Vol. 5, No. 8
April 5, 2005
Contents
1) MY GREEN LINE COMMENTS: FISCAL IMPACTS ON SOMERVILLE
It was gratifying to see so many people at the state's March 14 Green Line Extension hearing,
and to hear so much powerful, personal testimony about the need to bring transit to this
community.
My testimony focused on the question: What is the cost to Somerville of the tax-exempt state
and MBTA land used primarily for (inaccessible) regional transportation infrastructure? (In
addition to Somerville's annual $4.3, MBTA assessment, that is.) What does Somerville lose in
maintenance costs, and forgo in revenues? What does it cost the city to provide its network of
roadways that serve the region?
Taking land use data from the Assessors' Office, I made some calculations, which I presented
at the hearing. I also submitted my testimony in writing.
2) VIEW NEW SOMERVILLE PHOTOS ON MY WEBSITE
Check out the new PHOTOGRAPHS for every Ward of the city. (The easiest way to get to them is via the
map page.
We're thinking of expanding this feature to create a display of "the good, the bad, and the ugly" for each Ward,
so send in YOUR nominations!
3) ELECTRIC POWER OUTAGES? COMPLAINTS? WHAT TO DO...
NStar says it has repaired the burned circuit that caused a series of power outages since late
December in the Ball Square area. Somerville Superintendent of Lights and Lines Joe Voutour
says, however, that the circuit in question is an old one that should be replaced. Despite NStar
equipment upgrades in recent years, loss of electric power regularly troubles parts of the city.
At a recent meeting of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, NStar
representatives claimed that, due to the nature of their automated diagnostic system, the more
people who telephone to report a power outage, the easier it is for them to pinpoint and correct
the problem. In order to activate the system, such calls must be made from hard-wired
telephones, not cordless or cell phones. Call 1-800-592-2000 if you lose your electricity, and
encourage your affected neighbors to do the same.
To report problems with streetlights, call 1-800-STLITES. It is reportedly NStar policy to make
all needed repairs, when problems are reported to this number, within 72 hours.
You might also want to contact Joe Voutour
to report problems involving
NStar. No harm in letting your aldermen know, either. We've scheduled a follow up meeting
with NStar for Tues. April 26, at 6:30 pm, which will be held in the Committee Room in City
Hall, and open to the public.
4) APRIL IS EARTH MONTH - SOME ENVIRONMENTAL EVENTS
A) "Tales from a Green School"
On Tuesday, April 5, at 7 pm, Somerville's Commission on Energy use and Climate Change
will host architect Doug Sacra, who will talk about the "Green" design goals and actual energy
usage history of Somerville's award-winning Capuano School. Gerry Boyle, Project manager for
the new Lincoln Park School will be there to discuss transferable lessons from the city's first
such project. The meeting will take place at the Capuano School, 150 Glen St., East Somerville
(Glen St. runs one way from Tufts St. to Broadway, the school is on the right, in the remains
of Glen Park)
B) An Environmental Social
On Tuesday, April 12, from 6 to 8 pm, Groundwork Somerville will be sponsoring the first ever
Somerville Environmental Social, at the Coldwell Banker building, 313 Highland Ave. (between
Willow and Cedar). It's a pre-Earth Day celebration and social occasion, with drinks, munchies,
and active, interesting people. Drop by, and bring your friends.
C) Recycled Solar Device Contest for MIT Earth Day
$200 prize for the most useful renewable energy device made from recycled bottles and cans.
$150 second prize
$100 third prize
$50 for most original design
Bring your working models to the Kresge Oval on April 28, Earth Day.
Have some fun! Win some money! Save the world with garbage!
See a solar water pasteurizer consisting
of a 2 liter clear plastic bottle, a blackened aluminum can, and a reflector array;
or a solar cloche or coldframe consisting of a ring of plastic
bottles filled with water around another plastic bottle with the bottom cut off. This device allows
the spring planting of seeds and transplants up to six weeks early.
For further information contact
George Mokray
218 Franklin Street #3
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-661-2676
gmoke@world.std.com
D) The Mystic River/Herring Run
Save Sunday, May 1st, for the run, celebration, and other activities around the Blessing of the
Bay Boat House. Details to follow.
5) LOWELL STREET BRIDGE UPDATE
On Monday, March 28, the City Engineer informed us that Mass. Highway's contractor, P.
Gioioso & Sons, was about to install detour signs, and would begin construction on the
pedestrian footbridge by the end of next week. A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April
13, 2005, at 6:30 pm to answer neighbors' questions and put forth a work schedule, at the VNA
Community Room, 259 Lowell Street.
6) MASSACHUSETTS' BUDGET: THE CRISIS CONTINUES
Learn about the impacts of the state's proposed FY 2006 budget at a Community Meeting
sponsored by State Representatives Patricia Jehlen, Timothy Toomey, and Carl Sciortino. It will
be held in the VNA Community Room, 259 Lowell Street, on Tuesday, April 12, 2005, from
7:30 to 9:00 pm. In addition to presentations from Harris Gruman of Neighbor to Neighbor, and
Noah Berger of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, there will be the opportunity to
speak to and question our state representatives.
For more information, call Bettina Fest in Rep Jehlen's office, 617-722-2676.
The Somerville Environmental Social the same night is well within walking distance of the VNA if you want to stop in there first.
Material from this newsletter may be quoted freely, provided that it is credited to Denise
Provost, www.provost-citywide.org
copyright 2005 Denise Provost
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