City still working to help restaurants survive (Somerville Wire) – Somerville’s dynamic restaurant industry is one of the pillars of the local economy. To keep it from collapsing during the unique challenges of the past two years, city leaders altered some licensing rules to make it a little easier for restaurateurs. “During the pandemic, we […]
THE PANDEMIC PAYDAY CONTINUES—FOR CONSULTANTS
Image via City Life/Vida Urbana Mass uses questionable tools to investigate eviction relief applicants State officials are spending more than $750,000 of COVID-19 aid on corporate consultants who will investigate applicants for eviction relief by running analytics on applications that housing advocates say can prevent residents from getting the relief they need. And while officials […]
SOMERVILLE WIRE: MARCH 15, 2022 WEEKLY ROUNDUP
No more mask mandate for City buildings, a police staffing and operations analysis, and a Makers Movement Huddle Articles SMART BOXES COME TO SOMERVILLE Will the City’s pilot program be a step towards addressing the rat problem? BUSINESS PROFILE: MAHALAB BAKERY “Artisanal Mediterranean products with a twist” OPINION: TYING UP SOME LOOSE ENDS Reflecting on […]
WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR SOMERVILLE TO LIFT ITS MASK MANDATE?
The City enters into a new phase of the pandemic (Somerville Wire) – On Feb. 18, the day that Boston Mayor Michelle Wu decided to lift the B Together Initiative that required visitors to show their vaccine cards at certain indoor, public spaces, Irene* went to Aeronaut Brewing Company, a place that she frequented. When […]
PANDEMIC HOUSING RELIEF: END OF AN ERA
Governor Charlie Baker tours the new Heights at Haverhill apartment community on Nov. 5, 2020. Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Press Office Mass diverts eviction relief funds to investigate fraudulent applications As thousands of Massachusetts residents face eviction, the administration of Gov. Charlie Baker is cutting back aid payments designed to keep people in their homes, saying the […]