It Is Expensive to Be Poor

I just finished reading the article j- It Is Expensive to Be Poor - and found it to be both interesting and thought provoking.  Unless you were born into wealth we have all struggled at some time or another.  Just click here to read the article.

Snow Emergency Declared

SNOW EMERGENCY DECLARED: Based on predicted heavy snowfall this evening, Somerville has declared a snow emergency effective at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21 (today). Here are a few reminders about Somerville’s snow policies and links to important information. Please share widely so that we’re all ready for the snow.

1. PARKING BAN: During the snow emergency, parking is allowed only on the odd-numbered side of the road (unless otherwise posted). Cars not moved from the even-numbered side by 7 p.m. today may be subject to ticketing and towing. 

2. PARKING IN CITY LOTS: During the emergency, residents may park in any municipal lot or in designated school parking lots. Meters in these lots (and Citywide) will not be in effect during the emergency. Vehicles may remain in the lots until 2 hours after the emergency is lifted. For an interactive map of City and school lots, click here: http://bit.ly/1hg4Gw2. 

3. METERS NOT IN EFFECT DURING EMERGENCY: During the emergency, meters do not need to be paid. But please note, parking at street meters is allowed only on the odd-numbered side of the street.

4. TRASH AND RECYCLING PICKUP: Because of the Monday holiday, trash and recycling pickup is on a one-day delay this week. No additional weather-related delays are expected. 

5. WHO TO CALL: Residents with non-emergency requests should call 311 or 617-666-3311. For emergencies, please remember to call 911. 

6. MORE INFO: More Somerville snow info can be found here: http://bit.ly/1bLe4np.

Important Meetings

Check out two important meetings happening next week.  Follow this link.  One involving the proposed development where Patsy's Bakery is currently located and one regarding the proposed development at the end of Cross Street East (Stop & Shop.)  Both meetings are being sponsored by our Alderman Matt McLaughlin - representatives from the City's Planning Department as well as representatives from the developers and their attorney's will be present. 

Snow?

 A message from the City of Somerville

It's looking like the snow totals and timing COULD require a snow emergency later tomorrow (Tuesday). Whenever there's more than 4 inches of snow in the forecast and you think you may not be home to move your car when an emergency is called, it's a good idea to leave your car on the odd side (unless otherwise posted) to be safe. We'll update with news once we have it. But for now, please plan ahead if you can, and like and share this message so more will see it.

 A message from  me..............

I am glad I am not a meteorologist and I am glad I am not the one making the calls on snow emergencies.  Last forecast I saw predicted anywhere from 5 to 10 inches of snow.  That's a big difference........................  Whatever the snowfall total is remember to help out a neighbor and help shovel out the fire hydrants.  We're all in the same boat or in this case snow storm. 

E-Mail Update From Our New Alderman

Below is our first email update from our new Alderman Matt McLaughlin.  A link to Matt's website is to the right under helpful links.  Thanks for keeping us in the loop.

Greetings all,

This is my first of many emails to come to keep the people of East Somerville informed on city matters.  I will try to make a monthly report, with additional emails in case something important comes up. If anyone does not wish to receive emails, please let me know and I will remove you.

Now on to the important issues.  The biggest issue coming up is the second meeting regarding the proposed Stop and Shop development.  This meeting will be Wednesday, January 29 at the Senior Center on 165 Broadway.  I encourage all interested parties to attend.  The previous meeting was quite contentious and I would like to ensure that all residents feel their voice is heard.

There will also be another meeting regarding the proposed development at Patsy's Pastries.  That meeting will be January 30 at 6pm, also at the Senior Center on 165 Broadway.

In other news, the bridge on Cross Street will finally be open Tuesday, January 21!  There will be a ceremony at 11:30am if people care to attend.  

The Connexion Church on 149 Broadway will be having an Art Night Friday, January 24 at 7pm.  

The city of Somerville, in conjunction with several non-profit organizations, will be hosting a series of community forums regarding gentrification and displacement. I encourage anyone interested to attend.  The first meeting will be Tuesday, February 4 at 6pm at the Argenizano School.

A major issue in the last board meeting was the increase in taxes for many homeowners and business owners in the community.  This is a very serious issue that everyone on the board is concerned with. The city of Somerville will be holding and information session Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m., at the East Somerville Community School cafeteria, 50 Cross St.

In other board news, I put in a multitude of orders to the city regarding potholes, low hanging electrical wires, notification of construction, rats, parking issues and other daily East Somerville issues.  If anyone has any issues that they feel are not being addressed, please contact me.

Thank you everyone for giving me the opportunity to represent our ward.  I am always accessible and willing to work with anyone to improve our quality of life.

Sincerely,

--

Matt McLaughlin

Ward 1 Alderman

Somerville, MA

Somerville - The Little City That Could

Check out this article in the Boston Globe.  Click here...........

WOOHOO

Great news according to the Somerville Journal the Cross Street bridge is scheduled to open up on Tuesday, January 21st.  You can click here to see the article. 

For updates on City Construction Updates & Detour information click here.