

Save The Date


Last Weeks Updates - Better Late Than Never

Better late than never............last weeks email updates.  Do you have something you want to share?  Is something happening in your neighborhood and you would like to get the word out?  Just let me know and you can blog about it here.  

Meetings

Somerville By Design
The 3rd meeting but 2nd Visioning session will be on Monday the 29th at the Capuano School located at 150 Glen Street starting at 6:30.  It will be the same as the 1st Visioning session if you missed it.  You can learn more about Somerville by Design by clicking here.-  - -

Save this date
Tuesday, August 6th is Somerville's 10th Annual National Night Out.  Somerville Cares About Prevention (SCAP) will partner with the Somerville Police Department to host the local celebration of the National Night Out Against Crime and Drugs.  National Night Out is scheduled for Tuesday, August 6th at Foss Park from 5pm to 8pm and will include a variety of youth activities; Police and Fire Department displays; over 25 tables with information about local agencies; a state K-9 unit demonstration; performances by the Sunsetters and Red Tiger Academy of Martial Arts. For additional information you can contact Cory Mashburn at 617-625-6600, extension 2570 or cmashburn@somervillema.gov.

Info
Early yesterday morning there was a horrific 7 alarm fire in Somerville. 

I received a memo from Fire Chief Kelleher regarding fire safety tips and if you click here you can see it. 

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For information on this Sundays SomerStreets event happening on Highland Avenue including road closures please click here
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Thanks to the residents of Pearl Street Park for not letting the rain stop us from being entertained by the Sunsetters.  If you click here you can see a few photos.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

SomerStreets



Celebrate summer with the City of Somerville at “Seize the Summer,” the July installment of the City’s seasonal SomerStreets festival, on Sunday, July 29th from noon to 4pm between Walnut and Cedar Streets on Highland Ave. Seize the Summer is the second of the 2013 SomerStreets celebrations, with the first event having drawn more than 3,000 attendees in June along East Broadway. For this unique street fair, where “roads are closed to cars and open to you,” programming includes: a family bike ride, health & fitness fair; live music; family-friendly activities; craft vendors; food and more.

SomerStreets is the City of Somerville’s take on the internationally-renowned Open Streets concept, closing busy city streets to vehicles, and opening them up for cycling, walking, dancing, running, and other modes of activity. Through SomerStreets, the City and its community partners aim to promote and encourage easy access to physical activity, fresh foods, and reconnecting with neighborhoods and businesses and their unique cultural elements in a thriving urban environment.

 “Somerville has become a hub for innovation, for unique urban living experience, and for its festivals. SomerStreets celebrates each of those ideals and so much more, bringing the community together to really experience the culture, quality and flavor of different neighborhoods while encouraging walkability and bikeability,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “Fresh off of another successful ArtBeat and the first SomerStreets of the year along East Broadway, Seize the Summer promises to be another fun-filled family celebration.”

Along Highland Ave., local businesses and organizations including the American Red Cross, Cambridge Health Alliance, the Center for Arts at the Armory, the Somerville YMCA, the Somerville Public Library, Somerville Fire Department, Naked Juice, and Assembly Row among others, will partner with the City to provide activities for children and adults of all ages.  Activities will include, but are not limited to:
·         Bike decorating & family bike ride (leaves at 1 p.m. from City Hall)
·         Mini golf
·         Live music at two locations (The Center for Arts at the Armory and Highland Kitchen)
·         CHA Health and Wellness Fair
·         Craft Fair at the Armory
·         Corn Hole Tournament (to register for the event go to: http://www.bostoncornhole.com/tournaments/seize-the-summer)   
·         Food
·         Arts & crafts, games
·         Painting, and much more!
In order to ensure public safety at the event, road closures and parking bans will be in effect.

·         Highland Avenue (Walnut Street to Cedar Street)
Closed to all vehicular traffic 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; no parking 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

·         City Hall Concourse and Central Library parking lots
No parking 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

MBTA buses will be rerouted from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
Residents who live directly on Highland Avenue may call (857) 523-9017 in advance or on the day of the event and city volunteers will assist you in leaving/returning to your property safely during the event.
All SomerStreets events will run from noon to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

Fire Safety Tips



In light of the horrific 7 alarm fire that happened this morning in Somerville I am sharing the following that was sent out by our Fire Chief, Kevin Kelleher.  Please be safe.

Chief Fire Engineer Kevin Kelleher and the Somerville Fire Department remind all residents that with higher temperatures and dry weather comes the increased risk for fire hazards, and ask residents to take necessary preventive steps in your home to decrease this risk.

The following is a list of steps to consider in your home:

·         Check batteries and operations in smoke detectors.
·         DO NOT use grills on porches, on any floor of your home.
·         If you use air conditioners, be sure they are plugged into updated and secure sockets or surge protectors. Only plug extension cords into one outlet, and do not run cords under any rugs.
·         Avoid smoking on porches, or while sitting in bed or on couches.
·         Remove overstuffed furniture from porches.
·         NEVER clean with gasoline, or store it in warm places.

