Vol. 4, No. 9
May 17, 2004
Contents
1) CONGRATULATIONS TO THOSE MARRYING...
Monday, May 17, 2004, is the day that history will remember as the first opportunity for same-sex couples lawfully to receive marriage licenses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I have
worked closely with City Clerk John Long to prepare for this momentous day, and, as Board
President, have authorized the use of the Aldermen's Chambers as a space where couples may
sit to fill out applications. On Thursday, once the state's mandatory three day waiting period has
passed for those couples receiving licenses on Monday, some weddings will be conducted in the
Chamber.
My most heart-felt congratulations to all who will be applying for marriage licenses on this day,
and my best wishes on your officially married lives together.
2) PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2 A.M. CLOSINGS (AGAIN)
The hearings on 2 am closings originally scheduled by the Somerville Licensing Commission
for Monday, April 26, 2004, did not take place, presumably because Commission Chair Ray
Trant was not in attendance that night. Those petitions to extend closing hours have re-appeared
on the agenda for the Monday, May 17 meeting (though apparently not re-advertised for that
date.) Any member of the public who wishes to testify on these matters can presumably do so
at this meeting.
The following establishments have applied to the Commission for 2 am closings: The
Independent and Toast, both in Union Square; P J Ryan's, in Teele Square; Johnny D's, in
Davis Square; and Good Times Billiards, in Assembly Square. The meeting will be held at 6:00
p.m. in the Academy Room of the Public Safety Building in Union Square, 220 Washington
Street. For questions, contact Joanne Burke at 617-625-6600,or
jburke@ci.somerville.ma.us
3) "GANG LOITERING" ORDINANCE ADOPTED
The Somerville Board of Aldermen voted Thursday, May 13, 2004, to approve a Home Rule
petition to the state legislature that would prohibit "gang loitering" in designated areas of the
city. The vote was 10 to 1; I cast the only vote against the petition. It must now be signed by
the mayor, and be approved by both houses of the legislature before it can go into effect in
Somerville.
4) MEETING ON MAJOR DEVELOPMENT NEAR LOWELL STREET BRIDGE
What's going on?
On Wednesday evening, May 19, at 7:00 pm, K.S.S. Realty Partners, Inc., will be holding a
neighborhood meeting at the VNA, 259 Lowell Street, to present conceptual plans for a very
large residential development in Ward 5. The addresses of the properties involved are 56 and
61 Clyde Street, a one-way street that runs from the site of the proposed development out to
Cedar Street. The site presently has direct access from Cedar Street only via Warwick Street and
Murdock Street.
Where is this property?
The best way to view this four-acre former industrial site is to stand on the Lowell Street Bridge
and look west (that is, with your back to the VNA Assisted Living facility, if you're vague about
directions.) If your view is somewhat obstructed by a graffiti-covered building, you're looking
in the right place, that is the site. It consists of two parcels of land, a rough triangle stretching
between the former Arlington and Lexington Branch Line right of way (better known as the
place beyond the Cedar Street end of the Bike Path) and the Lowell Line of the MBTA
commuter rail service.
What do the developers want to build?
Neighbors will likely be shown half a dozen conceptual plans for the site. Some re-use parts of
existing structures, some are all new construction. What they have in common is that all are for
250 to 300 residential units, with appurtenant parking in some combination of structures and
open lots.
Because access to the site is currently so constrained, the developers are talking about creating
an access road from the re-built Lowell Street Bridge, possibly even having direct entrance to
a parking garage from the bridge. K.S.S. representatives say they have discussed these
possibilities with the Massachusetts Highway Department, which has jurisdiction over the bridge.
These developers are also considering the building of another access road, from Cedar Street,
through the railroad right of way, which many hope will become an extension of the Community
Path.
Who do I contact with questions before Wednesday?
Call Matt O'Neil, Director of Development for K.S.S., at 617-948-2637.
5) BIKE TOUR OF HISTORIC SOMERVILLE SATURDAY
Join the Somerville Bicycle Committee and the Somerville Historic Preservation
Commission for the 3rd Annual Bicycle Tour of Historic Somerville. The ride
starts on Saturday, May 22 at 10 am in the parking lot of Somerville City Hall,
93 Highland Avenue (just east of School Street). The ride is about 10 miles, and
should be finished around 1 pm.
Visit historic sites throughout Somerville, including the Prospect Hill Tower,
the Old Powder House, the site of the former Middlesex Canal, and beautiful old
houses from East Somerville to Tufts University. If there is steady rain, the
ride will be postponed to Sunday, May 23, same time and starting place. For more
information, contact Ron Newman, 617-628-8895 or
rnewman@theCIA.net
copyright 2004 Denise Provost
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