Contents
1) A NEW JAIL - FOR SOMERVILLE?
A) SOMERVILLE JAIL MEETING TONIGHT
When: Tuesday, August 22, 2006, from 7-9pm
Where: Stop & Shop Community Room in East Somerville (driving directions and directions
from the T listed below)
Progressive Democrats of Somerville (PDS) Meeting Agenda:
(1) Discussion beginning at approx 7:10 with State Rep. Tim Toomey about his bid for re-election, followed at the end of the meeting by a vote on endorsement
(2) Discussion beginning at 7:30 about the proposed jail in East Somerville, featuring
Middlesex County Sheriff James DiPaola (speaking in support of constructing a new jail) and
Melissa McWhinney (speaking in opposition).
Driving Directions: The Stop & Shop Community Room in East Somerville is just off McGrath
Highway, a little north of Broadway. Going north on McGrath, pass the major intersection at
Broadway, and soon turn right onto Blakely Street and then quickly turn left into the parking
lot. The elevator and staircase to the Community Room are near the entrance with the words
"Dunkin Donuts" overhead.
Directions by T: Easily accessible by the 89 Bus from Clarendon Hill (sometimes leaving from
Davis Square); the 90 bus from Davis Square; and the 101 Bus from Malden Center via Main
Street and Broadway. Coming from Sullivan Station, take the 90, 89 or 101 bus, getting off at
McGrath highway and taking a right towards the Stop and Shop.
B) THE MOVEMENT AGAINST JAIL EXPANSION
The Statewide Harm Reduction Coalition (SHaRC) has been active working to educate the
community about the conditions within jails and about the dangers of increased incarceration.
Visit the SHaRC website to learn more.
2) COMMUNITY PATH/BIKE PATH EXPANSION
A) COMMUNITY PATH MEETING TONIGHT
Everyone is welcome to participate in a Community Meeting to discuss plans to develop the
Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) property on Central Street as an extension of the Community
Path and a Greenway Park. You might never have noticed this parcel of land, most of which is
used as a parking lot. The lot entrance is opposite the Verizon building, next to the Central
Street Bridge.
The lot runs along the railroad tracks, well above the tracks, which are significantly below grade
in this location. I believe the lot was historically the site of a railroad station; the old steps
running from this lot down to the tracks are still visible in the retaining wall. The lot tapers to
a narrow triangle, and is lightly wooded beyond the paved portion _ take a look some time, if
you're interested.
The Health Alliance is proposing to convey some or all of this parcel to the City of Somerville
for purposes of expanding the Community Path/Bike Path. This meeting is an opportunity to
learn about the proposal, and weigh in with your own comments. It's an important step in the
next phase of Path extension, from Cedar Street to Central Street.
When: Tuesday, August 22, 2006, 6:30-8pm
Where: Community room (2nd floor) of the Visiting Nurses Association, 259 Lowell Street,
Somerville
For more information call Somerville Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development,
617-625-6600 x2500
B) ISD RESCINDS BUILDING PERMIT FOR 35R LEXINGTON AVENUE
As those in the immediate neighborhood know, Somerville's Inspectional Services Division
recently granted a building permit to convert the buildings at 35R Lexington Avenue to two
residential units, plus “storage space”. The address may not mean much, but anyone who has
been on the Bike Path near Lexington Park has probably noticed the high fence, corrugated steel,
and dilapidated buildings of this property. It significantly encroaches on the Path; the City has
a lawsuit pending against the property owner to remove the encroachment.
Fortunately, ISD recognized that the permit was improperly issued, and revoked it before
construction began. The conversion of the building requires a Special Permit from the Zoning
Board of Appeals (ZBA) before it can proceed. One hopes that during the Special Permit
application process, which includes review by the Planning Board, the property owners can
explain the intended use of the “storage space” shown on their plans, which is even bigger than
either of the two residential units.
I'm also hoping to get a clear explanation of contamination issues on the site. The state's
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) at one time put an Activity and Use Restriction
on 35R, since there is oil present at hazardous levels. DEP recently removed the restriction, now
that property owners are claiming that the contaminated land - within their fences - is actually
the property of the MBTA (i.e., the Bike Path).
I've been following the fate of 35R Lexington since 2000, when I joined the Board of Aldermen.
It has provided no end of intrigue. I thought that other folk who care about the Bike Path, and
the development that occurs there, might want to hear the latest chapter, and follow this story
themselves.
C. VETO OF GOVERNOR'S OVERRIDE: INSURANCE FOR “RAILS TO TRAILS”
The Bike Path/Community Path in Somerville is a “rail-trail” - a trail built on land that was
previously used as a railroad. It is actually a portion of one the state's more prominent rail-trails:
the Minuteman Bikeway, which goes west as far as Bedford, and which has the potential to
extend east into Boston. Somerville was able to develop its existing portion of the path when the
MBTA agreed to lease the land to it.
However an environmental liability catch-22 can prevent the creation or expansion of rail-trails.
Before it will lease land to a city or town, the MBTA requires that the city or town hold the
MBTA harmless for any pre-existing environmental contamination - yet it will not allow testing
to take place before the lease is signed. The combination of these two regulations often creates
an impasse, holding up development or expansion of rail-trails. The discovery of contamination
on an existing trail - as in the example of 35R Lexington Avenue discussed above - can also
cause problems for a community.
We in the Legislature recently took the important step of including in our “Economic Stimulus”
Act a solution to this dilemma. Under the Act, there will be $500,000 each year in matching
grants to municipalities to help them purchase environmental liability insurance for the
development and maintenance of rail-trails. The insurance will cover both the city or town and
the MBTA. The insurance policies will have coverage limits of at least $3 million per incident,
and a maximum deductible of $50,000 per incident.
The Governor vetoed the rail-trail insurance section of the act, but a coalition of House members
successfully organized to override this veto. The funds are now available for Somerville and
other communities to apply for, in order to secure environmental liability insurance. I'm proud
of my role in explaining this issue to many of my colleagues, and generally promoting
understanding of how environmental protection has an economic value, in addition to its value
to our health and our enjoyment of our world.
4) GREAT JOB OPPORTUNITY AT THE STATE HOUSE
Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators
Executive Director
The Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators has an opening for an executive director. The
Women's Caucus is a bi-partisan, bicameral group of female legislators serving in the
Massachusetts Legislature. The executive director reports directly to the Co-Chairs of the Caucus
but should be able to work independently. The responsibilities of the job and the qualifications
of a successful candidate are listed below.
Responsibilities
- Under the directions of the Caucus Chairs
- Coordinates and promotes the agenda of the Caucus of Women Legislators
- Organizes events important to the Caucus of Women Legislators
- Acts as a liaison between the Caucus and Women's Organizations, Advocacy Groups, and Lobbyists
- Coordinates and drafts press releases and media inquiries and responses of the Caucus
- Organizes annual meetings and drafts agenda for monthly steering committee meetings
- Produces a monthly calendar and reminders for events
- Produces a quarterly Caucus of Women Legislators Newsletter
- Chooses, trains, and supervises interns and volunteers
- Maintains files regarding Caucus events, meetings, and goals (priorities)
- Researches issues and policies and their impact on the female population of the Commonwealth,
the United States, and the world
- Manages the day-to-day functions of the Caucus office
- Researches and analyzes Massachusetts House and Senate legislation and budget priorities
pertaining to women
Qualifications
The candidate should hold a bachelor's degree, have a strong understanding of the legislative
process, the ability to work with a range of different political perspectives, and the ability to
motivate participation in the Caucus and at its events. In addition, the candidate must be a self-starter with excellent writing and verbal skills, as well as, excellent computer skills. Candidate
should demonstrate strong interpersonal skills for building relationships within the Caucus,
throughout the State House, the different government departments and agencies, and with the
general public.
Salary and Benefits
- Current Salary: $32,422
- Health Insurance
- Sick Leave: 15 days per year (carries over to next fiscal year)
- Vacation Time: ten vacation days and three personal days per fiscal year
How to Apply
Please send the following to Senator Harriette Chandler, Chair; Caucus of Women Legislators,
State House, Room 312-D, Boston, MA 02133
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Writing Sample
- Transcript
- References
The deadline to submit application materials is Friday, September 8, 2006. The Women's
Caucus is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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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