Political Agenda News Magazine MA

City of Somerville, Massachusetts

Joseph A. Curtatone

Mayor

 

November 25, 2013

Change is coming to Union Square. The opening of the Green Line Extension station by 2017 that our community has pursued for decades carries with it transformative potential. However, we do not want to transform Union Square into something else. We want to preserve what we love about Union Square, its unique character and diversity with its small businesses, ethnic stores, a vibrant artist

 

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community and affordable housing options. We must ensure that redevelopment in the neighborhood enhances and complements this historic commercial center. The new T station guarantees that there will be interest in redevelopment within the square. But if we want to ensure a balance between redevelopment and preservation as well as hold to our community vision, we must manage that change.

This is why the Somerville Redevelopment Authority will release a request for qualifications for a master development partner to work with the seven parcels identified for redevelopment in the Union Square Revitalization Plan. The developer must have a proven ability to preserve a unique sense of place in a distinctive urban environment, creating opportunities for economic growth and success in transit. Without a primary developer who will work with both existing property owners and the community, the future of Union Square will not be dictated by the community, but by an unfettered market that cannot ensure the realization of the community’s goals determined by years of public processes including SomerVision.

Developed over two years of intensive discussion by community members, SomerVision calls for the creation in Union Square and Boynton Yards of 4,300 new jobs, 850 new housing units with a range of affordability, green and sustainable development, more public green space, transit-oriented and walkable streetscapes, and a true mixed-use neighborhood that seamlessly blends with the neighborhood and retains Union Square’s identity. That follows the community-driven rezoning of Union Square in 2009, which reflected the community’s desire to see new types of development, economic growth and employment opportunities in the area. These are smart, forward-thinking goals that a host of individual developers looking to develop small properties with what will deliver the highest financial return—luxury condos/rentals above retail—will not be able to provide us. The community did and will continue to do the important work of shaping the vision. I intend to do my part by making sure that vision is realized. A primary developer is key to that.

While a T-stop generates interest, it does not guarantee a vibrant neighborhood will appear around it. Sullivan Square or Alewife would look very different if that were the case. A primary developer will have the resources to contribute to the estimated $50 million in infrastructure improvements that will improve the square for everyone, as well as the resources to address any contamination potentially located on sites that currently host light industrial uses.

A master developer will make it easier for the public to engage in discussions around the vision—and the details—for the square by offering a unified community process for feedback not just on individual projects within the master plan, but also on how they all integrate and jointly achieve overall community goals.

The now-forming Union Square Community Advisory Committee made up of residents and local community and business leaders will help select the primary developer and will continue to provide regular feedback and suggestions as plans solidify for the redevelopment parcels. Along with the public, they will ensure that we stay true to shared community values and goals. And there will be public processes every step of the way.

We can’t wait decades just to see what happens. Davis Square grew more vibrant after the T arrived in 1984, but it’s easy to forget that took decades—even though nearly all of the Square’s infrastructure and office and retail space was already there. In Union, we have acres of blighted properties that will not be as easily transformed. Of the 490 brownfield sites in Somerville, approximately 25% are located within the boundary of the Revitalization Plan, an area that represents just 4% of the land in the city. Single developers tend to shy away from such properties. Master developers are skilled at transforming them.

There are plenty of success stories around the nation of master developers working within urban neighborhoods. In Portland, Oregon, 34 acres of former brownfields at the Hoyt Street Rail Streets—like a larger version of Boynton Yards—has become a mixed-use neighborhood filled with residences, restaurants, stores, offices, art galleries and parks. Mission Bay in San Francisco has changed from a 300-acre rail yard into a blossoming neighborhood of homes, biotech and lab space, retail, open space and a University of California campus.

