The Somerville News Blog

Healthcare Reform is one of those issues that resonates with just about everyone - and creates discussion and debate amongst those who feel strongly about it. President Obama made a promise that he would bring it to the House and Senate by the end of the year, and he did exactly that. Passing the House the other day with five votes to spare seems like it was close, but, when the Senate takes up the issue, which most likely won't be until after the first of the year, five votes will probably seem like a thousand.

As recently as the 1970s, most issues that affected a large majority of people would generate much public debate and involvement in the democratic process of electing people to represent us - local, county, state and national. The number of small PDS-like types of grassroots organizations throughout the 1970s and into the very early 1980s was amazing to watch if you were lucky enough to have lived here during that time.

After that, public interest on a local level seemed to wane around here. Maybe it was the crazed '80s that kept us all so busy we didn't notice things happening around us. Low voter turnout, still to this day, is somehow translated by some to mean people are "happy with things the way they are."

Don't buy it - the real heart of the problem is simply that people are too busy trying to stay afloat to notice every single issue. It seemed so shocking at the time when the Mystic View Task Force took up the fight to put Assembly Square on the right track - like they were fighting the "old boy network" on some level. It seemed even more shocking when other small politically-based movements started to pop up here and there, some managing to take hold of different segments of the voting population.

That's the problem - none of this is new - and none of it should be simply dismissed as "old" vs. "new" Somerville. We all live here, and see the changes that are happening. Some of us more than others, and that's okay - but maybe we can start coming together on more issues instead of being divisive and perpetuating myths and trying to act like we all don't want the same things - safe schools for our children, adequate police and fire protection, honest representation in local government. Maybe then we can work in the little things that we selectively desire from an ideological standpoint - collaboratively, not closed-mindedly.

We have to start be being more involved - not just blow the roof off the barn because parking times were lowered and fees were raised, not just because our property taxes have gone up, not just because one person favors a certain set of ideological principles over the next person. There has to be more collaboration, cooperation and working together to get these types of things moving in the right direction.

It starts by going out to vote, especially if you can't spend time working with a local community group, sit on a local board, or put yourself out there by running for office. It's not just your right, it's your responsibility to those people, like them or not, agree with them or not, that put themselves out there every day and night - the true believers that we can make a change right here, right now. We did it when we elected Barack Obama President - we can certainly do it when it comes to local elections.

Public gets final hearing on Broadway rezoning tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c392053ef0128757ae268970c 2009-11-11T06:01:00-05:00 2009-11-11T06:01:00-05:00
~Photo by Beecher Tuttle By Beecher Tuttle Armed with suggestions, a small group of residents attending the last public hearing on the rezoning of the Broadway Corridor was largely in favor of changes the city hopes will attract new development. The Nov. 5 hearing, held jointly by the Board of Aldermen Land Use Committee and the Somerville Planning Board, saw six residents speak in favor of the proposal that would revitalize Broadway. The plan prepared by the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development will expand zoning policy in the hope of attracting new commercial development to help revitalize the...
James Norton

~Photo by Beecher Tuttle

By Beecher Tuttle

Armed with suggestions, a small group of residents attending the last public hearing on the rezoning of the Broadway Corridor was largely in favor of changes the city hopes will attract new development.

The Nov. 5 hearing, held jointly by the Board of Aldermen Land Use Committee and the Somerville Planning Board, saw six residents speak in favor of the proposal that would revitalize Broadway.

The plan prepared by the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development will expand zoning policy in the hope of attracting new commercial development to help revitalize the Winter Hill and Sullivan Square areas.

"It is not financially feasible to redevelop under the current zoning ordinances," said Rob May, Somerville's director of Economic Development.

The plan will allow businesses to expand the square area of their property through an increase in the allowable height and density of buildings along the Broadway corridor. Depending upon the particular district, the maximum allowable height of a commercial building will increase anywhere from five to 20 feet compared to current zoning standards.

Comments from both officials and residents focused on Winter Hill, expressing the need to bring new business to the area.

"Winter Hill is struggling," said Monica Lamboy, executive director of OSPCD. "The truth is, people just aren't shopping there anymore."

"Winter Hill has a very tired look," Ward 4 Alderman Walter Pero added. "It needs revitalization, it needs this kind of zoning to bring in new activity. With the Green Line coming, I think the rezoning will add great residential and commercial developments to the area and be a value to the larger community here in Somerville."

Carrie Dancy, executive director of non-profit East Somerville Main Streets, said the new zoning guidelines would help create a walkable corridor that is more community centric.

