Welcome to my first "transitional" issue, reporting on selected happenings in both state and local
government. Since some issues involve both levels, my division is somewhat arbitrary, so check
both Tables of Contents to locate your area of interest.
Contents
SOMERVILLE/STATE SIDE
SOMERVILLE AT LARGE
1) LNG FACILITY ON HARBOR ISLAND? PUBLIC HEARING...
What?
Outer Brewster is one of the Boston Harbor Islands, which collectively constitute a National
Recreation Area, part of the federal National Parks System. It's the easternmost of a cluster of
islands that include of Little Brewster, home of historic Boston Light. While these islands are
in the National Parks system, they belong to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. There is a
bill currently before the Legislature - House 4500 - which would grant a long-term lease of
Outer Brewster to a private company to develop a facility for the storage and transportation of
Liquified Natural Gas (LNG).
No, I'm serious. I didn't believe it at first, either. But I heard about it from a constituent, and
have read the bill. Last Tuesday, along with a majority of House members, I voted to create a
Commission to study the proposed sitings of LNG facilities in Massachusetts. Yet House 4500
has a life of its own, and is moving right along.
When?
The next move for this bill is to a public hearing, scheduled for Weds. March 8, 2006, at 11
am, in Room B-2 of the State House. Call the office of Committee Chairman, Rep. Brian
Dempsey (D., Haverhill), at 617-722-2263. Rep. Dempsey is one of H. 4500's co-sponsors.
2) GREEN LINE EXTENSION DEVELOPMENTS
The Good News
A couple of weeks ago, the combined Somerville/Medford delegation met with Chief of
Commonwealth Development Doug Foy. It was the meeting of our dreams. I asked Foy - always
a strong proponent of the extended Green Line - whether the project would be in the Regional
Transportation Plan (RTP) in the fall, with an identified funding source. He replied that it
would, and would be funded by half a billion dollars in the Governor's Transportation Bond Bill.
He also stated that the project, apart from the Union Square stop, was still scheduled for
completion by its 2011 deadline.
The Bad News
As you probably know by now, Doug Foy resigned his post in the Romney administration just
days after the meeting described above. What his departure means for the Green Line extension
remains to be seen. It demonstrates that no apparent “victory” has been achieved until a project
actually is constructed.
Foy and his staff also confirmed bad news which has been circulating in the rumor mill for
months: that most, if not all, of the railroad bridges over the Lowell Line tracks are too small
to accommodate the Green Line extension. This lack of capacity extends even to our not-quite-completed, reconstructed Lowell Street Bridge. Foy minimized the impact of this lack of
coordinated planning between state agencies, emphasizing instead the need in future to
coordinate transportation projects with each other, and with land use planning generally.
The Bottom Line
I assure you that, whether changes occur in the Romney administration, the Green Line
extension through Somerville remains at the top of my priority list, and I will continue to
advocate vociferously that every part of Doug Foy's parting commitment be met.
3) SOMERVILLE AVENUE RINK UPDATE
Another of the Governor's initiatives is to put Somerville's Veterans' Memorial Rink (among
others) out for long-term lease to the private sector, as a part of the FY 2007 budget process.
Along with other members of the Somerville delegation, and with the Mayor and Aldermen, I
have been working to develop successful tactics for keeping as much local control as possible
over the rink, while trying to provide for much-needed capital improvements.
One change we will be seeking in the Legislature is addition of a clause that would give the city
the right of first refusal in the bid process. We know how much Somerville values its skating
rink, and the programs that use the rink. We will do whatever we can to put Somerville in
optimum bargaining position for the rink's future.
4) OWN A HOME? IMPORTANT NEW LAW TO KNOW ABOUT
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: New Law that Affects Your Home
As of March 31st, homeowners and landlords are required to install carbon monoxide detectors:
WHY: carbon monoxide (CO) is an “invisible killer,” an odorless, colorless, poisonous gas that
results in injuries and deaths each year.
WHERE: in every level of their homes/buildings except for basements and attics that do not
have habitable living spaces and within 10 feet of bedroom doors
WHAT KIND: if you have questions about what types of CO alarms comply with this new law
or about symptoms of CO poisoning, please attend tomorrow's seminar or contact the Somerville
fire department
Free Seminar Tomorrow
When: Tuesday March 7, 6:30-7:30pm
Where: Anthony's Function Hall, 156 Highland Ave (corner of Central and Highland) (free
parking in both Anthony's lots)
What: Seminar on how to comply with this new law. Hear from a representative of the
Somerville Fire Dept. and a real estate attorney. Receive coupons to purchase discounted carbon
monoxide detectors.
RSVP: to Thalia Tringo (co-sponsor of event) 617-245-3902
5) MAGOUN SQUARE REVITALIZATION MEETING TONIGHT
Plans will be unveiled by the administration and Ward Alderman, for public discussion, at the
VNA Community Room, Monday March 6 at 6:30 pm.
6) ST. POLYCARP'S COMMUNITY MEETING TONIGHT
The Somerville Community Corp. (SCC) has bought the former St. Polycarp's campus at Mystic
Ave. and Temple Street. Come to SCC's meeting on Monday March 6, from 6:30 to 8 pm, in
the Healey School Cafetorium, 5 Meachum St., to discuss plans and offer feedback. "This
meeting is primarily for Winter Hill and Ten Hills residents," says SCC.
7) MAXPACK DEVELOPMENT NEIGHBORHOOD MEETING
Tuesday, March 7, at 6:30 pm at the VNA Community Room. Will the developers finally unveil
their plans? Come and find out...
8) AFFORDABLE HOUSING ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (AHOC) MEETING
On Wednesday March 8, from 6:30 to 8 pm, AHOC will meet at the Somerville Community
Corp. office, at 1 Davis Square, to discuss practical ways of increasing the stock of affordable
housing in Somerville.
9) SPECIAL EVENT AT CENTRAL LIBRARY
Sunday (yes, Sunday) March 12, at 2 pm, enjoy refreshments, music, and children's activities
while learning about planned improvements to library service. "A great city deserves a great
library."
10) AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
The Somerville Community Corp. is constructing 15 2 and 3 bedroom condominium units on
Temple Street for first time homebuyers with low or moderate incomes. There will be an
information session for anyone interested on Tues., 3/14, in the Aldermen's Chamber at City
Hall, 93 Highland Ave. For the time of the meeting, more information, or to get an application,
call Katie at 617-776-5931 x 241, or visit
www.somervillecdc.org
Material from this newsletter may be quoted freely, provided that it is credited to Denise
Provost, www.provost-citywide.org
copyright 2006 Denise Provost
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