![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ron_newman posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
davis_squareWard 6 alderman Rebekah Gewirtz sends out an occasional newsletter, which I highly recommend subscribing to. Here's the one I received yesterday:
Hello Friends:
There are several upcoming meetings and events of which I would like to inform you since much is happening in Ward 6 and throughout Somerville. If you would like to unsubscribe from the list, please let me know and we’ll remove you: info@rebekahgewirtz.org
1 Update on Davis Square Development
2 Upcoming Meetings of Interest & Events
3 Recent Agreement on Assembly Square
4 Condo Conversion Working Group
Remember: Next year I'm coming up for re-election so give now by sending a check to: CTE Rebekah Gewirtz 36 College Ave #53 Somerville MA 02144 (note the address change from 85 Lowden Ave #1) or donate on-line at www.rebekahgewirtz.org. Thank you so much for your continued support! I also have a new campaign treasurer. I want to thank Jean Vallon for all of her help by being my treasurer throughout the campaign and into the year and I want to welcome my new treasurer Jen Lawrence. Make her life fun -- send a check today! :)
_______________________________
Ward 6 Fun Fact:
Did you know that in the early 19th century the intersection of Foskett and Willow Avenues was the site of a gold mine? Learn more by reading my recent book of choice: "Beyond the Neck: The Architecture and Development of Somerville, Massachusetts".
1. Update on Davis Square Development:
Many people have asked me about the recent development and changing storefronts in Davis Square. I have advocated for a square that continues to be predominantly occupied by locally owned and operated businesses. I have worked with the Davis Square Task Force and the Davis Area Resident Business Initiative to promote the square. DARBI is working on a website www.yourdavissquare.com and a brochure for Davis. To get involved in DARBI or find out more, join the Yahoo listserve by clicking this link: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/darbi/
The most notable recent change in the square is the scrolling marquee sign on Middlesex Federal Savings Bank. After a thorough process the bank continues to work with the community and has agreed to maintain the sign in a way that I think benefits Davis Square. The sign advertises public events and happenings, news from the Somerville Journal, and the time and temperature. The sign is also less bright than it was before and they have slowed the scroll so it isn’t as distracting. If you’re interested in having a message placed on the sign, send an email to: generalmail@middlsexfederal.com
One Davis Square (otherwise known as the big hole in the ground): Perhaps the most interesting development in Davis has been the demolition of One Davis Square. This old building that many agreed lacked character will be replaced with a brand new building that will house a sports club and a CVS pharmacy as well as office space and space for non-profit organizations. For problems during construction or questions about the site, please contact me any time at rebekah@rcn.com
51 Davis Sq, the Old Someday Cafe space: Mr. Crepe will be coming into 51 Davis Square. You might remember Mr. Crepe from its old location adjacent to Dave’s Pasta on Holland St. The space at 51 Davis is being completely renovated and it is scheduled to open for business in the middle of December 2006.
West Coast Video space on Elm St.: Poor Little Rich Girl has just opened in what was the video store next to the Burren on Elm St right in Davis. I stopped in this past weekend and Meredith, the owner, said business was going really well. You should check it out – great clothes, shoes, and other trinkets. It’s a true local business thriving in Davis.
400 Highland Ave: This is the site of what was formerly “Sauce”. It is scheduled to open as an Italian restaurant in the coming months
Halloween Scream/Buck a Book: A lease is being signed at this site with a Mexican restaurant Chipotle. Next door to it at the Mini Mart site is a new H+R Block.
Some of you may be wondering about The Someday Café. The employees of the Someday are still working on coming back to Davis Square and considering joining forces with Sacco’s Bowl Haven to open a café in the front of the bowling alley. While this is far from a done deal, and nothing has been decided, the employees had a fundraiser Saturday evening 11/18/06 at the Zine Library, 45 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge to support their on-going effort to reopen. For further info about their plans or to help them, send an email to: somedaynow@gmail.com.
