The Somerville News Blog

The End of the Year, the End of the Decade

By Joseph A. Curtatone (The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.) Ten years ago, as America stood at the threshold of a new millennium, we were worried about Y2K and hanging chads. Here in Somerville, the big local debate was about how best to take advantage of the tremendous economic development opportunity represented by the 145 acres of the Assembly Square development district. This year, as we enter the teens of the 21st Century, our problems at the national level seem even more challenging than they were a decade ago. With a badly shaken economy, two wars, a deepening environmental crisis, an ongoing threat of violence fueled by religious extremism - and a political system that is deeply divided by region, culture and ideology - what American wouldn't want a chance at a do-over for the past decade? (Okay, Dick Cheney. But who else?) Time Magazine's November 24th cover story went so far as to label the 2000s as "the Decade from Hell, or the Reckoning, or the Decade of Broken Dreams, or the Lost Decade." Just this week, New York Times columnist Paul Krugman suggested the past decade be called "the Big Zero." But in Somerville's municipal history, the past ten years will be remembered very differently. Our city is finishing this decade with fewer divisions, a more vibrant local economy, stronger municipal finances, better schools and - best of all - a clear vision of where we're going and how to get there. Of course, we've had plenty of bumps and bottlenecks along the way - and some of the most jarring came in 2009. A brutal state fiscal crisis cut our local aid budget by over 20 percent, leading directly to cuts in staffing, payroll and operating budgets (not to mention increases in fees and fines). Two years after it was so badly damaged by fire, we struggled in 2009 to come to an agreement with the Massachusetts Building Authority on a budget for the rebuilding of the East Somerville Community School. We had to put on hold the plans we had to refurbish and expand Central Hill Park and we fought, unfortunately with little success, to reduce the surging levels of jet noise from Logan Airport's Runway 33L. On the other hand, 2009 was the year we learned that we would be receiving $65 million in Governor's Development Initiative (GDI) and federal stimulus (ARRA) money to jumpstart the public infrastructure needed to keep Assembly Square moving ahead. It was a year in which we continued to see progress on the Green Line Extension - including the welcome news that the MBTA was willing to consider multiple locations and configurations for a Green Line maintenance facility. This was also the year in which we saw approvals of stimulus funding for the Magoun Square intersection redesign project ($2.5 million), the Minuteman Bike Path Connector from Davis Square to Alewife ($3.6 million); and the long-promised - and long-delayed - repaving of Washington Street in East Somerville ($1.75 million). Best of all, 2009 was the year that Somerville took home an All America City Award for the first time since 1972. Overall, Somerville as emerged over the past ten years as a city that knows how to flourish even in tough times - and I think it's clear that one of the reasons we have been able to win awards, grants, and economic investment is that we have worked to develop a shared version of what our city can and should be. The credit for developing and refining that shared vision of a thriving, sustainable, accessible, sophisticated, arts-friendly, densely urban and richly diverse community belongs to multiple generations, multiple sectors, and multiple administrations. It belongs to enlightened leaders at the state and federal level - including Congressman and former Mayor Michael Capuano, Senator John Kerry, the late great Senator Ted Kennedy, and Governor Deval Patrick, who has repeatedly responded to and rewarded Somerville's willingness to take charge of its own future. Credit also belongs to our state delegation, our courageous and far-sighted Board of Aldermen and our dedicated School Committee. But by far the greatest share of the credit belongs to the people of this city, who have worked (and sometimes fought) steadily and successfully to map out a way forward. We have come to the end of a decade in which many American communities and institutions seemed to have lost their way - but Somerville has, at least so far, moved toward consensus and cooperation in imagining and building a future that can work for all of us. As we enter a new decade, the challenge for many communities in Massachusetts will be to make up the ground they lost in the past ten years. For Somerville, the challenge will be to keep our current momentum. With just a little participation and input from every resident and business owner, and with the continued support of our state and federal officials, I have no doubt that we will be able to do just that.

Newstalk for December 30

Happy New Year in 2010 for everyone - hopefully it's a better year for everyone and the economy is back in place. To start off 2010 you're invited to turn out for a short procession/parade from City Hall to Prospect Hill for the annual ceremony commemorating the raising of the Grand Union Flag. The procession/parade leaves City Hall at 11:30am and the ceremony at Prospect Hill tower is set for 12pm. Come join in and celebrate with your neighbors and friends. Refreshments will be served immediately afterwards.

