Magoun Square Neighborhood Association Blog

Spring Street Sweeping and Magoun Sq. Project Finishing Touches

2011-03-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

A reminder that the city will commence with street sweeping on April 1, 2011. All city streets are posted with the appropriate information concerning dates, days and times of the sweeping schedule. Please note that fines are imposed for not removing your vehicle during the posted dates and times.

Additionally, the Magoun Square revitalization project has resumed this week. The old street lighting will be removed, traffic light signalization will be fine tuned and on street parking meters are scheduled to be re-installed during the month of April.

For addtional information concerning the project, please call the city's information line (311) or feel free to contact me with questions or concerns.

Magoun Square - Construction End In Sight

2010-10-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to announce that several sources inside City Hall have confirmed that Mass Highway, the project managers of the Magoun Square project, plan to finish up next week(weather permitting) with the long awaited re-paving of the Magoun Square sections of Medford St and Broadway.

Although there will be the usual punch list of items to be addressed, we are pleased that this project should meet the expected completion date.

First conceived of by a group of area residents and businesses, the project includes some new underground utilities, updated traffic signalization, reconstructed(and ADA compliant) sidewalks, repaving of Medford St and Broadway within the square, new energy efficient and decorative street lights, benches, trees, crosswalks, bike racks, and other amenities.

The funding source for this project was obtained through a $2.3 million dollar Federal Stimulus and Recovery Act grant.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call or emial me.

Regards,

Joe Lynch
Founder

GreenLine Completion Delayed until October, 2015

2010-07-13T12:15:00.000-07:00

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation recently announced that the completion of the long awaited GreenLine rapid transit extension into Somerville and Medford will be moved to October 2015 from the court mandated completion date of December 2014. This delay will affect the opening/completion date of the proposed Lowell Street/Magoun Square station.

For the most up to date and accurate information, please visit the Massachusetts DOT website, the MBTA's GreenLine page or the Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership(STEP) website.

July 1, 2010 Fireworks at Trum Field

2010-06-30T06:48:00.000-07:00

Greetings and Happy Fourth of July. Once again the City of Somerville presents the annual fireworks and celebration at Trum Field. This event requires that certain streets in our neighborhood close and addition parking restrictions instituted.

Please visit the City of Somerville website at www.somervillema.gov for the most accurate schedule and complete list of street closures, times and other traffic and parking restrictions.

For the safety of the general public, we urge all residents to obey the parking rules and regulations, especially near fire hydrants and fire lanes.

We wish all of you a Happy and Safe July Fourth celebration.

Magoun Square Construction and Improvements to Start April 5, 2010

2010-04-02T09:09:00.000-07:00

On April 1, 2010, the city of Somerville notified residents and businesses via a recorded telephone message that the long awaited construction of streetscape, traffic, and pedestrian safety improvements will begin on April 5, 2010.

The Magoun Square Neighborhood Association is pleased that construction will be underway and will continue for at least the next six months.

We encourage all businesses and residents to use the city's website to obtain the most accurate and up to date information on the project.

Should there be any questions or concerns not answered on the city's website, as always feel free to contact me through this site, or my personal email(jplcorp2004@yahoo.com) or call me at home anytime(617-623-0891).

We look forward to this long awaited enhancement and improvement project.

Rites of Spring - Street Sweeping Begins April 1, 2010

2010-03-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

The annual City of Somerville kickoff of Spring begins April 1, 2010 with the citywide street sweeping efforts.

Commencing April 1, street sweeping and the associated parking enforcement will be in full force and effect.

Please read and comply with the posted street signs on your street for the effective day and hours.

In addition to keeping our neighborhood streets clean, compliance with the rules will ensure you avoid "feeding the beast" and won't receive a dreaded parking ticket.

Green Line Extension Field Work in Magoun Square Neighborhood

2010-02-15T09:20:00.000-08:00

Over the next six months, contractors for the Massachusetts Department of Transportation will perform field work in support of the MBTA Green Line extension to Somerville and Medford. Teams will perform field surveys, noise and vibration testing, and soil borings to collect information for the extension design. People who live and work along the right-of-way may see these professional surveyors and others, who are authorized to work within and around the MBTA right-of-way.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation recently sent letters about the work to abutters to the rail right-of-way. The abutters list was obtained from the most recent records of the city of Somerville.

Should you have questions about the work being performed on the rail right-of-way, please contact Kate Fichter, Green Line Extension Project Manager, 617-973-7342 or email Kate at katherine.fichter@state.ma.us.

Happy Holidays and the Best in the New Year

2009-12-29T08:49:00.000-08:00

To all our Magoun Square neighbors and beyond, our best wishes for a Happy Holiday season and the best that the New Year can bring.