In the event of a fire, be sure your family or your roommates are prepared by discussing evacuation routes and planning a meeting area outside the home.

“In recent weeks, a number of fires have occurred throughout the City, however no injuries were reported thanks to updated and functioning smoke detectors and other actions taken by homeowners,” said Chief Kelleher. “It’s important to be proactive about fire prevention and fire safety, particularly in extreme heat or, conversely, in extreme cold when space heaters and other similar factors come into play. We are thankful that no one was seriously injured in these recent fires, but it is important to remind everyone that fire safety is important and necessary year-round.”

Thank you for considering these important steps to help us ensure the safety of our community.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Affordable Rental Opportunity - 2BR

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Beacon Apartments, LLC., in conjunction with Jet Realty are pleased to announce an affordable rental opportunity.
 Located at 175 Beacon St, Unit #413  will be rented at $1210 per month plus utilities to a household of 2 or more people whose income does not exceed the following.

Maximum Annual Gross Income

80% Median Income
2 Person
3 Person
4 Person

$53,950
$60,650
$67,350

Eligibility Requirements

  • Applicants must live or work full-time in Somerville.
  • The unit must be used as the renters’ primary residence.
  • Income and Residency restrictions will apply throughout tenancy.  Income eligibility will be reviewed annually.
  • Head of households claiming full-time student status are not eligible.
To obtain an application, please attend an information session at  6 pm on Thursday, July 25th at       J. F. Kennedy School Cafeteria 5 Cherry St. or contact Vicki Wairi after the info session at Telephone: 617-625-6600 x 2577 or via email:vwairi@somervillema.gov

Application Deadline:  Monday, August 5, 2013 at noon.  Lottery will be held at 4 pm on August 5 2013.

Monday, July 22, 2013

FOX25 Morning News to Bring Zip Trips to Somerville




The FOX25 Morning News team will make a Zip Trip stop in Somerville, MA 02143 on Friday, July 26th at Union Square. Residents are invited to celebrate ten years of Zip Trips during a live FOX25 Morning News broadcast from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. with Co-hosts Shannon Mulaire and Gene Lavanchy, Meteorologist Shiri Spear, News Commentator Doug "VB" Goudie and Reporter Elizabeth Hopkins. 

The FOX25 Morning News crew has made summer stops in more than 170 communities. The live broadcasts give cities, towns and citizens across New England a chance to share their hometown spirit every Friday on FOX25 Morning News. 

Neighbors, residents and kids of all ages who want to show their “Somerville Pride” are encouraged to be part of our live audience at Union Square. We'll have special guests and features that celebrate the unique qualities of Somerville. Explore the city, meet the people, enjoy specialty food demonstrations and take part in on-site activities. It’s a great way to kick-off the weekend!

Features Include:

·         Taste of the Town: Local restaurants, cafés or bakeries demonstrate savory dishes and sweet treats!
·         Home Town Team: A salute to a youth or senior team ranging from football and soccer to the local running club!
·         Zip Trip Trivia: VB tries to stump a special guest with Somerville trivia.
·         Home Town Hero: Meet the local hero who helps out whenever needed! We'll feature a resident who's making a difference.
·         On the Market: Why is Somerville a great place to live? Preview homes in three price points and hear about schools, services and recreation.
·         Firehouse Fridays: Somerville’s finest will be honored for all they do.
·         Zip Trip Fan of the Week: We'll pick someone from the crowd with true Zip Trip Spirit as our Fan of the Week.
·         Healthy Kids: Join in Boston Children’s Hospital’s mission of improving health for all kids everywhere.
·         High Speed Deal: On-site scavenger hunt game for Zip Trip attendees.
·         Zip Trip Jr. Reporter: We'll select a young viewer from the crowd to help us with a few reporter duties.
·         Town Tour: The FOX25 Morning News team explores the best eats, must-see attractions, hidden gems, and little known landmarks in Somerville.  
·         Children's Book Drive: Donate a new children's book to benefit Reach Out and Read.
·         Wellness Check: Wellness tips and a chance to win a trip to Canyon Ranch Spa.  

Zip Trip attendees will also have the chance to register to win an all-new 2014 Mazda6!  Other prizes, games, children's story time and free product sampling (while supplies last) will be part of the fun provided by our Zip Trip partners including:

Boston Children’s Hospital, Bernie & Phyl’s Furniture, Canobie Lake Park, Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU), Dunkin’ Donuts, Fallon Community Health Plan, Hunt's Photo & Video, Kimball Farm, New England Mazda Dealers, McGeough Lamacchia Realty, Rockland Cement Block & Flag, Santa’s Village, Steamship Authority, Teddie Peanut Butter, Tedeschi Food Shops, and The Paper Store,

For additional information about FOX25 Morning News Zip Trips visit http://www.myfoxboston.com.