F.W. Russell owner faces more criticism

F.W. Russell owner Charles Carneglia dons a sombrero as a Teamster Local 25 protest in Dec. 2007. Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz cited Carneglia's behavior during his company's struggle against the union as grounds for not allowing him to continue to serve as a city constable. By Tom Nash Somerville's trash disposal contractor was reappointed as a constable last week over the objections of Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz, who renewed her criticism of the company's labor practices. City Constable Charles Carneglia owns F.W. Russell, a waste disposal company that in November received a five-year contract extension for the city's trash and recycling services. Gewirtz said at the Dec. 22 Board meeting she opposes Carneglia's reappointment because of his behavior during a labor dispute two years ago.

Cartoon of the week for December 30

The View From Prospect Hill for December 30

Goodbye 2009. It wasn't the worst year ever, but, we are happy to see you go, nonetheless. As a little preview for our annual "Year in Review" issue next week, we thought it might be fun to look back at 2009 for a moment or two. Depending on who you talk to when you walk around Somerville, there are very different takes on the major stories of 2009. Some would say Barack Obama being sworn in as our 44th President and Senator Ted Kennedy losing his health battle were the top takers. Others might be a little more local, mention Obama briefly, talk about the local budget a bit, get excited about the All-America City award and the insane fees and fines and new parking regulations coming up.

Somerville police officers recognized

By Tom Nash

The Somerville Police Department took time to celebrate officers who exceeded expectations during the past year at a ceremony at police headquarters on Tuesday.

More than 50 awards were given in categories ranging from facing danger in the line of duty to saving lives.

Actions that were deemed worthy of praise varied widely. Among those honored was E911 Dispatcher Maureen Lewon, who saved the life of a suicidal woman with the help of three officers. Officer Steven St. Hilaire was also among those honored for saving a life for resuscitating 3-year-old who stopped breathing.

Man arrested after firing gun on Walnut Street

By Tom Nash A man who allegedly shot out an SUV window early Christmas morning was arrested just moments later by police responding to a domestic dispute at the same address. Officer James Radochia stated in a police report he and Officer Jose Ramirez were responding to a domestic dispute at 31 Walnut St. around 3 a.m. Dec. 25 when they heard a shot fired outside as they were waiting to be let into the apartment complex.

Former police chief filling in as T&P director

By Tom Nash Former Acting Police Chief Bob Bradley will come out of retirement to take charge of Somerville's Traffic and Parking Department until the city names a permanent replacement this year, an e-mail from the city said. Former Traffic and Parking Director James Kotzuba, who helped implement Somerville's soon-to-be rolled out parking regulations, left the job on Dec. 24 for a position at Harvard University.

Rising stars of a capella

The Beelzebubs newest album, Play The Game is a culmination of two years of singing, performing, and recording. ~Photo courtesy of bubs.com Ashley Troutman Tufts University's very own a capella group, The Beelzebubs, was selected to participate in NBC's new television series, "The Sing Off." The Bubs, twelve male Tufts students, competed with seven other a capella groups from across the country for one hundred thousand dollars, and a Sony recording contract. Throughout four episodes, the groups sang their hearts out for three judges, singers, Ben Folds, Nicole Scherzinger, and Shawn Stockman, as well as millions of Americans watching from their living rooms. "The Sing Off" aired on December 14th and ended last Monday with an exciting finale.

Somerville attorney to lead fight for special needs rights

Attorney Neal Winston, has been elected President Elect of the Special Needs Alliance. By Aaron Crear Attorney Neal Winston, Partner at Moschella and Winston LLP of Somerville, has been elected President Elect of the Special Needs Alliance. The SNA is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities and the elderly. It is comprised of the country's leading attorneys in the fields of disability and public benefits law. Membership in the organization is limited by invitation to selected experts in these respected fields of practice. The SNA was originally founded in 2002 with 10 members. Today the group has over 100 members whose mission is to provide information and education to individuals with disabilities and their families, train and support other organizations aimed at helping the disabled and to file and promote legislation in the areas of law pertaining to the disabled, elderly and public benefits.

Teele Square Market robbed at gunpoint

The Teele Square Market located at 1122 Broadway was robbed around 10:45 pm Tuesday evening. Somerville Police searched a grid pattern around the area for the robbery suspect while a private citizen via telephone was following and guiding police, giving them a description of his escape route as it was unfolding. The alleged suspect was reported as a white male wearing a grey hoodie. The robber allegedly showed a gun possibly made of plastic.

The incident is still under investigation.

McGrath Highway overpass evaluated

~Photos by William Tauro By William Tauro A group of engineers from Mass Highway were on scene today under the McGrath Highway overpass. The team was there evaluating the condition and integrity of the aging overpass. With much rust showing. Concrete chunks falling off in hefty sections and years of paint peeling off in large areas blowing in the breeze,some think that it may be time for a renovation of some sort to prevent any potential safety hazards from occurring.