"There is no continuity to Broadway," Dancy said. "We are really only a destination district right now. People come, they get what they need, and they get back in their car and leave. In order to create the vibrancy that we are looking for, we need more continuity."

Other residents said the need to bring in different kinds of businesses to the area, especially after the closing of the Star Market.

"You only need so many sub shops," Erika Tarlin said. "We need a new market and we really need to give the area a little kick."

The OSPCD's plan will also coincide with a finalized "streetscaping" program set to begin soon. Funding has been allocated to the Broadway corridor to create single lanes, "aesthetic" medians, and more pedestrian-friendly sidewalks.

"Great streets are not just about businesses, but also about the community space next to it," Lamboy said. "By having great buildings with pedestrian oriented details, you get the sense of a great street."

Among the concerns raised was the Board's warning that the OSPCD balance the "utopic" and the "practical" aspects of initiatives - specifically, ensuring enough parking spaces in any new development. The OSPCD plans to give new businesses the option of payment in lieu of mandatory parking spaces, with the money going into a fund for municipal parking spaces.

With the public hearing process now closed, the Planning Board will give its recommendation on the rezoning plans to the Board of Aldermen in early 2010.

Leave them there! tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c392053ef0128757ae6ae970c 2009-11-11T06:00:00-05:00 2009-11-11T10:56:10-05:00
Jimmy Del Ponte On The Silly Side (The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.) Saturday morning: Remember when dad would be raking the leaves and he would let you jump into the pile? I don't. I don't remember my dad ever raking leaves, but I do recall jumping into piles of leaves somewhere. Maybe it was up Powder House Park. We also used to fill Johnnies Foodmaster bags with acorns for...
James Norton

Jimmy Del Ponte
On The Silly Side

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

Saturday morning:

Remember when dad would be raking the leaves and he would let you jump into the pile? I don't. I don't remember my dad ever raking leaves, but I do recall jumping into piles of leaves somewhere. Maybe it was up Powder House Park. We also used to fill Johnnies Foodmaster bags with acorns for the sole purpose of whipping them at each other. I still have a rake in the cellar that is at least 40 years old. I have it used it to rake the leaves out from in between the shrubs and plants in the spring, but rarely in the fall. It is kept mainly as a museum piece.

But today is the day that I might rake some leaves in my yard, and afterward I may trim the two trees out front. It is a duty I perform each spring and every Fall. I even borrowed the guy next door's big extended-length trimmer (I have a shorter version), but it has been in my side hall for almost three weeks. Today may be the day. The day after the tree clipping leaves the old body pretty sore. It's all that reaching and stretching to get the top leaves on the trees. But it is time, I fear. When the tree branches are cut they will need to be picked up and stuffed into the waste barrels and yard bags. I hate that part even more. It's all that bending.

The city will be picking up yard waste pretty regularly for the next several weeks so I have no excuses. Yes I do - I hate raking leaves. Everywhere you look are "Complete Yard Care" companies blowing, raking and gathering leaves from peoples properties. It must be nice to be able to have someone do that work for you. I actually have a friend who has a thriving business which he started with just one lawn mower.

Here is my philosophy: the word is "leave." The Lord is trying to tell us something. "Leave" them there. Didn't you ever hear of mulch? I have never, ever raked the leaves from my yard in the Fall. But miraculously, every spring, most have disintegrated and the rest I can rake easily, because they are shriveled, wet and rotted. Some would say, that raking leaves is a job for my two able-bodied sons! I say, getting them to take the dog out and put their dirty socks in the hamper are major accomplishments and I don't want to push it.

I'm saving up the favors when it comes to those two. I may need them to actually carry, lift, push, roll or pull me in the future when I am shriveled, wet and rotted.

It is now 8am on Saturday morning. I am going to make some coffee and take out the dog (the boys won't be up until at least 10am). Then I will attempt to straighten up this pigpen we live in. I will empty the dishwasher and the clothes dryer. I will get back to you later on either the success, or failure, of the tree trimming and perhaps a little raking. Remember, it's Saturday and there is a lot of college football on!

Saturday night:

I spent three hours with the tree pruning thing and my muscles are aching (I know, wah wah!). I would jump into a nice hot Jacuzzi if the gaskets were not worn away. The last time I tried using it, it leaked through the floor and flooded the first floor bathroom. The boys actually surprised the heck out of me by doing a great job of cleaning and straightening up the house. I jammed the cuttings into a barrel and two yard bags, but I did not do any raking.

My neighbors have been vigilant about raking over the last few weeks and the leaves just keep coming back. They are not finished falling yet - it is still Fall, after all. I may drag the rake out when the trees are close to bare. I'll clear the leaves off my sidewalk and stairs if it poses a walking hazard, but that's it. Why break a decades-long tradition of not raking? If you can't find your gloves, you will end up with a blister or two on your hands from the rake. All sensible signs point to leaving the leaves there.

