Compromise zoning for Somernova expansion would rein in size but still lose some ‘fab’ district
In a compromise to address a proposed a $3.3 billion redevelopment and expansion at the Somernova tech and business campus, Somerville’s mayor said she is considering adding an “innovation” category to commercial zoning.
The best and worst of Somerville in 2023
There will be other events and issues that strike the 90,000 hearts and nervous systems of Somerville residents as the best or worst things to happen in or to their city over the past 12 months. Here are some to get the memories flowing.
Closing is extended at the Winter Hill school; relocation is on the table in city master plan (corrected)
Inspectors were “literally hammering the walls” of Somerville’s Winter Hill Community Innovation School when they discovered asbestos in some concrete .
It’s an incumbent’s night in Somerville elections, but in Ward 5, Sait tops Perenick for an open seat
Ballot counts from election night indicate Mayor Katjana Ballantyne will see another term, joined by familiar faces on the City Council and first-timer Naima Sait, who triumphed over Jack Perenick in an open contest for Ward 5, as well as by Will Mbah, who regained his seat as a councilor at large.
Somerville races for office in 2023 highlighting question about what it means to be a councilor (updated)
A former Trump supporter challenges the mayor, a budding politician and a high school teacher compete in Ward 5, a shut-in attorney faces a phone-happy council veteran for a race that will decide what it means to be city councilor in Ward 6, and two obscure candidates challenge council powerhouses.
Somernova proposes a $3.3B site redevelopment over 10 years with commercial space emphasis
Somernova wants to build an additional 1.6 million square feet of space focused on climate tech onto its innovation campus off Somerville Avenue.
Somerville requires more permanent resources to weather the storm of its homelessness crisis
As the weather gets colder, Somerville is allocating $200,000 in federal Covid relief funds to open a warming center for the homeless for three months – but it lacks a designated location, and a city councillor wonders whether the city is overcomplicating in general its response to a crisis.
Homelessness surge is ‘still a kind of mystery,’ but Somerville coalition is on the ground to help
After several city council orders to address Somerville’s growing homelessness crisis, , including a call for a state of emergency, we spoke with Somerville Homeless Coalition executive director Michael Libby about his organization’s work on the issue.
Somerville campaign season is without debate, leaving candidates to knock and ponder a cause
Unlike in years past, this Somerville campaign season has no set dates for political forums or debates. Candidates are knocking on doors for the few contests.
Homelessness state of emergency is needed, Somerville councilors say; Mayor considers
Despite millions in federal grants, Somerville struggles to support its unhoused population especially in the easternmost parts of the city.
