Tufts University and the Cities of Medford and Somerville today announced they have entered into a novel partnership that will bring COVID-19 surveillance testing to the cities’ public school systems, using a new, more efficient pooled testing method developed by Tufts in collaboration with Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. The new method could improve and expedite communities’ ability to return to and maintain in-person education.

Following months of suspended enforcement during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Somerville will resume residential parking enforcement December 1, 2020.

City data indicates most residents have already renewed their expired permits in 2020 (thank you!). Those who still need to renew an expired permit or obtain a new permit are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

A new quick-build bus priority lane is scheduled to be added in late November to the eastbound section of Mystic Avenue (Route 38) between Main Street in Medford and Wheatland Street in Somerville. The project is a joint effort between the cities of Somerville and Medford and MassDOT,  designed to create shorter bus rides, better reliability, and more social distancing along the MBTA 95 bus route.

The City is making a new, $750,000 round of relief available to Somerville’s small businesses as part of an ongoing effort to preserve the local character of the city’s commercial establishments during the coronavirus pandemic. Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and City Councilors also united to request that the City Licensing Commission and City Council waive more than $550,000 in annual licensing fees.

Open Positions: One position available
Term: 3 years
Availability: Immediate

It’s been a tough year, and needing new COVID-19 rules may not be how we all hoped to spend fall. But winter is coming, the virus spreads better indoors, and COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are on the rise across the Commonwealth. We feel fortunate to be in a community where the vast majority have done all they can to help slow the spread. This week the Governor announced new measures to help flatten the curve of the new COVID-19 surge. We did this once, Somerville, and we ask everyone to help do this again. 

As part of the mobility safety upgrades announced in September, a series of roadway improvements on western Washington Street will be installed starting in mid-November. The project is supported in part by the MBTA’s COVID-19 safety initiative for bus riders and will be installed by the City.   

On the afternoon of November 3, the Somerville Police Department responded to the intersection of College and Kidder avenues for a report of a pedestrian struck by a motor vehicle. The pedestrian, Leah A. Zallman, 40, of Somerville was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital where she died from her injuries on November 4.

Because of COVID-19, the City of Somerville had to forgo its usual in-person Veterans’ Day ceremony this year. To mark the day and honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans, the City’s Veterans’ Services Office pre-recorded a ceremony with messages from Mayor Joe Curtatone, City Council President Matt McLaughlin, and Director of Veterans’ Services Ted Louis-Jacques.

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 2 City Councilor J.T. Scott, and City staff invite you to a virtual public meeting to discuss the design of the Conway Field playground and renovation. City staff and consultants will discuss designs for the reconstructed multi-use sports field, new splash pad, and refurbished playground.