by David Taber
The governor trekked to Somerville today to lunch at a local restaurant, discuss a proposal that would offer municipalities new fundraising options, and unveil a new property tax relief plan.
The relief plan, described as a homeowner circuit breaker, is based on a program that provides up to $870 in property tax credit for senior citizens. “”Next week we will file legislation that makes that credit available to all families,” Governor Deval Patrick said.
The program will effect an estimated 100,000 families and individuals across the commonwealth. Individuals earning up to $46,000 and heads of households earning up to $58,000 or married couples earning up to $70,000 will qualify if the assessed value of their principle residence does not exceed $684,000. The credit will cover the amount by which a household’s property tax payment, including water and sewer charges, exceeds 10 percent of their income.
Board of Aldermen President Robert Trane, who attended the lunch, said that the program would be a boon for many Somerville residents who are ‘house-rich’ struggling to meet obligations on their assets.
With regard to municipal funding, city hall communications director Thomas Champion said that the city stands to collect an additional $1 million a year if it is able to enact proposals contained in the governors Municipal Partnership Act, which Patrick filed last week.
Mayor Joseph Curtatone, Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz, Rep. Carl Sciortino, D, Somerville, and other community members were also in attendance at the meeting at Amelia’s Kitchen at 1137 Broadway in Teele Square.
CAMBRIVILLE NEWS
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Sunday in Cambriville News................
Don't miss this special edition as we recap a madcap day in Cambriville with Dr. Mrs. McCarthy, Governor Delux Patrick, Mayor Tickets Curtatone, Alderperson Rebba Geewiz and State Rep Carla Sciortino. Follow the fun filled day as this crew tools around our beloved city, driven in the Gov's new Caddy by none other than zanny Alderperson Bob "GreenHouse Gas" Trane.
This one is sure to make your Sunday.
Also in Cambriville Arts......
The Oscar winners announced live from the Joseph A. Curtatone Center for the Performing Arts across from the Little Sisters of the Poor. Start time: whenever that Diva McCarthy says it starts.
Posted by: Cambriville News | February 22, 2007 at 11:54 PM
EXCLUSIVE TO THE NEWS
At a press conference at the La Carlos Quintana Hotel and Conference Center in Somerville's new Seaport district, Governor DeVille Patrick and Somerville Mayor Anakin Curtatone announced earlier today that Cadillac will locate their research and production division for their Escalade SUV to Assembly Square, effective immediately.
The first hybrid Escalade is scheduled to roll off the line at the former Ford plant sometime in 2010, and has been promised to Gov. Patrick. Several hundred more have been promised to local politicans and family members, as well as the DPW's Forestry Division.
Logistics for the move are underway, with KMart expanding into most of the former factory. Cadillac's assembly facility with move into the former KMart space, the Sports Authority will reopen as a smaller branch within Good Times Emporium, and the Christmas Tree Shop will sublet space from Mystic View celebrity spokeperson Wig Zamore at an undisclosed location in town.
Cadillac's research offices will be located across the Mystic River in Medford.
After the announcement, Patrick and Curtatone rushed over to catch "Star Wars Episode 3: Revenge of the Stan" at the Assembly Square Loews, apparently unaware it had shut down several weeks ago.
Posted by: Tricky | February 23, 2007 at 12:52 AM
I saw Bill Tauro one on The Somerville News Publishers at the state house with Governor Patrick as well as on television with him on Wednesday at an appointment ceremony. Did this have anything to do with the governors visit to Somerville on Thursday and was he also appointed to one of the councils as well?
Posted by: Statehouse worker saw him | February 23, 2007 at 05:59 AM
One for you Joe, we'll be there for Coupe Deval's next visit. Can Amelias feed 100 picketers too ?
Posted by: Johnny Protester | February 23, 2007 at 07:43 AM
I'm so glad to hear that a couple of people will get a property tax benefit. The only good news is that some of the people who blindly supported Patrick have now awoken and are smelling the coffee!! As for me, I'm out working hard trying to pay for new drapes, new furniture, a new car, etc. - and when I'm finished paying for them, hopefully I'll be able to buy those things for myself!
Posted by: Brother can you spare a dime? A penny? | February 23, 2007 at 08:24 AM
Tricky,
Your bonus check will be delivered to you via FedX this morning.
We Love You Babe,
Dr. Mrs. McCarthy
Posted by: Dr. Mrs. McCarthy | February 23, 2007 at 08:58 AM
Just think this over Joey Cakes increasing the meals tax! He will be up in tax-free N.H. with Clean Genie working out where he did not get free or cheap meals before they return to their rented apartments. Then watch out if you did not go along to get along.
Posted by: DickyBird | February 23, 2007 at 03:49 PM
Here's a newest oxymoron, Low income Somerville homeowner. Unless you bought your two-family in 1975 when you were working for Arrow Paper or ML Carr and then lost your job and never got another decent paying job and you get $2K a month for the first floor flat so you can cover your costs of health insurance, taxes, etc. etc, there aren't a lot of these people that Patrick Caddie'd over to here to tell us all how he's going to cut their property taxes. There's no such thing as a low income Somerville Homeowner. That's a bunch of BS. It's all window dressing, just like the new drapes in the governors office. Oh sure, if your a DAV or a senior on a fixed income you definitely deserve a break and get one already. Everyone else in Somerville is going to see a property tax increase. He should have gone to Lowell or Lawrence or Chicopee to pitch his plan, except that the Coupe Deval would have ended up on cinder blocks. The mayor should just paint a big triangle with a H in the middle of it out in front of city hall on the lawn and maybe one at Trump field and and Dilboy and conway so the governor will know where to land when he comes to visit us again this time in the state police helicopter. Property tax cuts for Low income Somerville homeowners? Ya, right! For everyone who sees a cut, 100 more are going to see an increase. That's how these tax and spenders do things.
Posted by: Low Income Somerville Homeowner? | February 25, 2007 at 09:24 AM
wooohooo patrick visited somerville!!!!!! we should have held him a parade, the guy just had lunch in somerville and it makes front page news here, come on we are not some lil town that should get excited over small events, the guy works 5 miles away from us at the state house lol, idk I like patrick don't get me wrong but i hate hearing bout his every single move, have him visit some under priveleged youth in somerville and then you could get excited.
Posted by: Jack Meofe | February 25, 2007 at 10:15 AM
For the record, Patrick was riding in an SUV, when he left, at least.
Posted by: David t. | February 26, 2007 at 06:06 PM
The Caddy had probably already left with the over-time state trooper on its' road trip to Washington. God forbid Patrick has to hail a cab or rent a cab like the masses do! I wonder which would waste more gas, a caddy or an SUV? Intereseting question......
Posted by: Car 54, Where Are You? | February 27, 2007 at 09:41 AM
I missed it. Tell me where did the copter land in Teele Sq, or did it land on Warwick St at SOD's new property (right near the new development where he is going to be the attorney of record for the closing of the sold properties. See you this thursday SOD.
Posted by: William Hurst | February 27, 2007 at 05:29 PM