City-Wide Permit Parking

Parking Regulations are Changing Effective January 4, 2010, all residential streets not currently under permit parking rules will shift to permit parking. Signs are now in place and parking control officers are now issuing warnings to vehicles parked on these streets without resident stickers, guest placards or other valid permits. If the signs on your street have changed, and you have not yet obtained a permit, please call 311 during business hours for information about obtaining a permit.

Music Brings Us Together

Bridget Lindstrom, a senior at Somerville High School, shined with her flute solo during the SHS Band performance. ~Photo by Chelsea Whyte By Chelsea Whyte "Somerville benefits from its diversity," says Rick Saunders, Music Supervisor for Somerville Schools. He's talking about the changes in the music programs that have happened in the last three years under his supervision. His inclusive point of view was immediately visible at the Somerville High School Winter Concert, which included a creative mix of traditional band and orchestra repertoire with jazz, samba, pop, and rock pieces. The students of Somerville High School are responding to the diverse musical selection with enthusiasm. The auditorium was filled with students and their friends and families clapping along with songs, singing the lyrics they knew, and supporting their classmates as they performed.

Influenza (FLU) Update

The Somerville Health Department has begun to receive more doses of H1N1 vaccine, and anticipates receiving regular shipments in the coming weeks. With this increase in supply, they are pleased to offer flu clinics for the general public every Thursday in January 2010 (7th,14th,21st , and 28th) from 4-7 at the City Hall Annex, 50 Evergreen Avenue. A limited supply of seasonal flu vaccine is also available while supplies last. PLEASE note: vaccine will NOT be provided on a walk in basis due to the out of office commitments of the public health nurses

Santa broadcasts live from Somerville

Somerville’s children got to tell Santa (who looked a lot like Tom Champion) what they wanted for Christmas. ~Photo by Ben Johnson By Ben Johnson Santa Claus came to town early this year to host "The Santa Hour" on the Somerville Community Access Channel. The program featured an exclusive interview with the jolly old Saint, a sing along led by Mrs. Claus, and of course, Somerville's children got to tell the paragon of charity what they wanted for Christmas. The Dec. 15 broadcast included a consisting of a Christmas Tree with two large panels made to look like brick chimneys. In the center of the set sat Santa Claus, who bore an uncanny resemblance to Tom Champion, communications director for the City of Somerville.

Shots heard early Christmas morning (updated)

By William Tauro Two officers were in the area of 31 Walnut St when they heard shots being fired around 3 a.m. A male shot out a window of a parked car.The officers located and arrested the suspect, Freddie Caradine, 49, of 31 Walnut St. He is charged with unlawful discharge of a firearm within 500 ft of a dwelling, unlawful carrying of a firearm. Investigation is ongoing. Other charges may follow. The handgun was recovered.

The View From Prospect Hill

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Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Ville, The Green Line hadn't come yet and some doubted it will Somerville Ave. is almost complete with all new sewer mains, Hopefully it will be done before we all have gray hair and need walking canes While Mayor Curtatone and Chief Holloway say goodbye, The Chief must decide on which airline he'll fly Jim Kotzuba's leaving and replacing him Bob Bradley may be the lucky one! And even though Frankie Santangelo's stepping down, he'll always be the skipper and the Ville's favorite son! Mayor Joe's role may be expanding as he thinks who's seat he'll have, With his popularity climbing maybe he's looking at 1300 Pennsylvania Ave!

Chief Holloway one of two finalist for Fla top cop

By William Tauro The decision to choose a new police chief for the Clearwater Florida Police Department has been narrowed down to two finalist. The two choices are between Somerville Police Chief Anthony Holloway and Alamosa Colorado's current police chief, John Jackson. In a recent statement Clearwater City Manager Bill Horne said "Since the final four candidates all qualified to be our next police chief, my focus shifted to which two of them would be the best match for our police department staff and residents." "Holloway and Jackson emerged as the best fit for Clearwater."

24-hour house arrest for Senator Anthony Galluccio

By William Tauro Today Cambridge district Judge Matthew Nestor scheduled a Jan 4th hearing to decide if Senator Galluccio will go to jail for a probation violation due to failing several breathalyzer tests this week. Originally the judge agreed on Galluccio's terms of probation which was to allow the senator to leave home to cast a vote in the Senate and to attend church services. Now the Senator is under 24-hour house arrest will not be allowed to leave his home until the upcoming hearing. If the senator is found in violation of his probation at the January surrender hearing, he could face up to a year in jail. Galluccio blames the false reading on the breathalyzer on his use of toothpastes that contain sorbitol as an ingredient.