There is, of course, the neatness factor to consider. The neighbors properties do look nicer after the leaves are picked up, but it is only November 11th and the trees are still dropping their colorful gifts. At Powder House Park it is basically raining leaves. To me it's crazy to rake until the leaves have stopped falling, not that I 'm going to rake at all.

I never watched the game on Saturday, which is just as well, seeing as how Notre Dame lost. So as Frankie said in the 80's: "Relax, don't do it," unless you want to. Come Spring they will miraculously be gone anyway. I 'm not raking unless I get the uncontrollable urge to jump into a pile of leaves. You can email Jimmy directly at jimmydel@rcn.net.
Rosemary Nolan awarded Tina DeLellis Distinguished Service Award tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c392053ef0128757ae12f970c 2009-11-11T06:00:00-05:00 2009-11-11T06:00:00-05:00
Pictured from left to right: Carla DeLellis, from Johnny D's in Davis Square, and Rosemary Nolan, of Sillari Realty. By Cathleen Twardzik The First Annual Tina DeLellis Luncheon took place at The Highland Kitchen on October 30. DeLellis, who passed away last year, ran Johnny D's, which has been an important community partner of the coalition for numerous years, according to a press release. The requirements for consideration of the Tina DeLellis Distinguished Service Award include the reasons for its inception --- "to keep the memory of Tina DeLellis alive and to thank someone who embodies Tina's spirit and values...
James Norton

Pictured from left to right: Carla DeLellis, from Johnny D's in Davis Square, and Rosemary Nolan, of Sillari Realty.

By Cathleen Twardzik

The First Annual Tina DeLellis Luncheon took place at The Highland Kitchen on October 30. DeLellis, who passed away last year, ran Johnny D's, which has been an important community partner of the coalition for numerous years, according to a press release.

The requirements for consideration of the Tina DeLellis Distinguished Service Award include the reasons for its inception --- "to keep the memory of Tina DeLellis alive and to thank someone who embodies Tina's spirit and values of straight-shooting, honesty and fairness." said Mark Alston-Follansbee, Executive Director of the Somerville Homeless Coalition.

Rosemary Nolan of Sillari Realty recently received the first award, which was presented by Gene Brune, Register of Deeds and former Mayor of Somerville. "Nolan was the first person willing to take a chance on renting the Somerville Homeless Coalition an apartment for one of our clients. She always told us the truth [and] told us if she thought we were making a mistake --- but she is always fair and willing to work with us."

The process of how DeLellis and Johnny D's became involved is interesting. "There used to be a wild bar in the space where Orleans is now. They had a beer run to raise money for the coalition, but then they got shut down. Johnny D's knew we needed that money and decided to take over the race," he said.

However, "80 percent of our funding comes from public sources like HUD, the state and the City of Somerville." Then, the coalition must raise the remaining funds. Johnny D's is the chief sponsor of the annual Road Race, which brings in some revenue for the organization.

Initially, the coalition began in the 1980s, with their "Adult Shelter for individual adults." Located in the College Avenue United Methodist Church basement. That was soon followed by the opening a Family Shelter, which is located in the Hispanic Seventh Day Adventist Church.

In the mid 90s, Project SOUP "joined the Coalition" and was the first community meal program in New England, according to Alston-Follansbee. In the following year, 1997, "We received our first federal grant to provide case management to any homeless person, family or individual in Somerville." A few years later the coalition's initial permanent housing program began.

Since 2007, funds from the United Way have become available "to prevent people from becoming homeless or to get them re-housed ASAP, if they are homeless," he said.

Currently, the coalition aids 125 families and individuals --- all of whom inhabit 80 apartments. Beyond the City of Somerville, the communities to which the organization's services extend include: Arlington, Medford, Belmont and Winchester.

However, the coalition "just received word from the state that the administration may cut our Adult Shelter budget by 15 percent, which would be disastrous and be a loss of over $34,000 a year," said Alston-Follansbee.