2. Upcoming Meetings of Interest & Events:
Meetings:
Davis Square Task Force Meeting – Rescheduled from November 28, 2006 7-9pm 167 Holland St. to December 6, 2006 (same time and place)
The Davis Square Task Force is open to the public – to anyone interested in the comings and goings and development in Davis Square. At the last meeting The Burren came to talk about their latest application for a 2am license. This was a very contentious meeting but a lot of people participated, which was a good thing. The agenda for the next meeting is being formulated. If you have items please let me know by the last week of November by sending an email to: rebekah@rcn.com
Housing and Community Development Meeting – November 29, 2006 @ 6pm City Hall in Aldermen Committee Room
At the Board of Aldermen meeting on November 9, 2006 I submitted the following resolution: “Requesting appropriate parties within Federal Realty Investment Trust and the Mystic View Task Force come before the committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss the recent agreement at Assembly Square in further detail for the edification of the public and this Board.” At the Housing and Community Development meeting on November 29, 2006 these parties will be present to talk about the agreement at Assembly Square in more detail. This meeting is open to the public and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Events:
A Night in November playing now at Jimmy Tingle’s Off Broadway Theater!
Information from Jimmy’s email notification:
Bring your company, church, synagogue, team, club, or knitting group to a night of hilarious and heartwarming theater! Or just come by your little old self! Theater producer and humorist Jimmy Tingle would like to extend his invitation for you and your group to this eye-opening, entertaining and award-winning one-man show, “A Night in November” by renowned Irish playwright Marie Jones starring Marty McGuire, directed by Tim Byron Owen. One Irishman. 26 Characters. On the Road to Redemption.
"A tour-de-force! A joyful, engaging evening!" -- The New York Times
"A laugh-filled two hours that'll send you out of the theater filled with hope...a rare treat to be enjoyed by everyone." -- Boston Metro
Jimmy is offering the following discounts: ½ price for student tickets, 10-20% off for groups (see below), and 10% off for seniors. To take advantage of these special offers, see Ordering Information below. It is also possible that we could arrange a conversation between the actor and your group at a future date or after the show.
CLICK HERE for a 30 second video
3. Recent Agreement on Assembly Square:
As many of you may have heard, there was a recent accord between developers at Assembly Square and the community group, Mystic View Task Force. See story in the Somerville Journal the week of October 19-25 by going to www.townonline.com. I believe this historic agreement could pave the way for productive, responsible development at Assembly Square. The agreement is just a first step, though.
Some key elements in the agreement:
- Federal Realty and Ikea will pay $15 million towards Orange Line T station stop at Assembly Square
- Federal Realty will contribute $150,000 for water access improvements
- Federal Realty will establish bicycle connections to the site
-Mystic View Task Force will drop its law suits
And more. Come to the Housing and Community Development meeting on November 29, 2006 to learn more!
4. Condo Conversion Working Group
As you may have read in the Somerville Journal this past week, I have been asked to chair the newly appointed Condominium Conversion Working Group. I am looking forward to this opportunity to bring the various interests together and to develop a proposal that will benefit the entire community. This issue is not a simple or straight forward one, but neither is our current condominium conversion ordinance. In fact, our ordinance hasn’t been updated in 11 years and there are aspects of it that are legally problematic. We need to address this and work on a solution that benefits landlords and renters and protects the most vulnerable including the elderly, low income, and disabled. Members of the working group include:
Richard Digirolamo, a local property-owners advocate and attorney
Ellen Schacter, a local tenant advocate and attorney
Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board
Fred Berman, a Somerville resident
Paul Mackey, Somerville Director of Housing, and
Anne Thomas, attorney for the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development.
The working group will be staffed so comments and concerns should be addressed to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development care of Paul Mackey pmackey@ci.somerville.ma.us. I predict the group will meet for a number of months before offering a proposal. I will keep you informed as more information arises!
--
To subscribe or unsubscribe from this list, email info@rebekahgewirtz.org.
Rebekah Gewirtz E-Newsletter: November 2006
The Latest from Ward 6!
The Latest from Ward 6!
Hello Friends:
There are several upcoming meetings and events of which I would like to inform you since much is happening in Ward 6 and throughout Somerville. If you would like to unsubscribe from the list, please let me know and we’ll remove you: info@rebekahgewirtz.org
1 Update on Davis Square Development
2 Upcoming Meetings of Interest & Events
3 Recent Agreement on Assembly Square
4 Condo Conversion Working Group
Remember: Next year I'm coming up for re-election so give now by sending a check to: CTE Rebekah Gewirtz 36 College Ave #53 Somerville MA 02144 (note the address change from 85 Lowden Ave #1) or donate on-line at www.rebekahgewirtz.org. Thank you so much for your continued support! I also have a new campaign treasurer. I want to thank Jean Vallon for all of her help by being my treasurer throughout the campaign and into the year and I want to welcome my new treasurer Jen Lawrence. Make her life fun -- send a check today! :)
_______________________________
Ward 6 Fun Fact:
Did you know that in the early 19th century the intersection of Foskett and Willow Avenues was the site of a gold mine? Learn more by reading my recent book of choice: "Beyond the Neck: The Architecture and Development of Somerville, Massachusetts".
1. Update on Davis Square Development:
Many people have asked me about the recent development and changing storefronts in Davis Square. I have advocated for a square that continues to be predominantly occupied by locally owned and operated businesses. I have worked with the Davis Square Task Force and the Davis Area Resident Business Initiative to promote the square. DARBI is working on a website www.yourdavissquare.com and a brochure for Davis. To get involved in DARBI or find out more, join the Yahoo listserve by clicking this link: http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/darbi/
The most notable recent change in the square is the scrolling marquee sign on Middlesex Federal Savings Bank. After a thorough process the bank continues to work with the community and has agreed to maintain the sign in a way that I think benefits Davis Square. The sign advertises public events and happenings, news from the Somerville Journal, and the time and temperature. The sign is also less bright than it was before and they have slowed the scroll so it isn’t as distracting. If you’re interested in having a message placed on the sign, send an email to: generalmail@middlsexfederal.com
One Davis Square (otherwise known as the big hole in the ground): Perhaps the most interesting development in Davis has been the demolition of One Davis Square. This old building that many agreed lacked character will be replaced with a brand new building that will house a sports club and a CVS pharmacy as well as office space and space for non-profit organizations. For problems during construction or questions about the site, please contact me any time at rebekah@rcn.com
51 Davis Sq, the Old Someday Cafe space: Mr. Crepe will be coming into 51 Davis Square. You might remember Mr. Crepe from its old location adjacent to Dave’s Pasta on Holland St. The space at 51 Davis is being completely renovated and it is scheduled to open for business in the middle of December 2006.
West Coast Video space on Elm St.: Poor Little Rich Girl has just opened in what was the video store next to the Burren on Elm St right in Davis. I stopped in this past weekend and Meredith, the owner, said business was going really well. You should check it out – great clothes, shoes, and other trinkets. It’s a true local business thriving in Davis.
400 Highland Ave: This is the site of what was formerly “Sauce”. It is scheduled to open as an Italian restaurant in the coming months
Halloween Scream/Buck a Book: A lease is being signed at this site with a Mexican restaurant Chipotle. Next door to it at the Mini Mart site is a new H+R Block.
Some of you may be wondering about The Someday Café. The employees of the Someday are still working on coming back to Davis Square and considering joining forces with Sacco’s Bowl Haven to open a café in the front of the bowling alley. While this is far from a done deal, and nothing has been decided, the employees had a fundraiser Saturday evening 11/18/06 at the Zine Library, 45 Mt. Auburn Street, Cambridge to support their on-going effort to reopen. For further info about their plans or to help them, send an email to: somedaynow@gmail.com.
