Part 3 of the Dig's Somerville Files (ZBA Issues), Greater Somerville interviews the Authors

Jul. 11th, 2013 09:16 am
[identity profile] samcoren.livejournal.com
The Dig published Part 3 of The Somerville Files - the investigative series into Somerville development issues and politics. This one actually covers a Davis Square issue too, taking a deep dive into the Zoning Board of Appeals and the VFW.

Here are Part 1 and Part 2 DSLJ discussions.

Joe Lynch also interviewed the 3 authors of the series on SCATV's Greater Somerville, which in some ways, I find more fascinating than the articles themselves. Definitely worth watching - especially for the "so what/what's the big deal?" crowd: http://www.scatvsomerville.org/greater-somerville/
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Meeting Spaces?

Nov. 1st, 2012 05:40 pm
[identity profile] ebagslolz.livejournal.com
Howdy!

I'm hoping to find a couple of spots here in Davis that could handle 15-20 people for weekly meetups and whatnot, hopefully with a projector for speakers, etc. Any suggestions?
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Dilboy VFW Re-Opening

May. 10th, 2012 11:02 am
[identity profile] bombardiette.livejournal.com
As of Friday May 11, 2012, the Dilboy VFW in Davis Square will be open for business as usual. The ABCC has approved our re-opening on a permanent basis. The Function Hall will be available once again for all of your party needs.
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Dilboy VFW: hearing held, no decision yet

May. 9th, 2012 02:46 pm
[personal profile] ron_newman
The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission relicensing hearing about the Dilboy Post VFW happened this afternoon, after a one-day delay. The ABCC heard two items:

- a change in the directors and officers of the Post
- a reduction in capacity to 71 seats in the basement (private veterans' club), and either 115 chairs with tables or 221 chairs only on the first floor (publicly rentable main hall)

The commission did not make any decision at the hearing, and informed the Dilboy representatives that their decision would be sent by mail. The Post has been closed since January 3rd.
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VFW licensing hearing postponed until tomorrow (Wednesday 5/9)

May. 8th, 2012 04:59 pm
[personal profile] ron_newman
The state Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission's public hearing regarding the Dilboy VFW's liquor license has been postponed until tomorrow (Wednesday, May 9) at 1 pm. Someone else's ABCC hearing earlier in the day ran way over time, forcing them to reschedule the Dilboy hearing.

The ABCC building's address is 239 Causeway Street in Boston, but you need to enter the building through the side door on Medford Street.
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VFW Update - Because [livejournal.com profile] ron_newman Asked Me To...

Apr. 30th, 2012 01:27 pm
[identity profile] bombardiette.livejournal.com
There will be an open forum at the ABCC on Causeway Street in Boston on 8 May 2012 at 2pm (14:00) regarding the Dilboy VFW in Davis Square. We already know that most, if not all of the neighbors who aren't trying to shut the post down permanently (ahem) will be there and we ask that, if any supporters are available, can you please attend?

The forum addresses 2 issues: The first being that form our kind neighbors so diligently discovered and the 2nd being the reduced occupancy in the function hall. Hope to see you there!

Issue 1 - The Form: Our neighbors, after our last re-opening, did some diligent sleuthing and discovered that a form that all "fraternal organizations" that occupy premises where liquor is served are required to file with each Board of Director's change with the ABCC had not been done on behalf of the Dilboy in some time. So long, in fact, that no member presently had ever heard of the requirement. When pressed, the ABCC did note that they don't enforce the filing unless someone brings it directly to their attention. A quick survey revealed that no other fraternal organization in the area had heard of this either, so while we were surprised to find out about the requirement, at least we can thank those who did the sleuthing to ensure that we're the only ones in town now in compliance! Of course, we're saddened that we had to remain closed for so long as a result of this but...

Issue 2 - Reduced occupancy. The occupancy has been permanently reduced by means of physically altering and shrinking the function hall upstairs. This meeting will hopefully seal the final approval for the permanent methods used to ensure reduced occupancy.