On a more positive note, the coalition holds events that focus on the issues with which homeless individuals deal. Additionally, money is raised on such occasions to ensure that the organization's programs continue. "Our next big event will be April 24 at the Arts at the Armory for our 25th Anniversary," he said.
TheSomervilleNews.com poll of the week tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c392053ef0128757ae048970c 2009-11-11T06:00:00-05:00 2009-11-11T06:00:00-05:00
In addition to breaking news, sports and opinion, TheSomervilleNews.com also features a daily poll in which you, the reader, tell us where you come down on local issues. This week's polls oncerned your views on the election and if you agreed with the results to keep all the alderman incumbents in office and if you were in favor of a proposed bill that will prohibit the severing of vocal cords to remove the voice of a dog or cat. If you don't agree with the results, simply log onto TheSomervilleNews.com
James Norton

In addition to breaking news, sports and opinion, TheSomervilleNews.com also features a daily poll in which you, the reader, tell us where you come down on local issues. This week's polls oncerned your views on the election and if you agreed with the results to keep all the alderman incumbents in office and if you were in favor of a proposed bill that will prohibit the severing of vocal cords to remove the voice of a dog or cat. If you don't agree with the results, simply log onto TheSomervilleNews.com
Somerville con man to serve up to 12 years tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c392053ef0128757adf54970c 2009-11-11T06:00:00-05:00 2009-11-11T10:46:35-05:00
Photo Courtesy of U.S. Marshals By Aaron Crear John Baldasaro, of Somerville, was sentenced in Cheshire County Superior Court this week to six to 12 years in prison for bilking two New Hampshire business men out of nearly $10,000 by posing at a U.S. Marshal. Baldasaro told two convenience store owners he was investigating false currency that had been passed through the business. He ordered them to turn over large amounts of cash for authentication. Under a plea agreement with prosecutors, Baldasaro pleaded guilty to two felony counts of theft by deception. In exchange two counts of kidnapping and one...
James Norton

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Marshals

By Aaron Crear

John Baldasaro, of Somerville, was sentenced in Cheshire County Superior Court this week to six to 12 years in prison for bilking two New Hampshire business men out of nearly $10,000 by posing at a U.S. Marshal.

Baldasaro told two convenience store owners he was investigating false currency that had been passed through the business. He ordered them to turn over large amounts of cash for authentication.

Under a plea agreement with prosecutors, Baldasaro pleaded guilty to two felony counts of theft by deception. In exchange two counts of kidnapping and one count of robbery were dismissed.

Bladasaro is also accused of posing as a federal agent in Somerville and Cambridge and stealing thousands of dollars in a fraudulent car sales scheme. He is alleged to have carried a handgun during his impersonations of police officers and federal agents.

In all of his schemes, prosecutors say Baldasaro used intimidation and his impersonated authority to get his victims to comply with his orders.

Baldasaro was apprehended in New York City in May after fleeing New England to avoid capture.

He could also face trial in Maine and Vermont in addition to possible federal charges, including armed robbery, kidnapping and parole violations. He was previously convicted of robbery in Vermont and was released in 2008 after serving 12 years.

Deputy U.S. Marshal Jeffrey White said in a statement he is pleased that a lengthy sentence was handed down.

"This sentence is just," he said. "He's a repeat offender. Hopefully this will send a message that these criminal actions will not be tolerated."
On Election Day, the Only Real Losers Were the Ones Who Didn't Vote tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c392053ef0120a6790023970b 2009-11-11T06:00:00-05:00 2009-11-11T10:54:59-05:00
By Joseph A. Curtatone (The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.) In my election eve auto-call, I said that every election is important - and I meant it. Through good economic times and bad, in crisis or in calm, every voter has a major impact on the quality of the life, the health, the opportunity and the future of the entire community and everyone in it. While my phone call to...
James Norton

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

In my election eve auto-call, I said that every election is important - and I meant it. Through good economic times and bad, in crisis or in calm, every voter has a major impact on the quality of the life, the health, the opportunity and the future of the entire community and everyone in it.

While my phone call to Somerville voters was political - I was running unopposed but I still wanted to ask for your vote - it was also intended to get everyone to the polls. Voting is the most fundamental expression of citizenship in a democracy. I don't agree with the old saying, "If you don't vote, you can't complain" (everyone complains anyway, and most office-holders still listen), but it's undeniable that voters get the final word on the direction of public policy..

So what conclusions can we draw from this election? Well, turnout of just over 18 percent of registered voters is pretty low, and reflects the continuing long-term decline in voter participation in non-presidential elections in Somerville. There's really no excuse for this: our local government is about as open and accessible as it gets, yet fewer people are choosing to run and fewer people are choosing to vote. It shouldn't be that way. Our city's population is getting better educated and more affluent. We're seeing gratifying numbers of residents participate in ResiStat and volunteer for community events and projects of all kinds. Yet none of that has translated into direct participation in our most basic act of self-government.

I have also heard it said that there may be another factor at work here: in hard economic times, when difficult choices have to be made at every level of government, fewer people want the job of elected official. That troubles me, because at no time are the stakes higher and the need for leadership greater than when we face an economic or social crisis.