A primary developer can pull together parcels by partnering with existing property owners or purchasing those parcels, creating the critical mass that can create the mix of uses the community wants over time. Properties in the Square are already being snapped up by speculators reaching out to owners who are benefitting from the value we have already created in the Square. A master developer will be tasked with making similar offers in the public interest. And that public interest goes beyond desired infrastructure or job creation goals.  A primary developer will be able to better afford the higher affordable housing requirements the community requested via a community process for the square. Half of the blocks have been rezoned to require affordable units far exceeding the 12.5 percent state requirement with 15 or 17.5 percent requirements.

And let me be clear, eminent domain is a last resort. The RFQ will state unequivocally that the primary developer partner is expected to work directly with each property owner and either agree to a sale of the property or create a partnership, with the property owner essentially investing in the redevelopment of his or her property. Property owners will have choices, but we must retain this last resort option to avoid situations like in Teele Square, where a commercial building burned down more than a year ago. Now, an empty lot sits without a buyer, because as of yet the cost of purchasing and cleaning up contamination on the site has been too great to attract an investor for this prime location just minutes from Davis Square. We must also avoid the risk where one parcel holder holds the neighborhood at ransom with an exorbitant asking price and thus remains undeveloped, causing a domino effect that affects redevelopment of surrounding parcels.

Should it come to this last resort, owners of parcels identified for redevelopment in the Revitalization Plan will receive fair market value for their property and relocation assistance and funds, and any purchases will happen only after an extensive public process including a public hearing, notification, written offer and State approval. We also want to keep current businesses that lend to Union Square’s unique character in the square, and will work with those businesses to find them a home. Existing businesses like Ricky’s that enrich the square must be a part of the solution. SomerVision’s goals are not only about creating jobs, housing and open space, but about preserving what we already love about our neighborhoods.

We want to expand the conversation that began with SomerVision and continues at community meetings. On Thursday, Dec. 5 at 12:30 p.m., we will hold an online chat where you can ask me and our planning staff questions directly about redevelopment of Union Square. Questions can be asked in real-time on the chat, emailed in advance to my office at Mayor@somervillema.gov, or submitted by calling 311 in advance. A transcript will be posted on the City website and mailed to persons without Internet access upon request. To take part in the chat, please visit our homepage atwww.somervillema.gov. A link will be posted a few days in advance.

I also remind all of you that each step of the way in Union Square, we will continue to have a dialogue between the City, residents and developers. I believe in our community, in engagement and in forming a consensus around the future of our City. It has worked before, and it will work again.

 

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

SOMERVILLE NAMED TOP 10 CITY FOR WALKING AND TRANSIT

City jumps from 10th to 7th most walkable city in nation; Alsolands rank of 9th for most transit-friendly city

SOMERVILLE – According to 2014 national Walk Score ratings, Somerville is now the 7th most walkable city and the 9th most transit-friendly city in the nation, regardless of population size. The new scores released in November reflect Somerville’s continued climb up thewalkability charts, with the city rising three spots from number 10 last year to number 7 in the latest rankings—and with new Orange and Green Line MBTA stops on the horizon, the outlook is good for an ever higher transit-friendly score in the future as well.

Walkscore’s city page features scores for cities with populations above250,000, but when all of the 2,978 cities ranked are considered,Somerville comes in as the 7th most walkable city in the nation just behind New York City (5th) and Cambridge, MA, (6th) (instructions for viewing scores below). Meanwhile, an analysis of the most recent Census datareveals that 12.5 percent of Somerville residents walk to work, the 11thhighest percentage in the U.S. For transit, Somerville is ranked 9th in the nation according to Walk Score, and the latest Census data shows that 30.4 percent of residents take transit to work, the 7th highest percentage in the U.S.

Walk Score’s 2014 ranking marks the first time that the company used its new Street Smart Walk Score algorithm, calculating the Walk Score of every city block by analyzing walking routes, nearby amenities and pedestrian friendliness.

