The City of Somerville’s newly formed Memorialization Committee, which will name public assets like buildings, streets, and parks, is accepting applications for two resident positions. The Committee will also develop policies and procedures to follow when choosing names. The committee will meet when needed to name a public asset and meetings could begin as early as this summer. Appointees will serve a two-year term and must be confirmed by the City Council.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone today announced an additional $1.5 million in rental assistance for Somerville residents experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding, which is provided by the federal CARES Act, will be distributed to local nonprofits to support rental assistance for low- and moderate-income households.

After a collaborative effort by Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, local salon and barbershop owners, the Somerville Board of Health, and City staff, a reopening timeline and safety requirements are now in place for Somerville hair service providers. Establishments will be allowed to reopen on June 1 on the condition that they submit compliant safety plans to the City, follow all safety requirements in the State’s reopening plan, and, until further notice, do not offer blow-drying.

This week I was outraged, saddened, and then outraged again by the killing of George Floyd, who died begging for his life as a police officer knelt on his neck. Mr. Floyd joins the far too long list of black Americans who have been killed because they were black. The circumstances surrounding the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many others were different but the root cause was the same - racism. 

• Washington Street Bridge/Underpass near McGrath Highway to Reopen May 31

• Broadway Bridge in Ball Square Scheduled to Reopen First Week of June

City buildings will remain closed to the public beyond Monday, June 1. In the coming weeks, some City offices may begin to reopen for in-person business. More details will be shared as they become available.

As a reminder, all City-sponsored and permitted events are canceled through the end of the year. Many City services are still available online and 311 is available 24 hours a day to answer any questions or for service requests. You can find more information on the City’s COVID-19 response at www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus.

The City of Somerville will hold a virtual information session and public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2021 water and sewer rates on Thursday, June 11. The information session will start at 6 p.m. and the public hearing will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. Anyone who would like to testify is welcome to attend. Written testimony will also be accepted until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16.

The City of Somerville is taking its celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month virtual this year. Mayor Joe Curtatone will lead a virtual Pride Flag raising ceremony on Sunday, June 7. Visit the City’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SomervilleCity) at 10:30 a.m. to watch a livestream of the short, socially distanced ceremony. At 11 a.m., hop over to the Somerville Arts Council Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SomervilleArts) for the Big Gay Dance Party Virtual Dance Brunch.

2020 Summer Jobs Program Application Period Now Open! (Apply by 6/19)