See you in the Square!

All My Best,

Joe Lynch
Founder
Magoun Square Neighborhood Association

Max Pac Demolition Update

2009-12-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

As many of you have now read, seen and heard, the old factory sites adjacent to the Lowell Street Bridge, sometimes referred to as Max Pac, are now being demolished.

The smaller buildings parallel to the MBTA commuter rail will come down first. Demolishion of these smaller buildings is expected to last through the month of December.

The larger building on the five acre site is also scheduled to be demolished.

Please remember, this is an active construction site and we urge all residents to refrain from accessing the haul road at Cedar Street and the five acre site itself.

If you see anything out of the usual at this construction site either during the day or at night, please inform the Somerville Fire Department or Somerville Police by calling 911.

Magoun Square Construction to Begin in Spring 2010

2009-09-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

The September 16, 2009 meeting at the VNA was well attended by area residents, businesses and property owners as well as city officials. Alderman O'Donovan welcomed the attendees and David Giangrande of Design Consultants, Inc., the city's project consultant, gave an overview of the final design.

The nine year old, $3.1 million dollar, federally funded project is scheduled to begin in earnest in the spring of 2010. Preliminary utility work is expected to continue, weather permitting, until the end of 2009.

The Massachusettts Highway Department, assisted by Somerville's Department of Public Works will co-manage the project.

We will be posting a more detailed timeline and history of the project in the coming weeks on this site. Please follow the link on this site to the City of Somerville's website, Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, major projects list.

If you have any questions in the interim, please do not hesitate to call or email me directly at jplcorp2004@yahoo.com or 617-623-0891.

We look forward to the start of this long promised revitalization of Magoun Square.

Street News in the Magoun Square Neighborhood

2009-09-08T11:42:00.000-07:00

MSNA invites you to share your stories, good and bad, and your photos of what's happening on your street in the neighborhood.

All photos should be clearly labelled for location, description and attribution.

And feel free to contact us anytime at the email below. Watch for stories and photos in coming posts on this, your neighborhood blog.

All the Best,

Joe Lynch
Founder
Magoun Square Neighborhood Association

Magoun Square Final Redevelopment Plans - September 16, 2009 Meeting

2009-09-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

After eight years in the making, the City has announced that the final redevelopment plans for the revitalization of Magoun Square and the proposed construction schedule will be unveiled at a community meeting on Wednesday, September 16, 2009.

The meeting will be held at the Visiting Nurses Community Living Center, 259 Lowell Street, at 6:30 PM.

According to Monica Lamboy, the city's Director of Strategic Planning and Community Development, the final plans for the redevelopment can be found on the city's website.

The Magoun Square revitalization project was first conceived and launched by a group of residents, Magoun Square business and property owners and the Kelly Gay administration in 2001.

A recent announcement from the city states that due to its "shovel ready" status, the revitalization project has qualified for $3,000,000.00 in the federal governments economic stimulus funding program.

We encourage all residents, property and business owners to attend this very important community information meeting.

For more information about the project, go to the City of Somerville's website or contact Brad Rawson, Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, 617-625-6600 x2500 or at brawson@somerville.gov.

We look forward to an informative meeting and the start of the revitalization of Magoun Square.

Traffic Board to Meet August 13th, 2009

2009-08-12T12:02:00.002-07:00

The Traffic Board of the City of Somerville will meet on August 13, 2009, 6:00 PM in the Alderman's Chamber to hear comments and suggenstions from the public concerning the recent traffic and parking rules and regulation changes.

If you want your voice to be heard, please attend this meeting and let the city know your concerns.

Traffic Commission Meeting Rescheduled to July 30th at 5pm.

2009-07-20T09:02:00.001-07:00

The Traffic Commission has moved their meeting to July 30th, 5PM (not 6PM as originally advertised)

Traffic and Parking Office
133 Holland Street

Please refer to the Somerville Parking Changes widget on the right side of the blog for updated information on the proposed parking changes in Somerville including Magoun Square.

Update: PARKING SOLUTIONS TASK FORCE SUBMITS RECOMMENDATIONS

2009-07-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

A press release has been published by the City of Somerville regarding the Parking Task Force recommendations.

You can download, save, and print a copy of the PDF file.

2009 Fireworks Display by Paul Dandini

2009-07-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Video: July 9th Fireworks!

2009-07-10T10:02:00.000-07:00

Green Line Meeting Set for July 16th, 6pm at the Lowell Street VNA.

