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New Reopening Steps Go into Effect June 1

Friday, May 7, 2021
 Beginning on Tuesday, June 1, additional reopening steps that allow for expanded athletic activities and indoor performances will go into effect in Somerville. Somerville is joining with Boston in rolling out these reopening steps on a delay from the State schedule. All of the newly allowed activities will be subject to regular City permitting and safety rules and sector-specific COVID-19 guidelines. What changes in Somerville on June 1:

Nine Metro North Communities, Cambridge Health Alliance & Tufts University to Launch Collaborative COVID-19 Vaccination Sites

Tuesday, May 4, 2021
 The new Metro North COVID-19 Vaccination Partnership -- a consortium of nine cities, Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), and Tufts University -- announced today that it will open three joint vaccination sites to expand COVID-19 vaccine access in the metro north area. The regional partnership was recently approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as a part of its statewide network of vaccination locations.

Somerville Passes First-of-Its-Kind Native Planting Ordinance

Monday, May 3, 2021
 Somerville has passed a Native Planting Ordinance that establishes minimum requirements for native plants and trees to be planted in City-owned parks, open spaces, and streets. The legislation, which applies to new plantings carried out by the City or on behalf of the City, grew out of discussions between the Administration, the City Council, and community advocates and passed unanimously in March. 

Outdoor Face Covering Rules Relaxed Starting April 30

Thursday, April 29, 2021
 The City of Somerville will be joining the State in relaxing outdoor face covering guidelines. Starting Friday, April 30, residents will not have to wear a face covering when outdoors if they can socially distance. Masks will still be required in public indoor spaces, outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible, at large events, and at any City-permitted activities, including outdoor fitness and yoga classes. At smaller gatherings in private homes face coverings are recommended but not required.

Roadway Paving: Lower Medford St. & Ward St.

Thursday, April 29, 2021
 Weather permitting, City contractors will mill and pave the following streets as part of the City’s Pavement Management Program: Medford St. (Somerville Ave. to Lambert St.) Ward St. Anticipated Schedule Milling: Overnight Sunday to Monday, May 2 to 3, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Paving: Overnight Sunday to Monday, May 9 to 10, 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Anticipated Traffic Impacts Road closures and detours in effect during work hours.

Vehicle Booting and Towing Resumes May 3 in Somerville

Wednesday, April 28, 2021
 The City of Somerville will resume booting and towing vehicles with five or more overdue, unpaid parking tickets starting Monday, May 3. Booting and towing operations were suspended last year at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Joint Statement on Justice for George Floyd

Wednesday, April 21, 2021
 Following months of speculation and uncertainty, yesterday’s guilty verdict in Derek Chauvin’s trial for the murder of George Floyd last May brought with it long-awaited accountability for Derek Chauvin’s actions. But while accountability is the first step toward justice, the full achievement of justice is measured through transformation. It is about repair, dedication, and actions. Our thoughts continue to be with Mr. Floyd’s family and loved ones, who have had to endure unspeakable pain.

Virtual Meeting to Discuss Kensington Connector Revitalization Designs, May 3

Tuesday, April 20, 2021
 Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, State Senator Pat Jehlen, State Representative Mike Connolly, City Council President and Ward 1 Councilor Matthew McLaughlin, and City of Somerville staff invite you to the second virtual public meeting to discuss the Kensington Connector Revitalization Project.  

Somerville Community Preservation Plan Hearing & Application Workshop, April 28

Friday, April 16, 2021
 The Somerville Community Preservation Committee is holding its annual Community Preservation Plan public hearing on Wednesday, April 28, at 7 p.m.   The Community Preservation Plan establishes how $2 million in Fiscal Year 2022 Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds will be allocated across affordable housing, historic resources, and open space categories. The draft plan is available at somervillema.gov/CPA. 

Public Hearing: FY2022 Water & Sewer Rates, May 3

Thursday, April 15, 2021
 The City of Somerville will hold a virtual information session and public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2022 water and sewer rates on Monday, May 3. The information session will start at 6 p.m. and the public hearing will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Anyone who would like to testify is welcome to attend and will be heard. Additional Q&A time will be offered following the hearing if attendees have remaining topics of discussion.  

Resilient Mystic Collaborative, Which Includes Somerville, Recognized for Work Around Climate Resiliency

Wednesday, April 14, 2021
 Somerville, along with the 19 other communities that make up the Resilient Mystic Collaborative (RMC), was recently awarded the Environmental Business Council of New England’s Award for Leadership by a Non-Profit Organization. The Environmental Business Council of New England presents annual awards to recognize companies, organizations, and individuals for outstanding accomplishments in environmental management, energy resources and management, and climate change. 

Share Your Hot Ideas for Keeping Cool This Summer: Apply for a Keep Cool Somerville Grant

Wednesday, April 14, 2021
 Do you have ideas on how to keep cool in the heat? The City of Somerville, in partnership with the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, is now accepting applications for the Keep Cool Somerville Community Projects Grant Program to support creative and impactful cooling solutions this summer.   Residents and community groups are invited to propose small-scale pilot projects to improve resilience to hot weather. A handful of projects will be funded to be implemented over the summer. No project is too small! Grants can range from several hundred dollars to just under $10,000. 

Applications Now Available for the Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program

Monday, April 12, 2021
 Applications are now available for Somerville youth 14 and up to apply for the Mayor’s Summer Jobs Program. Applications will be accepted through Friday, May 14. Employment opportunities are available in the Parks and Recreation Department, Department of Public Works, and other City departments. Some positions can be done remotely or in a hybrid of remote and in-person work. Youth who are hired can expect to work 20 hours for approximately six weeks starting in late June or early July. All positions pay the City’s living wage rate, which is currently at $15.46 per hour.

Additional Types of Outdoor Performances, Outdoor Retail Can Resume 4/19

Monday, April 12, 2021
 With vaccines being made available to all residents over 16 beginning Monday, April 19, the City of Somerville will expand its reopening guidelines to allow more types of outdoor performances and outdoor retail to resume on that date. The City will also work with gyms on plans to safely reopen changing rooms and showers.

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