2. Upcoming Meetings of Interest & Events:
Meetings:
Davis Square Task Force Meeting – Rescheduled from November 28, 2006 7-9pm 167 Holland St. to December 6, 2006 (same time and place)
The Davis Square Task Force is open to the public – to anyone interested in the comings and goings and development in Davis Square. At the last meeting The Burren came to talk about their latest application for a 2am license. This was a very contentious meeting but a lot of people participated, which was a good thing. The agenda for the next meeting is being formulated. If you have items please let me know by the last week of November by sending an email to: rebekah@rcn.com
Housing and Community Development Meeting – November 29, 2006 @ 6pm City Hall in Aldermen Committee Room
At the Board of Aldermen meeting on November 9, 2006 I submitted the following resolution: “Requesting appropriate parties within Federal Realty Investment Trust and the Mystic View Task Force come before the committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss the recent agreement at Assembly Square in further detail for the edification of the public and this Board.” At the Housing and Community Development meeting on November 29, 2006 these parties will be present to talk about the agreement at Assembly Square in more detail. This meeting is open to the public and all are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Events:
A Night in November playing now at Jimmy Tingle’s Off Broadway Theater!
Information from Jimmy’s email notification:
Bring your company, church, synagogue, team, club, or knitting group to a night of hilarious and heartwarming theater! Or just come by your little old self! Theater producer and humorist Jimmy Tingle would like to extend his invitation for you and your group to this eye-opening, entertaining and award-winning one-man show, “A Night in November” by renowned Irish playwright Marie Jones starring Marty McGuire, directed by Tim Byron Owen. One Irishman. 26 Characters. On the Road to Redemption.
"A tour-de-force! A joyful, engaging evening!" -- The New York Times
"A laugh-filled two hours that'll send you out of the theater filled with hope...a rare treat to be enjoyed by everyone." -- Boston Metro
Jimmy is offering the following discounts: ½ price for student tickets, 10-20% off for groups (see below), and 10% off for seniors. To take advantage of these special offers, see Ordering Information below. It is also possible that we could arrange a conversation between the actor and your group at a future date or after the show.
CLICK HERE for a 30 second video
3. Recent Agreement on Assembly Square:
As many of you may have heard, there was a recent accord between developers at Assembly Square and the community group, Mystic View Task Force. See story in the Somerville Journal the week of October 19-25 by going to www.townonline.com. I believe this historic agreement could pave the way for productive, responsible development at Assembly Square. The agreement is just a first step, though.
Some key elements in the agreement:
- Federal Realty and Ikea will pay $15 million towards Orange Line T station stop at Assembly Square
- Federal Realty will contribute $150,000 for water access improvements
- Federal Realty will establish bicycle connections to the site
-Mystic View Task Force will drop its law suits
And more. Come to the Housing and Community Development meeting on November 29, 2006 to learn more!
4. Condo Conversion Working Group
As you may have read in the Somerville Journal this past week, I have been asked to chair the newly appointed Condominium Conversion Working Group. I am looking forward to this opportunity to bring the various interests together and to develop a proposal that will benefit the entire community. This issue is not a simple or straight forward one, but neither is our current condominium conversion ordinance. In fact, our ordinance hasn’t been updated in 11 years and there are aspects of it that are legally problematic. We need to address this and work on a solution that benefits landlords and renters and protects the most vulnerable including the elderly, low income, and disabled. Members of the working group include:
Richard Digirolamo, a local property-owners advocate and attorney
Ellen Schacter, a local tenant advocate and attorney
Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board
Fred Berman, a Somerville resident
Paul Mackey, Somerville Director of Housing, and
Anne Thomas, attorney for the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development.
The working group will be staffed so comments and concerns should be addressed to the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development care of Paul Mackey pmackey@ci.somerville.ma.us. I predict the group will meet for a number of months before offering a proposal. I will keep you informed as more information arises!
--
To subscribe or unsubscribe from this list, email info@rebekahgewirtz.org.