2009-07-02T09:43:00.000-07:00

SCC and its Community Corridor Planning partners are hosting neighborhood meetings in the areas 0.5 miles around proposed Green Line train stops. These meetings will give neighbors a chance to consider their own geographic location, imagine what it will be like once the Green Line arrives, and set the wheels in motion for creating it.Join them in building a grassroots voice to help shape priorities and plans for Somerville’s future in relation to the Green Line. Snacks, childcare, and interpretation in Spanish and Portuguese can be provided.

Upcoming meetings:
* Lowell Street - July 16, 6 pm, Visiting Nurses Association, 259 Lowell St.

Update: City Fireworks REscheduled for July 9, 2009 at 6pm

2009-06-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

The annual fireworks display at Trum Field is REscheduled for July 9th, 2009.

The Magoun Square Neighborhood Association Congratulates all that made Somerville an "All America City!"

2009-06-22T08:37:00.000-07:00

The Magoun Square Neighborhood Association congratulates the residents, businesses and organizations of this great city for all that they have done to contribute to winning this award. A special thank you and congratulations to "Team Somerville" who so winningly represented out city in Tampa.

Click here for the official press release!

Want more information on the Magoun Square revitalization project?

2009-06-18T12:24:00.000-07:00

Click here to be relocated to the City of Somerville's Strategic Planning and Community Development page dedicated to Magoun Square.

(Click to enlarge)

Magoun Square Neigborhood Association Representatives to meet with the Somerville Parking Advocacy and Reform Coalition (SPARC)

2009-06-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Members of the Magoun Square Neigborhood Association along with other neighborhood associations will meet with members of the newly formed Somerville Parking Advocacy and Reform Coalition on Thursday night to discuss the proposed parking regulations put forth by the City of Somerville.

A detailed synopsis of the meeting will follow...

Replay of Joe Lynch's interview with Mayor Joe Curtatone on "Greater Somerville" to air Tuesday 6/9/09 at 7:30pm/Channel 3 (SCAT)

2009-06-08T11:56:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand for some of our non-Internet connected viewers is a repeat of last weeks "Greater Somerville with Joe Lynch" and the featured guest, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone of Somerville.

"Greater Somerville" with Joe Lynch for June 2, 2009 featuring Mayor Joe Curtatone

2009-06-03T11:01:00.000-07:00

Magoun Square Neighborhood Association founder, Joe Lynch, interviewed Mayor Joseph Curtatone on his June 2nd broadcast of "Greater Somerville" (SCAT/7:30pm).

Among the many topics that were discussed was the new parking regulations for Magoun Square, as well as, a mention of the upcoming renovation. New parking regulations to go into effect include a meter expansion to 10pm (meters would have to be fed until 10pm). This regulation is also being implemented in Davis Square. All other squares will have an extension to 8pm.

Want to ride the green line?

2009-05-14T12:33:00.000-07:00

The EOT has published computer-generated animations of what the Green Line Stops could look like, including trains arriving and departing.

Safety Meeting Scheduled for 4/30/2009...

2009-04-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

Greetings:

Alderman Bill White, Chairman of the BOA Subcommittee on Public Safety, has scheduled a meeting to further discuss the issues surrounding the "Sober Surroundings" operation located at 31 Wilton Street. It is anticipated that the City Solicitor's office will issue their legal opinion regarding the zoning issues with this property.

The meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 30th, 2009 in the Alderman's meeting room on the second floor of City Hall.

If you have any questions in the interim, please feel free to call me at 617-623-0891 or Alderman Bill White at 617-625-9110.

Hope to see you there.

Joe

SomerVision Open House to feature plans on Magoun Square Revitalization Project

2009-04-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

From Monica R. Lamboy, Executive Director of Strategic Planning & Community Development for the City of Somerville...

The City of Somerville wants to invite you to an Open House to learn more about various city planning and development initiatives that are going on in Somerville today. We know many people have questions about the upcoming Green Line Extension, what is happening at Assembly Square, and what are the future plans for their neighborhood? This is an opportunity to ask questions and learn new information. There will be 16 different tables of information at the SomerVision Open House and even opportunities to win prizes!

Date:
Saturday, April 25 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Location:
Argenziano School 290 Washington Street

Click here for more information.

Green Line Extension Meetings Scheduled

2009-02-23T12:40:00.001-08:00

If you are interested in The Green Line Extension, there have been two public meetings scheduled that will feature a presentation by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation (EOT). An open discussion period will be held from 5:30pm-6:30pm. At 6:30pm the presentation will be made with a question/answer period to follow.

March 9, 2009 at 5:30pm
Brooks Elementary School
388 High Street
Medford, MA 02145

March 11, 2009 at 5:30pm
Somerville High School
81 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA