Vol. 5, No. 16
November 14, 2005
Contents
1) CYBERSPACE SNAFU: HAVE I RETURNED YOUR EMAIL?
For weeks now, all email I have tried to send to aol.com addresses has bounced back to me
as undeliverable. It appears to be a systematic difficulty beyond my control. So, if you have
an AOL account, and are expecting to hear from me, you probably haven't despite my best
efforts. Please call me at 617-628-1130 to bypass our incompatible email.
2) ELECTION NEWS
A) THANKS...
Because so many of you helped on this campaign, and CAME OUT TO VOTE, I was the
top vote-getter in the alderman-at-large race again this year. I am grateful for all your
support. Election numbers are posted on the
city's website.
B) BUT MY RACE ISN'T OVER!
On election day, I learned that a schedule has been set for the Special Election to fill the
vacant seat in the House of Representatives for the 27th Middlesex District. I took out
nomination papers, and I am collecting signatures now - for a November 29 deadline. The
election itself will quickly follow:
Primary election January 10, 2006
Final election February 7, 2006
I hope that I can count on your help and support once again.
3) THIS WEEK'S PUBLIC MEETINGS/HEARINGS
A) WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACT
This contract combines the lease of the city-owned transfer station outside Union Square with
the agreement for weighing, hauling and tipping Somerville's solid waste. Sound ho hum?
Well, it's a contact - and a location - with a lot of history.
Hear its latest chapter discussed at the Committee on Legislative Matters, Monday 11/14, at
7 pm, in the Committee Room at City Hall.
B) POLICE CHIEF OUT OF CIVIL SERVICE?
The Mayor's proposed ordinance outlining qualifications and hiring process for a non-Civil
Service Chief will be discussed at the same committee meeting described above. There will
also be a Public Hearing on the question of whether the Chief's job should be taken out of
Civil Service on Tuesday November 15, at 7 pm, in the Aldermen's Chamber.
C) MAGOUN SQUARE REVITALIZATION
The new, improved, Magoun Square streetscape improvement project will be discussed on
Wednesday November 16, at 6:30 pm, at the VNA Assisted Living Community Room, 259
Lowell St.
D) PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ZONING CHANGES
There will be a joint public hearing, before Legislative Matters and the Planning Board, on
three proposed zoning amendments, as set forth in the notice below. The first is a proposal I
have submitted 6 or 7 times before, never before advertised for public hearing, which
proposes to limit density in existing residential neighborhoods.
LEGAL NOTICE - NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
A joint public hearing for all interested parties will be held by the Somerville Planning Board
and the Board of Aldermen Committee on Legislative Matters on Thursday, November 17,
2005 at 6:00 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chambers on the Second Floor of Somerville City Hall,
93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA. The purpose of the hearing will be to receive public
comments concerning:
A Zoning Amendment sponsored by Alderman Provost:
Proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Somerville with respect to
Article 2 "Definitions," Article 3, "Enforcement, Board Of Appeals, And Amendments,"
Article 4, "Nonconforming Uses And Structures," Article 7, "Permitted Uses," Article 8,
"Dimensional Requirements" and Article 13, "Inclusionary Housing." These amendments,
amongst other things, seek to establish a "Zoning Administrator" position, to more clearly
define nonconforming structures and alterations to nonconforming structures, and to no
longer allow residential density bonuses in Residence A and Residence B zoning districts.
A Zoning Amendment sponsored by Alderman Provost:
A proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Somerville with respect to
Article 9, "Off-street Parking and Loading." The proposed amendment would create bicycle
parking and access standards.
A Zoning Amendment sponsored by the Planning Board:
A proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance of the City of Somerville with respect to
Article 13, "Inclusionary Housing." The proposed amendment is intended to clarify and
improve upon the sales price formula for affordable housing units as set forth under §13.3.3
of the Zoning Ordinance.
Copies of the proposed amendments may be reviewed at the Office of Strategic Planning and
Community Development in City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA, Monday
through Wednesday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Thursday between 8:30 a.m. and 7:30
p.m. and Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Kevin Prior, Chairman of the Planning Board
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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