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Somerville Officials Issue Statement on Haiti Earthquake

Wednesday, August 18, 2021
 The depths of the suffering borne by the people of Haiti in recent decades -- whether hunger, disease, natural disaster, or economic crisis – seems fathomless. But the gauntlet of hardship faced by this island nation has not extinguished the spirit of its people. Even after Saturday’s earthquake, Monday’s tropical storm, the ravages of COVID-19, and the recent assassination of President Moïse, Haitians continue to strive to help one another. They are determined, as we should be too. 

Six Somerville Organizations Awarded Grants to Improve Community Heat Resilience

Thursday, August 12, 2021
 Six Somerville organizations received “Keep Cool Somerville” grants to pilot projects improving resilience to extreme heat this summer. Keep Cool Somerville, a partnership between the City of Somerville and Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), invited groups to propose small-scale projects to address the health impacts of climate-driven heat. The 2021 Keep Cool Somerville grantees are:

Absentee Ballots Available for September 14 Preliminary Election

Thursday, August 12, 2021
 Absentee ballots are now available for voters who qualify to vote absentee. In order to be eligible to vote by absentee ballot in Massachusetts, a voter must be prevented from voting at the polling place on election day due to absence from the city on election day, physical disability, or religious belief.

Somerville Moves to Establish Public Indoor Mask Mandate

Wednesday, August 11, 2021
 With the fast-spreading Delta variant driving an increase in COVID-19 cases both locally and nationally, the City of Somerville is moving to require all people wear face coverings in indoor public settings regardless of whether they have been vaccinated against the virus. At their upcoming meeting on August 19, the Board of Health will consider a mandate with a potential immediate start date of Friday, August 20, 2021. As with previous masking orders, children under the age of two would be exempt.

Annual Inspection and Testing of Fire Hydrants Begins August 23

Wednesday, August 11, 2021
 The Somerville Fire Department will begin the annual inspection of all fire hydrants on Monday, August 23, and conclude on or around Saturday, September 4. This procedure requires the flushing of water from the hydrants as well as a check of the mechanical operation of the hydrant.

Several Days of Dangerous Heat and Humidity Expected; Here’s How to Stay Safe in Somerville

Wednesday, August 11, 2021
 Several days of oppressive heat and humidity are forecasted for the Boston area through at least Friday, August 13, and residents are urged to take precautions to stay safe. The National Weather Service is warning of dangerously hot conditions that could feel like 109 degrees outdoors. Review the following heat safety tips and ways to keep cool in Somerville. Most importantly, do not leave children or pets in a vehicle even if the windows are open, drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the sun, and limit your outdoor activity. Cooling Center Opened

Somerville Voters Can Vote by Mail for Preliminary and General City Elections

Tuesday, August 10, 2021
 Somerville voters will have the option to vote by mail in the upcoming City preliminary election on Tuesday, September 14, and general election on Tuesday, November 2. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has approved voting by mail for all municipal elections in the state in 2021, and local voters should be receiving vote-by-mail notices from the Secretary of State’s office in the coming days. Voting by mail is a two-step process. Registered voters first must submit a vote-by-mail ballot application, and then return their completed ballot to the Elections Office.  

Deadline to Apply Extended: City of Somerville Seeks Four Community Members for the Police Chief Selection Committee

Thursday, August 5, 2021
 The City of Somerville is seeking four community members to serve on a selection committee for the next Chief of Police of the Somerville Police Department (SPD). The next Chief will lead the department through an important moment in policing in Somerville, as the work of the reimagining policing process – led by the Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) Office under the leadership of RSJ Director Denise Molina Capers – will be in full swing.  The Police Chief Selection Committee (PCSC) will be responsible for: 

Somerville Seeks Polling Place Workers for 2021 Municipal Elections

Thursday, August 5, 2021
 The City of Somerville Elections Department is hiring polling place workers for the municipal elections on September 14 and November 2, 2021.   Polling place workers will be paid $200 per day and work from 6:30 a.m. until shortly after the polls close at 8 p.m., with a two-hour break. You must be a registered Massachusetts voter to work at a polling place. No prior experience is necessary.   Email personnel@somervillema.gov or call 617-625-6600 ext. 3300 to learn more today! 

Safety Improvements Coming to Powder House Circle in August

Friday, July 30, 2021
 Improvements to Powder House Circle will be officially underway in mid-August as the City of Somerville makes a series of safety upgrades to benefit all road users. Powder House Circle is a high-crash intersection with an antiquated design. The City will convert the high-speed, chaotic rotary into a modern roundabout intersection using low-cost “quick-build” materials including pavement markings, signage, and flex posts.

Somerville’s First Ever 'Yart' Sale Planned for August 14

Thursday, July 29, 2021
 Did your children make tons of macaroni artwork during quarantine? Did you find the postcard collections from your great-, great-, great-grandparents in your basement? Or are you an artist making lots of artwork and need to sell or exhibit? Yart Sale is an opportunity for you to showcase or sell artwork from the comfort of your yards, driveways, and porches and for art lovers to browse new work and maybe pick up a new piece or two. Think of it as a yard sale for art. 

Three Opportunities to Get Vaccinated in Somerville on 8/1

Wednesday, July 28, 2021
 On Sunday, August 1, three mobile clinics will be set up around the city to provide Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to anyone 12 or older. Clinics will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the following three locations: Holy Bible Baptist Church, 64 College Ave. St. Anthony’s Parish, 12 Properzi Way Brazilian Presbyterian Church, 212 School St.  Free food and a gift will be offered to anyone who gets a first or second dose at the clinics.  

Register to Vote in the September 14 Preliminary Election by August 25; Three Somerville Polling Locations Relocated

Wednesday, July 28, 2021
 The deadline to register to vote or update your party affiliation or address for the September 14 preliminary election is Wednesday, August 25, at 8 p.m. Massachusetts voters have the option to register online or via a paper form. To register by mail you can call (617) 625-6600 ext. 4200 and request a form be mailed to you, or you can download one from the Elections website.

Deadline to Apply Extended: City of Somerville Seeks Four Community Members for the Police Chief Selection Committee

Tuesday, July 20, 2021
 The City of Somerville is seeking four community members to serve on a selection committee for the next Chief of Police of the Somerville Police Department (SPD). The next Chief will lead the department through an important moment in policing in Somerville, as the work of the reimagining policing process – led by the Racial and Social Justice (RSJ) Office under the leadership of RSJ Director Denise Molina Capers – will be in full swing.  The Police Chief Selection Committee (PCSC) will be responsible for: 

City of Somerville Seeks Applicants for Fair Housing and Anti-Displacement Task Force

Friday, July 16, 2021
 The City of Somerville is currently seeking applicants for a newly created Fair Housing and Anti-Displacement Task Force to explore whether, and how, to incorporate principals of federal, state, and local fair housing and anti-discrimination laws into Somerville’s Zoning Code. This is a volunteer effort, and the aim of this initiative would be to determine whether zoning changes might help to mitigate the displacement of persons of color, immigrants, low- and moderate-income residents, persons with disabilities, and members of other protected classes that may result from new development.

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