“It’s no surprise that Walk Score rates Somerville so highly under its improved methodology. As we’ve stated from day one—based on what the community has told us they value—we’re committed to making Somerville more walkable, bikeable and transit-oriented,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “It’s all about supporting an active lifestyle, building community and creating a sense of place. When we build crosswalks, inviting streetscapes, and bike routes, we’re creating urban rooms—active streetscapes supported by an active daytime population that support a resilient, self-sufficient economic base for our city. A walkable city means that residents can get their daily needs in their neighborhood without ever getting in a car, that local businesses get the foot traffic that’s essential for them to thrive, and that outside businesses want to invest here when they see a vibrant, active city with bustling streets.”

During Mayor Curtatone’s administration, the City of Somerville hascommitted to creating the most walkable, bikeable and transit-oriented city in the country. In the last three years, the City has updated or added pedestrian safety infrastructure such as street trees, curb bump-outs and ADA-accessible ramps, and begun work on the extension of the Somerville Community Path from its current end at Cedar Street to Lowell Street, with the City strongly advocating for the Path’s future extension to Boston. Under the new Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Program the City will use a data-driven methodology to improve street accessibility and safety for all users, balance transportation choices and foster a sense of community through smart design.

Somerville is also on the verge of a tremendous expansion of public transportation with the Assembly Square Orange Line stop scheduled to open in 2014 and the second phase of the Green Line Extension now funded, with the first two stops in Union Square and Brickbottomscheduled to open in 2017. The City continues to work collaboratively with residents, businesses and all stakeholders in achieving the goals outlined in the 20-year comprehensive SomerVision plan in building communities around these investments, through programs and initiatives such as the Somerville by Design series that create a consensus around the community’s vision.

The new Walk Score rankings come on the heels of The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NATCO) adding the City of Somerville to its prestigious affiliate member list, which includes just 18 member cities and 12 affiliate members nationwide. NACTO officials lauded Somerville for its commitment “to sustainable transportation initiatives, aiming to strengthen cities and improve quality of life through better street design and transportation policy.” Somerville was alsorecently recognized by the League of American Cyclists with a Silver level Bicycle Friendly Community Award, recognizing a significant step up from Bronze in only two years. 

Mayor Menino Announces

2013 We Are Boston Gala Awardees

 

Chosen for outstanding commitment to Advocating for Diversity

 

 

 

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and his Office of New Bostonians (ONB) today announced the recipients of the eighth annual We Are Boston Gala Awards, honoring individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions in promoting Boston’s rich diversity and fostering the full integration of New Bostonians in all aspects of life in Boston.

 

 

 

“This is a special event because it celebrates Boston’s diversity and recognizes the immigrant contributions that take place every day in our City,” Mayor Menino said. “These award winners have shown great commitment for nurturing an open dialogue and promoting cultural awareness, a necessary quality that will continue to ensure that all immigrants have full access to the civic, economic, social and cultural life of Boston.” 

 

 

 

           Along with honoring Mr. George A. Russell, Jr., Executive Vice President of State Street Corporation, with the We Are Boston Leadership Award for his many accomplishments and contributions, Mayor Menino and ONB are also thrilled to honor the following exceptional awardees:

 

 

 

·         Jim Hogan, Senior Group Vice President of Stores, New England, Target Corporations with the Corporate Courage Award, for demonstrating consistent commitment in creating opportunities for Boston’s diverse communities to thrive and be successful.

 

·         Clementina M. Chéry, President and CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute with the Community Champion Award, for demonstrating consistent commitment in nurturing a dialogue and inspiring action to facilitate the full integration of immigrants in Boston and beyond.

 

 

·         Edwin Soto, 2013 Class Valedictorian, Boston International High School and Newcomers Academy with the Youth Action Award for translating the perseverance, courage and idealism of New Bostonians into action and making significant contributions to empower their communities.

 

Mayor Menino will present the awards at the eight Annual We Are Boston Gala on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. This year’s gala is made possible with the generous support of State Street Corporation, Eastern Bank, Target, Tufts Medical Center, DTZ, and Clear Channel Outdoor. Proceeds from the Gala help support the English for New Bostonians Initiative, a city-private-community partnership providing access to English classes and other crucial programs to more than one thousand New Bostonians. For more information about the gala, visit www.cityofboston.gov/weareboston or call 617-635-2980.

 

 

 

In 1998, Mayor Thomas M. Menino created his Office of New Bostonians (ONB) to ensure that new immigrants have full access to the civic, economic, social and cultural life of Boston.  MONB established a nationally-recognized model for assisting newcomers in overcoming the barriers and challenges of immigration. For more information, please visit www.cityofboston.gov/newbostonians.

 

 

 

 

MAYOR, CITY TO HOLD ANNUAL HUMAN SERVICES HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER

Mayor Carlo DeMaria and the City of Everett would like to invite all residents to the Annual Human Services Holiday Fundraiser on Tuesday, December 3rd from 5:00 to 8:00PM at the 8/10 Bar & Grille.  Donations of checks or gift cards to local area stores and supermarkets will be collected for the Office of Human Services’ Emergency Services and Holiday Assistance programs.

 

Each year the Office of Human Services, along with the Council on Aging, provide assistance to well over 500 local families.  Some examples of the services provided throughout the year include fuel and heating assistance, the prevention of utility shut-offs and evictions, holiday meals, and Christmas gifts for children.  Due to the current economic climate, requests for assistance have grown again this year, while the number of agencies offering assistance has been reduced.  The generous support from local businesses and residents is what allows Everett to continue to provide support to the hundreds of local families, children, and seniors in need.

 

“Everett is such a strong community,” states Mayor DeMaria, “filled with compassionate and caring people - and it really shows during the holiday season.  Every year City officials, businesses, and residents alike join together and support our Office of Human Services.  These donations are a true example of the spirit of the season and of what the holidays should be about – giving, sharing, and helping those in need.  So please, join us at this year’s Fundraiser, make a donation, and celebrate all that is Everett.”

 

For more information contact the Office of Human Services at 617.394.2260.

 

MAYOR’S COA AND MVES TALK HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES

Mayor Carlo DeMaria’s Council on Aging, along with Candace Quigley, a registered dietitian from Mystic Valley Elder Services, will host a talk on healthy food choices on Tuesday, November 26th at 11am at the Connolly Center.

 

Attendees will have the opportunity to visit and receive information from Quigley regarding maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the coming holiday and winter season. Although designed for seniors, the COA also welcomes health care givers. If you need information for an elderly parent, family member or a neighbor you can get your answers at this informational session.

 

For more information about the informative session, please contact Dale Palma at 617-394-2323 or Ida Reppucci at 617-394-2260.

MAYOR’S COA AND MVES TALK HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES

Mayor Carlo DeMaria’s Council on Aging, along with Candace Quigley, a registered dietitian from Mystic Valley Elder Services, will host a talk on healthy food choices on Tuesday, November 26th at 11am at the Connolly Center.

 

Attendees will have the opportunity to visit and receive information from Quigley regarding maintaining a healthy lifestyle during the coming holiday and winter season. Although designed for seniors, the COA also welcomes health care givers. If you need information for an elderly parent, family member or a neighbor you can get your answers at this informational session.

 

For more information about the informative session, please contact Dale Palma at 617-394-2323 or Ida Reppucci at 617-394-2260.

Staff Sgt. Alex R. Jimenez Bridge Dedication Ceremony

Staff Sgt. Alex R. Jimenez was honored on Friday, November 15th with a bridge dedication ceremony j. His honor.

The Honorable Mayor William Lantigua and the City of Lawrence hosted the well deserved event.

Affordable Rental and Homeownership Programs Information Session November 18

The City of Cambridge will be holding a series of free Walk-In Informational Sessions on affordable rental and homeownership programs at different locations in the coming months.  The next session will be held Monday, Nov. 18, from 6-8 p.m., at the North Cambridge Senior Center, 2050 Massachusetts Ave.   

Housing personnel from the Community Development Department will be available to discuss the city’s affordable rental and homeownership programs. 

For more information, please contact us at 617-349-4622.

Mayor Menino and Boston’s biggest supermarkets launch partnership to promote healthy beverages

Shaw’s, Stop & Shop, and Dudley Square’s Tropical Foods to display “Rethink Your Drink” signage in stores and circulars

 

            Mayor Thomas M. Menino today announced a partnership with Shaw’s & Star Market, Stop & Shop, and Dudley Square’s Tropical Foods to help educate shoppers about healthy beverage options in supermarkets across Boston.  The effort is perhaps the first time that a major city and local supermarkets have come together to promote healthy beverages, such as water, seltzer, and low-fat milk.  Today’s announcement builds on Mayor Menino’s leadership in raising awareness about the negative health impacts of consuming too many sugar-sweetened beverages.  The participating grocers will display signage from the city’s “Rethink Your Drink” campaign in their stores and weekly circulars for at least the next six months.

 

“In Boston, we’re always striving to make the healthy choice the easy choice,” Mayor Menino said.  “We were an example for other major cities when it came to eliminating food deserts and increasing access to fresh, healthy options.  I want to thank Shaw’s, Stop & Shop, and Tropical Foods for stepping up and being great examples for how we can continue to work together to create healthier communities.”

 

            The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and Harvard School of Public Health’s Prevention Research Center will evaluate whether the effort changes consumer behavior and results in healthier shopping habits.  The 15 participating supermarkets account for a large majority of Boston’s full-sized grocery stores, meaning that tens of thousands of shoppers will see the messaging. 

 

            “We’re always happy to work with Mayor Menino when it comes to promoting the city’s health,” said Ronn Garry Jr, President of Tropical Foods.  “This campaign gives our customers easy access to information to help them live healthier lives, and it reflects the growing trend for choosing beverages with less sugar.”

 

The stores will implement a variety of strategies to promote healthy beverages.  Starting today, the participating supermarkets will begin running Rethink Your Drink advertisements in their weekly circulars in Boston in addition to making in-store changes, such as displaying the signage in beverage aisles and reconfiguring front-end and point of purchase displays to highlight healthy options.  Upcoming billboards and advertisements in community newspapers will help to reinforce the campaign’s message.

 

            “At Shaw’s and Star Market, we want consumers to have as much information as possible so they can make the shopping decisions that are best for them,” said Shane Sampson, president, Shaw’s & Star Market. “Parents are making a lot of decisions when they’re doing their weekly shopping, and having a quick way to discern which drink choices are the best for their children can help to create a more healthy population in the long run. We are happy to work with Mayor Menino in support of this educational awareness program.”

 

Rethink Your Drink is based on a color-coding system that makes it easy for consumers to understand how healthy or unhealthy different beverages are.  Posters featuring a traffic light symbol categorize drinks as red, yellow, or green.  “Green” beverages, such as water, seltzer, and low-fat milks are the healthiest options, while “yellow” beverages like diet sodas, iced teas, 100 percent juices, and low-calorie sports drinks should be consumed only occasionally.  Health officials suggest that “red” beverages, such as non-diet sodas, energy drinks, and juices with added sugar, be consumed rarely, if at all.

 

            There is a growing base of evidence to show that color-coded systems such as Rethink Your Drink can be more effective than standard nutritional labeling or calorie counts in helping customers understand their purchases.  Massachusetts General Hospital, for example, began color-coding food items in their cafeteria to reflect their nutritional value in 2010.  A recent study by researchers there indicated that the system led to increased sales of “green” items and decreased sales of “red” items.

 

The Mayor originally launched the Rethink Your Drink campaign in 2011.  Since then, schools, community centers, libraries, and many hospitals around the city have used the posters and informational brochures to educate the public.  Earlier this year, BPHC and Health Care Without Harm were honored with a Model Practice Award from the National Association of County and City Health Officials for a collaboration with ten Boston hospitals to reduce sugar sweetened beverage consumption.

 

The collaboration with supermarkets is one part of a larger work plan for the $4.6 million REACH (Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health) grant that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded the City of Boston last year.  The goal of the project is to develop strategies that reduce rates of obesity and hypertension among Black and Latino residents in Boston.

 

A New Day for First Night

Mayor Menino Rolls out Plans for 2013 Celebration

 

Mayor Thomas M. Menino today unveiled program highlights for this year’s First Night Boston celebration, presented by the City of Boston and presenting partner The Highland Street Foundation. The day-long festival of art, music, dance, sculpture and fireworks will take place once again on December 31. Several corporate partners have come forward to ensure First Night festivities continue.

 

“First Night has its roots in Boston and keeping this tradition alive is so important to our City. It’s a day that welcomes children, families and visitors from all over the region to celebrate our cultural community,” Mayor Menino said. “We’ve got a great line-up to announce today, and will have many more exciting announcements as we draw closer to the 31^st.”

 

All First Night outdoor events will be free, and admission to indoor events will require the purchase of a First Night button. Buttons will cost $10 (children under 4 admitted free) and will be available starting in late November at participating Boston-area CVS Stores. For a complete list of advance sale locations or to buy buttons online, visitwww.firstnightboston.org. Starting on November 29, a new button benefit will be announced daily on Twitter, via @FirstNight.

 

Featured First Night Boston performances and activities will include:

·         Boston Family Fireworks at 7 PM on Boston Common presented by The Mugar Foundation and Boston 4 Productions;

·         Midnight Harbor Fireworkspresented by State Street Bank;

·         Ice sculpturesalong the Grand Procession route and at Copley Square and other locations throughout the city;

·         The Bank of America Grand Procession, bringing new participation from The Gay Pride Parade, marching bands, art cars, and ringing in the new year in a bigger and brighter display than ever before;

·         Family Festival at the Hynes Convention Center,featuring headliners Dan Zanes & Elizabeth Mitchell with You Are My Flower, an all-day Puppet Festival presented by the Puppet Showplace Theatre, bicycle and trampoline stunts and much more;

·         Astunning projected animation and video installation by Peter Berdovsky - ZebblerStudios that will transform the façade of the Boston Public Library beginning at dusk and culminate in a 10 minute countdown-to-midnight;  

·         Live Musical Performancesby Patti Smith and Her Band, Blind Boys of Alabama, Dean Wareham, Anais Mitchell, Sierra Hull, Family, Dan Zanes & Elizabeth Mitchell with You Are My Flower, Gentlemen Hall, Harrison Quintet;

·         A live WGBH “Toast of the Nation” broadcast;

·         And much more!

“Highland Street is proud to partner with Mayor Menino to continue the time honored tradition of First Night in the City of Boston,” said Blake Jordan, executive director of The Highland Street Foundation. “We’re looking forward to a special celebration with children, families and all First Night participants.”

In addition to generous support from presenting partner The Highland Street Foundation,  major event sponsors include Bank of America, Liberty Mutual, State Street Bank, the Riley Foundation, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, The Mugar Foundation and Boston 4 Productions.

 

First Night Boston is the country’s oldest and largest New Year’s arts celebration. Founded in 1976, First Night was started by artists who sought an alternative to traditional New Year’s Eve revelry. The celebration has grown from a small arts event centered on the Boston Common to an arts organization that showcases work by local, national and international artists.

 

First Night attracts crowds greater than 1,000,000, and generates an estimated $47 million in revenue in the City of Boston. The concept that originated in Boston 38 years ago has served as a model for more than 200 similar celebrations worldwide.