But that brings me to the positive side of interpreting these election results. Our Board of Aldermen and School Committee have both had to make some hard decisions over the past two years, and they have shown real courage and resolve. The fact that many aldermen and school committee members were unopposed - and that, with one notable exception, those who faced opposition handily defeated their opponents - suggests to me that Somerville is generally satisfied with the quality of leadership it is receiving from its elected officials.

In the one close race this year - for the Ward 4 School Committee seat - there were two strong candidates. Both worked hard, with the challenger, Christine Rafal, winning a narrow but convincing victory over my friend, incumbent Jamie Norton. Both candidates can be proud of the level of interest they generated, and there can be no doubt that Christine is a well-qualified and energetic candidate. The day after the election, Jamie wrote on Facebook that he was "sure Christine Rafal will do an excellent job representing Ward 4 on the School Committee." I echo his sentiments.

As for my own re-election, I am humbled and honored that - despite the fact that I was unopposed - fully 80 percent of those who cast a ballot last Tuesday took the time to vote for me. The last time I ran unopposed, in 2005, only 70 percent of the participating voters formally affirmed their support for me. It's nice to know that, even when they disagree with me about specific issues, Somerville's voters still have my back. Believe me, I don't take that support for granted, and will continue to do my very best to honor the trust placed in me as mayor.

I look forward to working closely with the Board of Aldermen and the School Committee as we face two more challenging and busy years. With the continuing pressures on local budgets, it won't be easy to maintain the progress we've made in improving our schools, expanding city services, and promoting long-term transit and economic development projects like Assembly Square, but we have to try - and I am grateful to be able to work with such a strong, seasoned and courageous group of elected officials.

I also want to offer a word of appreciation to the unsuccessful candidates who showed their commitment to our city by standing for office. While they may not have been voted into office, their willingness to serve and their concern for their fellow residents make all of them winners.

Last Wednesday night at the annual Chamber of Commerce dinner (a big success, by the way), keynote speaker Darnell Williams, President of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, quoted Theodore Roosevelt's famous observation that "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena . . . who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat."

The only real losers in this election are the ones who didn't care enough to get involved - or even to vote. I am profoundly grateful to the voters who give us the opportunity and the privilege of serving this great city. No matter how you voted, you are all winners - and I hope your ranks will grow in the difficult years ahead.
Somerville veterans remembered tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c392053ef0120a678fe0c970b 2009-11-11T06:00:00-05:00 2009-11-11T10:52:18-05:00
~Photos by Bobbie Toner Family, friends, elected officials and veterans gathered last Saturday to name the corner of Powder House Boulevard and Dow Street to name it as a square honoring WWII navy veteran Joseph R. Duffy.
James Norton

~Photos by Bobbie Toner

Family, friends, elected officials and veterans gathered last Saturday to name the corner of Powder House Boulevard and Dow Street to name it as a square honoring WWII navy veteran Joseph R. Duffy.

Volunteers and non-profits work to help people who are at risk of losing their homes tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c392053ef012875620d9c970c 2009-11-07T06:01:00-05:00 2009-11-07T21:43:49-05:00
David Fillingham of Belmont and Todd Kaplan, an attorney for Cambridge & Somerville Legal Services volunteered on Sunday to talk to residents at risk for foreclosure. ~Photo by Julia Fairclough By Julia Fairclough As Weimin Tchen set out last Sunday to talk to Somerville residents in danger of losing their homes he carried a folder loaded with pamphlets and lists of resources, wearing a green name tag showing he was a Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) volunteer. "It's more practical for tenants if they negotiate, rather than foreclose, but many people don't know that," said Tchen, a Melrose resident....
James Norton

David Fillingham of Belmont and Todd Kaplan, an attorney for Cambridge & Somerville Legal Services volunteered on Sunday to talk to residents at risk for foreclosure. ~Photo by Julia Fairclough

By Julia Fairclough

As Weimin Tchen set out last Sunday to talk to Somerville residents in danger of losing their homes he carried a folder loaded with pamphlets and lists of resources, wearing a green name tag showing he was a Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) volunteer.

"It's more practical for tenants if they negotiate, rather than foreclose, but many people don't know that," said Tchen, a Melrose resident.

It's also a pretty complicated process that a lot of people don't understand, said CAAS intern Emma Dillon.

CAAS and the Cambridge & Somerville Legal Services (CSLS) Sunday went door-to-door for a foreclosure outreach campaign to talk to tenants and owners on the foreclosure list about their rights and how it may be possible for them to stay in their homes. About a dozen volunteers appeared for the information and training session before heading out armed with the list of homeowners who CAAS and CSLS identified as being in one of the stages of foreclosure. The list came from public records that were printed in local newspapers.