Thanks for your time and support.
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Somerville Scout article on VFW/condo controversy now online

Mar. 9th, 2012 04:43 pm
[personal profile] ron_newman
Somerville Scout's article on the Dilboy VFW controversy, featured in the current March/April issue, is now online:

Carrying the Flag
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Somerville Scout has long article on Dilboy VFW controversy

Mar. 6th, 2012 09:22 pm
[personal profile] ron_newman
If you live in Somerville, you should have received today (or should shortly receive) the March/April 2012 Somerville Scout in your U.S. Snailbox. It contains a long article by Tom Nash about the Dilboy VFW, its neighbors, and the controversy surrounding the condo project.

ETA 3/9/11: The article is now online: Carrying the Flag. Please add comments to my newer post instead of to this one.

I've asked Scout whether the article has been put online, but haven't heard back from them yet, ETA: and Tom Nash said to look for it Friday on Scout's website.
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looking for event space & possibly event planner

Feb. 8th, 2012 06:42 pm
[identity profile] artguychris.livejournal.com

Looking for suggestions for an inexpensive (few hundred $$) event space for 50-75 people, bar, dancing, band or DJ, possibly food.  Somerville would be great if there's parking, but I'm OK with surrounding communities.  I'm looking for late April and every place I've tried is already booked :( 

I don't have much time to do this and am starting to freak out a bit as time slips away.  If anyone can suggest a reasonably priced event planner that can help, I'm all ears. 

Dante Club on Porter St requires a member to sponsor the event.  If anyone is or knows a willing member, drop me a line!
Dilboy VFW seems to be a crapshoot with their recent permit issues.
Arlington Elks - booked
Cambridge VFW - booked
Springstep - booked
I'm going to check a few more local VFW/Legion/Elks type places, but most have sketchy details & no pics on their websites.

Thanks!!

Chris

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Ward 6 Precinct 1 polling place moving out of VFW? (And out of Ward 6 entirely?)

Jan. 26th, 2012 01:02 am
[personal profile] ron_newman
A tweet from the Somerville Journal (@VilleJournal) reads, in full:
City Hall planning to move Ward 6 Precinct 1 polling station out of Dilboy VFW, to Kennedy School. #Somerville
I know nothing more. The Somerville Journal (Wicked Local) web page has no story on this subject, nor could I find any official press release or statement on the city's web site. (Dear local journalists: Twitter is not a good substitute for actual news reporting.)

The Kennedy School is not even in Ward 6. It's on Elm Street in Ward 5, past the Shaw's shopping center.

(The Massachusetts presidential primary will be Tuesday, March 6. With contests only in the Republican and Green-Rainbow parties, I expect to see a record low turnout in Somerville.)
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Somerville ZBA Made a Final Decision on the VFW/Condo Development

Dec. 8th, 2011 11:35 am
[identity profile] bombardiette.livejournal.com
Last night, in a final public hearing, the Somerville ZBA voted 4 - 1 to allow the development at 351 Summer Street to move forward. The decision is not yet posted, but when it is, it will be posted here.

The board allowed all parties to speak for a few minutes each and then stated they'd heard enough before the final vote was rendered.

This means that the VFW currently at 371 Summer Street will be allowed to build a new facility that is completely up to building code, handicapped accessible, and a welcome new home for the veterans. It also means that the condo development will move ahead as well.

Meanwhile, the Dilboy Post has approval to reduce the size of the current function hall to a max capacity of 95 in order to be allowed to re-open. Re-opening should be soon but we have no firm, set date as of today.

That is all. Carry on.
  • Current Mood: ecstatic
  • Current Music: oxymoron
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Dilboy VFW Closed

Nov. 17th, 2011 01:56 pm
[identity profile] bombardiette.livejournal.com
Be aware that right now, the Dilboy VFW in Davis Square is closed indefinitely. This weekend's function was cancelled (we helped them find a new venue). We are currently working with city and state inspectors and architects however, without the new post we'd hoped to have done, things are unsure at this time.

I don't know yet what this means for any events scheduled down the road, but you cannot book our hall at this point in time until further notice.
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Pets in Need 14th Annual Silent Auction - Tomorrow!

