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.

The City of Somerville has expanded eligibility requirements for its Residential Rodent Control Assistance Program, nearly doubling the number of residences that qualify and extending access to free rodent control services to more than 90% of residential properties in the city. 

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.  

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.

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.

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. 

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:

The Somerville Arts Council and Metropolitan Area Planning Council are conducting two surveys to find out if Somerville artists have stable access to space for their work. There are two surveys: one for individuals and one for organizations.

Mayor Curtatone is seeking applications from Somerville residents to serve on the Mayor’s Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change (CEUCC). The CEUCC advises the City and the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability and Environment on climate change and energy policy issues and assists the City in program design and outreach related to these topics.