There are 161 properties in Somerville in the various stages of foreclosure, said April Kuehnhoff, an attorney-to-be (she just passed the bar exam) for CSLS. Of those, 17 are bank owned, 17 have been resold to private individuals, 37 have had foreclosure auctions scheduled and 90 have had orders sent of the intent to foreclose (with no further process) sent to them.

CAAS has been tracking evictions for about 15 years, and typically they see about one or two this year, said Melissa McWhinney, the CAAS director of outreach. To see 161 homes pop up on the foreclosure schedule list was alarming, which led CAAS and CSLS to reach out to tenants.

Somerville is faring better than many other communities, such as Chelsea, Dorchester, Lynn, Lowell, and other parts of Boston, McWhinney said. Somerville property values have been fairly stable during this past year's housing crisis. When homes are sold at inflated prices, but valued at less than what they are bought for, that is when communities get into trouble, she said. Somerville has not seen those fluctuations.

The foreclosure process is complicated, and takes a long time. That is why volunteers were instructed to tell people that CAAS and CSLS will hold a meeting on Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the CAAS office at 66-70 Union Square to answer questions. Lawyers will also be present. It takes about a year from when a person first misses a mortgage payment to when they receive an eviction notice, though it really varies due to the numerous stages that occur (see sidebar below).

Rachel Bedick, CAAS' outreach organizer, said it's nerve wracking when first knocking on doors. Some owners may not even know their homes are being foreclosed, even after it's published.

Volunteers were armed with flyers in four languages-English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole. They also had language booklets with key phrases and to help them identify what languages people might be speaking if they were unsure.

The residents were told to relay how CAAS and CSLS can help people stay in their homes, find rental assistance, seek advice, or refer them to another source who could help them. The volunteers also stressed that the foreclosure process is lengthy, and that no one would be kicked out of their home in the near future.

Ari Daniel Shapiro lives around the corner from the CAAS office. He showed up on Sunday to knock on doors to support his community and gain a better understanding of the diversity that exists outside his doorstep.

"It's a big issue," he said. "I just wanted to be a part of it."

You can reach CAAS at (617)-623-1392 or rbedick@caasomerville.org.

A sample foreclosure timeline
Note: Each states' foreclosure law differs so here is a general time line of the process.

1. Missed payment-Usually the mortgage payment is due the first of the month. A late fee is assessed after the 15th day of the month.

2. Demand letter- After the 60 days of missed payments a demand letter is sent to the homeowner in attempts to collect and giving them 30 days to resolve the delinquent amount.

3. Notice of default- After 90 days of missed payment, the loan is transferred to the foreclosure department. The notice of default is then recorded with the county the property is located in and mailed out to the homeowner within ten days the default is recorded. The homeowner is given 90 days from the recorded date to resolve the default.

4. Notice of Sale- If after 90 days from the recorded date, the default is not resolved then a notice of sale will be recorded. This notice states that the lender will sell the property in 21 days. The copy of the notice will be sent to the homeowner, posted in the county paper for three consecutive weeks and at the county courthouse.

5. Trustee Sale- After 21 to 25 days of the notice of sale, the property is sold at a foreclosure sale or auction.

6. Real Estate Owned- when a property is not sold at auction, then the lender lists the property with an REO broker.

7. Eviction- if the property is sold to the highest bidder, then the eviction process starts for the foreclosed owners.

Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kayla_Hoang

Where it's Veteran's Day all year long tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c392053ef012875620e98970c 2009-11-06T06:00:00-05:00 2009-11-06T06:00:00-05:00
Jimmy Del Ponte On The Silly Side (The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.) We celebrate Veteran's Day on Nov. 11, but I found a place where it's Veterans Day, every day. I spent about an hour at Tony Matarazzo's Barber shop at 294 Broadway the other day, but I didn't get a haircut. What I did get was a refreshed feeling of patriotism and pride, and a renewed appreciation for...
James Norton

Jimmy Del Ponte
On The Silly Side

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

We celebrate Veteran's Day on Nov. 11, but I found a place where it's Veterans Day, every day.

