Somerville’s planned Phase 3 Step 1 business reopening is now on hold until at least Monday, August 3, as local officials grow increasingly concerned about potential impacts amid rising new case averages in the metro area and growing concerns about the efficacy of the State’s contact tracing program.

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. Appointees will serve a two-year term and must be confirmed by the City Council. If you are interested in applying, please send a statement of interest to memorial@somervillema.gov by Friday, August 7.

As of Monday, July 20, the COVID-19 testing site previously located at the Somerville Hospital has moved to 133 Middlesex Avenue (near the former Kmart site) in Assembly Square. The testing site is part of a larger COVID-19 mitigation strategy by the City of Somerville in partnership with Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA). Patients can arrive at the site via vehicle, walking, or bicycle, and testing procedures will be the same as at the previous location:

The Somerville Public Schools and the City of Somerville will be jointly hosting three upcoming (not four) online School Planning Town Halls (two in English, one multilingual) on local efforts to prepare for the 2020/2021 school year amid the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, due to the pandemic, the Somerville School Committee will be holding two additional summertime meetings.  

The Somerville Arts Council recently released the application for Artist Housing Certification for newly constructed live/work units at the new Powder House/MarKa development. The certification application and further details are available online at somervilleartscouncil.org/certification.

Citing concerns over COVID-19 case trends, testing and State contact tracing weaknesses and risk of new surge, Somerville keeps Phase 3 openings on hold

10-person indoor and outdoor gatherings limit remains in effect

City supporting outdoor options for gyms and fitness centers

The Somerville City Council will hold a public hearing on Tufts University’s reopening plan on Wednesday, August 5, starting at 7 p.m. There are two ways residents can submit testimony:

The Somerville Public Schools and the City of Somerville will be jointly hosting three upcoming (not four) online School Planning Town Halls (two in English, one multilingual) on local efforts to prepare for the 2020/2021 school year amid the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, due to the pandemic, the Somerville School Committee will be holding two additional summertime meetings.  

The City of Somerville is seeking to fill vacancies on essential boards and commissions appointed by the Mayor and coordinated by the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development. All new board and commission members must be approved by the City Council. Boards and commissions offer an opportunity for community members with a range of experience, skills, expertise, and perspectives to share their talents and insights with their community. Applications for open positions will be accepted through 7 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2020.

The City released a draft Winter Hill Urban Renewal Plan today, following a year of public meetings, online engagement, and community conversations about the future of the vacant Star Market site.