These are just some of the municipal meetings and civic events for the coming week. More are on the City of Somerville website.
Codifying greener buildings
Land Use Committee, 6:30 p.m. Thursday. A joint session with the Planning Board as the mayor and staff continue to update zoning language to include a “platinum” standard” for environmentally smart design and change wording about buildings that produce and remove the same amount of greenhouse gas (called net-zero ready). The changes reinforce the administration’s push for greener buildings and are necessary to avoid conflict with the state building code. The committee seeks to waive certain provisions for accessible entry and exit ways in dwellings with three units or fewer or in an existing building if “no other compliant design solution is possible.” At Somerville City Hall, 93 Highland Ave., Central Hill and watchable via videoconferencing.
Transit advocacy, safe streets
Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday. The committee discusses writing a letter recommending accommodations for rapid transit expansion under and around the Webster Avenue Bridge, which is being replaced by the state’s transportation department. The bridge is one-10th of a mile from the Union Square green line station. The committee reviews the latest McGrath Boulevard project designs. City mobility staff visit to explain changes to traffic signals at Cedar, Elm and Mossland streets. The committee meets at 101 South Street, Boynton Yards in Ward 2, and the meeting is watchable via videoconferencing.
City offices closed Monday
City of Somerville, all day Monday. The city observes Patriots’ Day, which commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord and the beginning of the American Revolutionary War in 1775. All city offices are closed, metered parking is free and trash and recycling pickup is delayed one day. One if by land, two if by sea, hold back your waste and park for free!
Patriots’ Day Colonial Fair
Somerville Museum, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday. In partnership with the city, the museum celebrates Patriots’ Day with colonial games and activities. Paul Revere, in 18th century costume, visits on horseback in a re-creation of his historic ride. Admission is free and light refreshments are served. At Foss Park, 219 Broadway, Winter Hill.
Intersection improvements
Strong Towns Somerville, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday. The local chapter of Strong Towns meets to discuss tactical urbanism – the use of low-cost, temporary changes to streets to create a more livable, safer environment. The national advocacy organization seeks “to replace America’s postwar pattern of development, the Suburban Experiment, with a pattern of development that is financially strong and resilient.” This group, meeting for the second time, decides on a project location to improve safety at a pedestrian crossing. At Aeronaut Brewing, 14 Tyler St., near Union Square in Ward 2, Somerville.
Learn about light pollution
Public Library, 7 to 8:30 p.m. April 24. The library hosts “The Dark Side of Light Pollution,” a talk about “how you can safely light up your home, business and community without wasting energy, disturbing your neighbors or creating an unhealthy environment for humans and wildlife.” Presented by Kelly Beatty, officer with DarkSky’s Massachusetts. In the auditorium of the Somerville Public Library, 79 Highland Ave., Central Hill.
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