I spent about an hour at Tony Matarazzo's Barber shop at 294 Broadway the other day, but I didn't get a haircut. What I did get was a refreshed feeling of patriotism and pride, and a renewed appreciation for the courageous veterans that fought to keep us free. On a table in Tony's Barber shop is what is known as the Armed Forces Honor Roll book. It is a neatly assembled collection of photographs, newspaper clippings, discharge papers, family shots, and even Western Union telegrams, all telling a the story of the brave veterans from the Winter Hill neighborhood. Phil Vozella, who is also a barber at Tony's explained why the book was started and why it is so important. "These are neighborhood guys, customers, and friends who answered the call of duty and served their nation. There are photos of veterans from World War I, World War ll, Korea, Viet Nam, Desert Storm, and even Afghanistan and Iraq. Bob Quinn, a Korean War Vet, just did the whole book over. The plastic sleeves and easy to read text make it an extremely interesting and easy to read collection.

One of the most prestigious entries is that of retired four-star Gen. John Sheehan from Putnam Rd in the Ten Hills Area. He was one of 13 children and his dad drove a truck for First National foods. The General's father was known as "The Irish Whip" because of his softball pitching talent. The General used to cut the hedges at St Polycarp Church. You can hear many more stories at the barber shop.

Tony Matarazzo himself volunteered for the Navy when he was just 16 years old. Tony tells stories of his fellow veterans like they just happened yesterday.

There is a section showing the Wilson brothers, who all served in Korea and returned safely to Somerville. There was Fredrick, Woodrow, Walter and William who I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with at the barber shop. William turned out to be an old friend who I hadn't seen in about 30 years. "Willie" is a four- time commander of Post 299 in Cambridge.

There is a wonderful picture the five Shea brothers -- John, Richard, Edward, Robert and Albert. Fred Solberg's story is pretty exciting, he escaped from a POW camp twice. He ran Fred's Hardware on Marshall Street and Broadway for years.

As Phil says, "It is a book to tell the story of our local boys who served their country in time of need." The book is a testimonial that serves as a reminder of the bravery and unselfish dedication of the servicemen from the Winter Hill area.

You can see a great photo of Vic Leone in the book. Yes, the same Vic Leone from Leones Sub and Pizza!

Some of the names and photos in the book are: Tony and Nick Cortese, Emilio Caizzi, Joe Vigliotti, Arthur Harrington, Vito Capello, John S. Hayes, Bob Haley and Retired Full Colonel Joseph W. Mercuri of the Nation Guard.

Phil tells this story , which is one of the most exciting I heard during my visit. On their landing craft heading to the invasion of Okinawa, John "Hard Rock" Burns, along with many other somber servicemen were quiet. Also on board was Corpsman George Doherty. "Hardrock" say, "Hey, I'm the only one who thought ahead and brought his own funeral director!" The funny line eased the tension of the moment. George Doherty of course went on to run the Funeral Home in Power House Square.

It is Phil and Tony's wish that the people of the neighborhood, especially the younger generation, look at the book and understand the sacrifices that their fellow citizens made for their country. Phil Vozella is a human encyclopedia on Somerville Veterans history. It was a pleasure and an honor spending an hour with them.

I walked out of Tony Matarazzo's barber shop with a feeling of deep appreciation for what our brave veterans did for our nation. Go to Tony's and check out the Armed Forces Honor Roll Book. If you get a haircut there you will look great on the outside and feel even better on the inside .

Let's not forget to keep in our hearts and prayers, the many dedicated and brave servicemen and women, who are serving our country and preserving our freedom right now.

There are three different Veteran's events for the month of November:

Street dedication: Joseph Duffy, father of Patrolman Paul Duffy, Saturday Nov. 7th 11 a.m. corner of Powderhouse Blvd. and Dow St.

Annual dinner honoring police and firefighters of the year: Tuesday, Nov. 10th 7 p.m. American Legion Post #19 124 Highland Ave. (names have been submitted for citations)

Annual Veterans Day ceremony: Wednesday, Nov. 11 10 a.m. VFW George Dilboy Post #529 371 Summer St.

Planning officials envision the Mystic River as a major recreational area in the near future tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341c392053ef012875620c9e970c 2009-11-05T06:01:00-05:00 2009-11-07T21:42:03-05:00
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council says it will continue efforts to clean the Mystic River. ~Photo by Bobbie Toner By Julia Fairclough Planners last week outlined six strategies to create and develop open space and to connect trails along the lower Mystic River corridor, as part of an ongoing project to maximize this valuable recreational resource. During a forum to solicit feedback on the work of the Lower Mystic River Corridor Strategy project last Wednesday night, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) planners unveiled Phase 2 of the project that began in 2007. The purpose of the project, planned for the...
James Norton

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council says it will continue efforts to clean the Mystic River. ~Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Julia Fairclough

Planners last week outlined six strategies to create and develop open space and to connect trails along the lower Mystic River corridor, as part of an ongoing project to maximize this valuable recreational resource.

