note from last night's Sacco's/Flatbread meeting

[ron_newman]

I went to last night's neighborhood meeting on the subject of Sacco's Bowl-Haven and Flatbread Company. The meeting took place in Sacco's (noisy) pool hall, and lasted about an hour. On hand were JP Sacco (co-owner of Bowl-Haven), John Meehan (Flatbread co-founder), Peter Quinn (architect), Rich DiGirolamo (lawyer) and Rebekah Gewirtz (Ward 6 alderman).

Meehan proposes to convert the pool hall into a pizza restaurant seating about 125. He would keep the rightmost 10 of the current 15 bowling lanes. The leftmost 5 lanes would become a bar seating about 28 people, plus food preparation and storage areas. They will apply for a full liquor license, which could be either an existing unused license or one of several newly authorized by the state legislature in a home-rule petition. They promise to close by midnight each day, and not to request a 2 am closing in the future.

This use of an existing building is allowed as of right in the Central Business District zone. It still needs to go before the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals because the new use requires 6 more parking spaces than the (grandfathered) existing use. Since the building covers nearly 100% of its lot area, there is no possibility of providing such parking on site. The liquor license requires a public hearing before the Licensing Commission.
( Read more... )

Found cat on North Street

[wombatbanana.livejournal.com]

I was walking down North St. in Somerville when this cat walked up to me and started meowing and rubbing against my leg. She seemed rather friendly and well-groomed for a stray, so I think she might be a lost pet. She's a white, black, and tan calico with a stumpy tail. She followed me for a bit; last I saw she was sitting on the porch of 66 North St. I left a message with animal control.

( Photo below the cut. )

SHC Volunteer Appreciation -- moved to One Davis Square

[colorgarden.livejournal.com]

It looks like rain, so we're moving the Volunteer Appreciation Open House to our office at One Davis Square. See you tomorrow!

Details
This Friday, June 19th
5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m.
One Davis Square, Somerville

The SHC Office is in the basement of One Davis Square -- the building with CVS and Boston Sports Club. The building entrance is on the right side (Dover Street) across from Mr. Crepe. We're right by the Davis Square T-stop on the red line, as well as the following bus lines: 87, 88, 89, 90, 94, 96.

Coffee geeks rejoice: barismo kiosk opens Sunday

[ringer.livejournal.com]

Anyone who's talked to me recently has probably heard me blather on about "the roaster in Arlington" who produces extraordinary coffee for cafes. This Sunday they're finally going to start serving coffee in the shop, rather than just selling beans and equipment.

http://www.barismo.com

The grand opening of the barismo kiosk will be on Sunday 21 June, from noon to 6pm. 169 Mass Ave is just over the Arlington border, right on the 77 bus and close to the Minuteman. Lots of free coffee, both espresso and manual pour-over methods, with demonstrations by master roaster Jaime van Schyndel.

(If you've heard anything positive about Simon's Coffee Shop --- and there's been quite a bit --- it's because Jaime was managing it for the explosive growth phase. Now they serve his coffee.)


Disclaimer: I do have some personal economic interest in this business, in a somewhat recent development. I promise it's because I enjoy their product and not vice-versa. The only difference from what I'd have otherwise posted is this disclaimer.

How to find non-profits for $ donation?

[madscientist01.livejournal.com]

I recently discovered the wonders of my employer's matching gifts program (they pay $2 for every $1 I give). I'd like to donate somewhat locally (Somerville/Boston) but I can't really find a list of 501(c)(3) non-profits, and I can't come up with any organizations off the top of my head. Does anyone know where I can find such a list, or if not, ideas about where to donate? In general, the company supports higher education, cultural, environmental, and community-based social service organizations. Thanks!

FREE lightly-used Lumber - Ball Sq

[benign-cremator.livejournal.com]

FREE lightly-used Lumber in Ball Sq!!

All of it is in a useful state, most is straight and free of dust/dirt/etc.  Most have screw or pin holes near the ends (the odd lengths do not), but those that do have holes can be shortened by a few inches to remove the holes.  One piece has a broken off screw in it (marked on the ends, and has an arrow to where the screw is), and some of the shorter pieces have the shipping staples still in them.  All of the rest are metal free.  Would be perfect for someone to take to the Firefly work weekend to build stuff out of.  You do not have to take all of it, but the more you take, the more grateful I will be!!

8 x 2"x3"x8'
8 x 2"x3"x4'
10 x 2"x3"x3'
4 - 6 additional lengths of 2"x3" between 3' and 5'

Drop me a line to arrange a time to pick-up (I can not deliver).

Jack and Bob?

[rosenet.livejournal.com]

I used to run into an older gentleman and his dog on the bike path while walking my dog, but I havent seen them in a while and I was wondering if anyone knows what may have become of them. Bob, the human, is a little over average height with white hair and mustach. Jack is his trusty sidekick, who I think is a terrier of some kind. They are both very friendly, and Bob always has Charlie Bear dog treats.

Thanks!

PDS June meeting Tuesday, 6/23

[elements.livejournal.com]

Please join us at the next Progressive Democrats of Somerville Meeting!

Tuesday, June 23rd

6:30pm to 8:30pm

Visiting Nurses Association
259 Lowell Street (walk or take the 88 or 90 bus from Davis down Highland to Lowell St. to get there by public transit)
Community Room (3rd Floor)

Topics will include an update from Democratic State Convention, starting the endorsement process for city elections, city budget work and recommendations including future use of the Powderhouse Community School, and plans for the summer Member Picnic!

Come out and see what is happening at one of the most exciting organizations in Somerville!

PS - For more info on our work on the city budget, see our op-ed in last week's Somerville Journal.