Nov. 3rd, 2011 10:45 am
[identity profile] sungold123.livejournal.com
When: Friday, November 4, 2011; 7:00 – 9:00pm (Bidding closes at 8:30pm)
Where: Dilboy VFW Hall, Davis Square (371 Summer St., Somerville)

Items up for auction include a round trip ticket on Southwest Airlines, valuable Boston sports collectibles (featuring autographed memorabilia from the Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins!), stays at fashionable local hotels like the Liberty Hotel and the XV Beacon, passes to local museums, gift certificates to Boston area restaurants and much more – there is something for everyone in the family! There is no admission fee, and all ages are welcome. Refreshments will be donated by a number of local eateries. The Nahanton Avenue Band will be playing your favorite hits from the 80s, try your luck at the 50/50 raffle, and enjoy the cash bar! For more information and to see items up for auction, visit: www.petsinneedanimalrescue.org

Pets In Need is a small non-profit, no-kill adoption program run privately by volunteers who have joined together to save the unwanted and abandoned animals who have come across their path. All donations and adoption fees go directly to the animals.

Hope to see you there!
  • Current Mood: excited
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Geeky Halloween Party

Sep. 27th, 2011 10:52 am
[identity profile] spot.livejournal.com
The Boston Sci-Fi Meetup and the Nerd Fun Boston Meetup have teamed up to throw a Halloween Party in Davis that we're calling "The Party at the End of the Universe".

Important details:
* 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM on Friday October 14, 2011
* Dilboy VFW Hall in Davis Square
- Walking distance from the Davis T station
- Private fenced in and lit free parking lot adjacent to the VFW
* $25 per person
- Includes appetizers, candy, dinner, and dessert
- Food is catered by Dom's of Malden (Italian, including vegetarian and gluten-free options)
- Costume Contest with cash prizes (1st: $100)
- Cash bar with most drinks under $5
- Music, dancing, games, and more!

For more details, or to RSVP online:

http://www.meetup.com/boston-scifi/events/32016682/

You will have to join the Boston SciFi/Fantasy Meetup to RSVP, but it is free, and if you want to quit the meetup after the party, it will not hurt my feelings at all! Alternately, if you'd rather join Nerd Fun (also free, they have events that range from Science Lectures to Scavenger Hunts and all things in between), you can RSVP with them instead:

http://www.meetup.com/NerdFunBoston/events/32024842/

We have just under 50 people RSVPd so far, but I'm hoping to get to our maximum of 100 so that I don't take a big loss on this. Thanks!

( Pretty Flyer after the cut )
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Reminder - this Saturday: Swing the Night Away! George Dilboy VFW 7-11pm

Jun. 16th, 2011 07:53 pm
[identity profile] cmhoulahan.livejournal.com
An evening of music and dance to benefit A2Empowerment featuring Boston’s only all-women swing orchestra, The Mood Swings.

Saturday, June 18th
7pm - 11pm
George Dilboy VFW Post
371 Summer St.
Davis Square somerville

Dance instructor Liz Nania, of Out to Dance, will teach swing lessons starting at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 at the door. There will be a cash bar and a raffle of donated items. All ticket and raffle proceeds will be donated to A2Empowerment.

Refreshments kindly provided by Redbones, Dave's Fresh Pasta, Au Bon Pain and Whole Foods.

Raffle prizes include Red Sox tickets, baby sitting services and gift certificates to The Burren, Redbones, JP Lick's, Somerville Theater, Kickass Cupcakes, Game On, and Dave's Fresh Pasta.

A2Empowerment is a Somerville-based nonprofit company dedicated to empowering women through education. Since its establishment in 2008, the company has awarded over 150 scholarships to young women in Cameroon. The project is coordinated by A2Empowerment and Peace Corps Volunteers working in Cameroon. Recipients are chosen by A2Empowerment based on need and merit. Approximately $65 USD will cover tuition, fees and books for a year of school. The project is set up as a Peace Corps Partnership Project, so all funding is strictly monitored by the Peace Corps and A2Empowerment. To date, all company overhead costs have been covered by the company co-founders, allowing for the full amount of all donations to be put toward scholarships. To find out more, please visit our website at http://
www.a2empowerment.org/.

( View the flyer )
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Swing the Night Away! Saturday June 18th at George Dilboy VFW 7-11pm

May. 30th, 2011 11:31 am
[identity profile] cmhoulahan.livejournal.com
An evening of music and dance to benefit A2Empowerment featuring Boston's only all-women swing orchestra, The Mood Swings.