During a forum to solicit feedback on the work of the Lower Mystic River Corridor Strategy project last Wednesday night, Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) planners unveiled Phase 2 of the project that began in 2007. The purpose of the project, planned for the cities of Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, and Somerville, is to bring the neglected waterway that encompasses 76 square miles of watershed (though the project is restricted to the six-city area) from the Lower Mystic Lake all the way up to East Boston.

"This area has not realized its full potential," said Mayor Joseph Curtatone, before introducing MAPC planners. "We have a river that we can use as a regional asset. It's exciting to undergo this study."

Thus far, the project's steering committee has met six times, and last unveiled it's progress during a public form in Everett last January. This meeting outlined the six strategies that the steering committee has come up with since then. A synopsis of some key points are as follows:

1. Acquire, protect, enhance, and link regionally significant open space parcels-While the Mystic River Reservation is fairly complete in Medford, there is much less open space in the lower reaches of the river. The steering committee identified ten parcels, including the Assembly Square area (1.5 acres of DCR-owned upland currently used only seasonally for boat storage) and the Sullivan Square connector trail (a new pedestrian link between Draw 7 Park and the Route 99 Bridge).

2. Enhance and encourage sustainable development and redevelopment along the corridor-Development along the Mystic River has historically been industrial. The six cities have identified important developments currently underway, such as the Assembly Square mixed-use plan and the Rivers Edge project in Everett, Medford and Malden. These projects should use green building, native landscaping, and trail construction. MAPC should also provide an analysis of Brownfield priorities.

3. Improve access to and along the river through the development of water transportation, public transit, roadway improvements, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations-Priority transportation projects include the Green Line Extension to Route 16, the I-93/Mystic Avenue Interchange, and the Orange Line station at Assembly Square.

4. Work with regional partners to influence policy and ensure that agencies and organizations have sufficient resources to effect change on the Mystic River-Elements of this strategy include asking the MAPC to work with the Environmental Protection Agency (as the EPA recently began a new Mystic River Initiative in April 2008), asking the MAPC and six cities to work with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, and with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to work on eliminating combined sewer overflows.

5. Develop and advocate for a strong legislative response to Mystic River needs-The state Legislature is a critical partner to revitalize the lower Mystic River. MAPC and the six cities can work to create a Mystic River Water Quality Commission that includes full city representation (originally House Bill 841 in the 2007-2008 Legislative session). The bill has been refiled for the 2009-2010 session and pending a final bill number.

6. Develop and maintain an information clearinghouse-Although many agencies involved in the Mystic River issues maintain Web sites, information must collaboratively reach the public.

Visit www.mapc.org to access a PDF of this report, which describes the above in detail, and also contains various maps of the region. Look to the "Smart Growth" tab on the left of the home page, and scroll down to the Mystic River project, and the array of PDFs.

Part of initiative number six has already been completed. MAPC recently developed a "dynamic" map of the lower Mystic, also located at www.mapc.org. In addition, MAPC recently updated its Web page to make it more user-friendly, and has been working on a more robust email list, said Joan Blaustein, MAPC's project manager.

The MAPC is proud of its interactive map, which people can zoom into, move around, and zoom out to see how the Mystic River project relates to surrounding neighborhoods. Blaustein asked the audience to play around with the map, and contact her if there are any suggestions to improve it. The map also contains links to other ongoing projects, such as the Green Line Extension.

Marc Draisen, the MAPC executive director, said that two lessons learned thus far come to mind. First, cities and towns must work together to figure out what will work for the major corridors, which includes the riverway.

"The Charles River received a good amount of attention, but we haven't paid attention to this riverway," Draisen said. "I know that money is tight, and that we can't fund everything right away, but we can use this time to prioritize."

Second, people need to focus on the future needs, he said, again, stressing prioritizing. "Planning is only as good as the implementation that follows it," he said, adding that this night was the kick off for the implementation phase.

People in the audience mainly asked about land acquisition issues-including whether land could be taken to revert it back to its natural habitat-and toxic waste, pollution, and water run-off issues.

Blaustein said that the MAPC is working with the Mystic River Watershed Association to assess water quality data and zeroing in on any "hot spots." The MAPC has looked at a host of land acquisition issues and prioritized where they can make the most progress. They are open to hearing from people about other acquisition possibilities, Blaustein aid.

"It is easy for us to prioritize open space," Draisen said. "If our map can help us find critical Brownfields, if a site appears to be useful, then we prioritize it. We can clean it up and use it in a more recreational way. It is difficult to get listings of Brownfield sites, because such a list, unfortunately, does not exist."