GROUNDBREAKING AND RIBBON CUTTING PLANNED TO CELEBRATE EAST SOMERVILLE ON JULY 15TH

"East Somerville is on the brink of a
total, positive transformation, and the reconstruction of East Broadway and the
addition of a new and exciting play space for children and families really
highlights all the tremendous progress being made in that neighborhood," said
Mayor Curtatone. "Renowned restaurateurs, developers and executives have
already recognized East Somerville's potential and new restaurants and
businesses have cropped up over the last several months. Though work has been
ongoing, we are excited to welcome Chuckie Harris Park, and to celebrate summer
by highlighting the great progress being made in East Somerville."

"Residents of East Somerville have long
awaited the changes that are finally coming our way, and as we already start to
see the changes and positive results, we look forward to showing the rest of
Somerville, and the entire metro area, the unique flavor, diversity, and
thriving local business district that East Somerville has fostered for so
long," said Alderman Bastardi.

The East Broadway Streetscape Project
will include major upgrades to safety and traffic operation systems, including
the addition of bike lanes in each direction, infrastructure improvements and
streetscape improvements such as wider sidewalks, new trees and sidewalks. The
project began in late 2012 and is expected to be completed in 2014.
Construction updates and additional information are available at www.somervillema.gov.

"The East Broadway renovation and the new Harris Park
design both do such a nice job of playing off of the East Broadway Business
District's existing asset, a vibrant street life," said Carrie Dancy, Executive
Director of East Somerville Main Streets. "The wider sidewalks will quickly
make East Broadway the city's outdoor dining destination - and the seating and
movie screen at the park convert it in an instant community hub. We can't wait
to see even more people out enjoying the neighborhood and business
district." 

Chuckie Harris Park, a formerly vacant,
paved lot on Cross Street East, underwent significant reconstruction over the
last year. The park honors the memory of Somerville resident Chuckie Harris. Upgrades
to the park were designed with significant community input, and the park now
includes more than 70 new trees, multi-functional recreational and meeting
spaces, and 100% ADA accessibility, transforming the space from a vacant lot to
an urban oasis.

Monday's events will begin with a brief
speaking agenda, followed by a ribbon cutting officially re-opening Chuckie
Harris Park. Mayor Curtatone will then lead a short walking tour up Cross
Street East, left onto Broadway, finishing at the East Branch Library, during
which participants will learn about and see firsthand the work ongoing on
Broadway. Demonstrations of bike lanes, café seating, and more will be
available along the route. At the end of the tour, everyone is invited to a
reception to be hosted by the East End Grille.

For more information about either of
these projects, visit www.somervillema.gov or contact the Mayor's Office of
Strategic Planning and community development at 617-625-6600 x2500.