Saturday, June 18th
7pm - 11pm
George Dilboy VFW Post
371 Summer St.
Davis Square, Somerville

Dance instructor Liz Nania, of Out to Dance, will teach swing lessons starting at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20 at the door. There will be a cash bar and a raffle of donated items. All ticket and raffle proceeds will be donated to A2Empowerment.

A2Empowerment is a Somerville-based nonprofit company dedicated to empowering women through education. Since its establishment in 2008, the company has awarded over 150 scholarships to young women in Cameroon. The project is coordinated by A2Empowerment and Peace Corps Volunteers working in Cameroon. Recipients are chosen by A2Empowerment based on need and merit. Approximately $65 USD will cover tuition, fees and books for a year of school. The project is set up as a Peace Corps Partnership Project, so all funding is strictly monitored by the Peace Corps and A2Empowerment. To date, all company overhead costs have been covered by the company co-founders, allowing for the full amount of all donations to be put toward scholarships. To find out more, please visit our website at http://www.a2empowerment.org/.

( View the flier )
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Tom Nash story on the Summer Street condos

May. 4th, 2011 02:31 pm
[identity profile] buckturgidsen.livejournal.com
In case you missed it, part two of Tom Nash's expose on the developers behind the Summer Street condos / Dilboy Post project can be found here. Since we're all internet geniuses here on LJ, it's probably unnecessary to link part one. The condo/VFW proposal is going in front of the Zoning Board on May 18 (it has been postponed twice).
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Battle for Summer Street

Apr. 13th, 2011 11:31 am
[identity profile] amy-s1.livejournal.com
Interesting article on some potentially shady developers looking to build in that empty spot on Summer near Dilboy.


http://postsomerville.com/2011/04/11/the-battle-for-summer-street/#more-2762
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M.S. Benefit Show in Davis Square

Apr. 7th, 2011 01:12 pm
[identity profile] raigunn.livejournal.com
Hello, I'd like to let the community know about a benefit show that is happening in Davis Square tomorrow night.

This show is a benefit for the local M.S. Society and is sponsored by the Davis Square business Velir Studios.

It will be held at the Dilboy VFW Hall, Friday April 8th 8pm-Midnight. It features music from three local acts.

Headlining is Electric Mummy. Opening is Hex Map and Making The Noise. Admission is free, and a donation of $10 is recommended. This event is 21+

We are also looking for a guest speaker from the community to talk for a few minutes about M.S. if there is anyone interested. (email daniel@velir.com)

This website contains the full event details:
http://www.velir.com/ms-benefit/ms-benefit-2011.shtm

Thanks!

- Daniel
( Show Poster )
  • Current Location: United States, Somerville
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Condos / Summer Street MBTA Shaft Site

Mar. 24th, 2011 11:55 pm
[identity profile] buckturgidsen.livejournal.com
I haven't seen anyone post anything about the MBTA Shaft Site on Summer Street for a while, so here's an update. The developer was unable to build their previous concept -- a 14-unit condo building on the shaft site -- due to problems meeting conditions of their special permit. After suing the mayor and ward alderman in a last-ditch effort to meet the conditions of the permit, they disappeared for a few years only to come back with a new and much larger plan: a 31-unit building on the VFW parking lot. They're also building a new lodge for the VFW as part of a land swap.

The plans are here on the city's website, and apparently they'll be going in front of the Zoning Board in April. It looks like the city is rolling out the red carpet for them.

The people behind this proposal are the Dakota Partners guys, who own the shaft site and who I think have built 5 other buildings in Somerville: Belmont Terrace, Osgood Lofts, 23(?) Park Ave, a row of townhouses on Weston Ave, and 1188 Broadway. Some were built under the previous name of the firm Emerald Development. I realize that none of these other buildings are in Davis Sq, but does anyone out there live in one of these buildings and can share anything about what they're like to live in, or their experiences dealing with this developer?

I certainly would like to see that shaft site finally developed, but 31 units seems ridiculous. And while I'm happy to see the veterans finally get a new post, I can't understand how this deal makes sense for them. The vets are giving the developer all of their best real estate: the developer gets the current VFW Post (their portion of the building they currently share with the Winter Hill Bank) AND over 80% of the current VFW parking lot which is a prime street-front parcel in the central biz district zoning. And in return the VFW only gets the undesirable MBTA shaft site and a new lodge. I can't see why the vets would go along with this.
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