![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small}
i'm curious if anyone has any idea what the story is with the homeless man who sits on the benches every morning down on the platform of davis. I'm not looking for snide remarks, its obvious he is homeless, but to be honest, and potentially non-pc, the smell of urine is really potent down there. I have noticed that he keeps to himself and really doesn't interact with anyone.
I'm not expecting someone, to offer him a place to shower, but how does this get addressed in terms of the MBTA? Is it allowed as long as he gets through the gates? I don't know much about the social services in Somerville.
Of course, I feel bad for him, and am also curious about how the situation works with him being down there everyday.
This situation seems particularly intense, at least to me.
Davis Square
Think Globally, Whine Locally
-
![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif)
spaz_i_mota — homeless man at davis stop [+17] - mamajoan — robocall: upcoming power outage [+52]
- mamajoan — Pedestrian survey [+38]
- wallacestreet — Tufts Community Forum tonight 10/3 [+3]
- an_art_worker — For what it's worth (what's that sound) [+35]
- billharnois — Loud noises! [+132]
- cemeterygates — Somerville News Coverage of MS-13 Arrest [+57]
- philbot — Honk to Impeach? [+59]
- captainmonica — Noisy airplanes [+2]
- righteousness_1 — Airplane noise Friday [+78]
- kennygster — Increased airplane traffic? [+24]
- ruthling — Environmental Legislative Forum on Thursday [+0]
- magpie_leah — DARBI Meeting Tonight [+0]
- ron_newman — Wall of Respect for Women meeting - Wed 1/24 [+13]
- komos — Where do we go from here? [+145]
- c_m_i — Attention [+36]
- surrealestate — More on the Diva Lounge Incident [+26]
- tricarbonate — Diva Lounge & Tufts students [+44]
- zmgmeister — Do we need neighborhood "political parties"? [+3]
- marylu — Save Our Somerville [+11]
- jd_science — Middlesex Marquee (again) [+121]
- ron_newman — Today's Save the Someday meeting [+23]
- ron_newman — Save the Someday meeting - Sunday 7/16, 5 pm [+22]
- ron_newman — yesterday's Davis Square Task Force meeting - brief notes [+74]
- magpie_leah — Task Force Meeting Last Night [+13]
22 April 2008 @ 01:51 pm
homeless man at davis stop
17 comments | Leave a comment
04 February 2008 @ 09:54 pm
robocall: upcoming power outage
(Are you reading this, Tom Champion?)
Earlier tonight (5:58pm to be exact), I received a robo-call informing me that NStar will be shutting off all power to my area (I don't know what they mean by my area; I live near Magoun Square) starting around 1:00am on Tuesday Feb 5th (i.e., seven hours after the time of the robo-call). The message said that they expect power to be restored by 6:00am.
The message also said that if I had any further questions about this, I could call 311. Considering that 311 was already closed for the evening by the time of the call, that's not exactly useful.
Given that the short amount of notice was not enough for me to make alternative arrangements for the contents of my refrigerator -- and according to the USDA, food in a fridge should be considered no longer safe after power has been out for four hours and this outage is supposed to last five hours -- what are the chances that I can get the City of Somerville to pay for the replacement of all my food?
I'm pretty pissed about this in case you can't tell. A power outage of five hours, even during the wee hours of the night, is still a major deal. It should have merited AT LEAST a full 24 hours' notice. Am I wrong??
Earlier tonight (5:58pm to be exact), I received a robo-call informing me that NStar will be shutting off all power to my area (I don't know what they mean by my area; I live near Magoun Square) starting around 1:00am on Tuesday Feb 5th (i.e., seven hours after the time of the robo-call). The message said that they expect power to be restored by 6:00am.
The message also said that if I had any further questions about this, I could call 311. Considering that 311 was already closed for the evening by the time of the call, that's not exactly useful.
Given that the short amount of notice was not enough for me to make alternative arrangements for the contents of my refrigerator -- and according to the USDA, food in a fridge should be considered no longer safe after power has been out for four hours and this outage is supposed to last five hours -- what are the chances that I can get the City of Somerville to pay for the replacement of all my food?
I'm pretty pissed about this in case you can't tell. A power outage of five hours, even during the wee hours of the night, is still a major deal. It should have merited AT LEAST a full 24 hours' notice. Am I wrong??
Current Mood: 
disgruntled
disgruntled05 December 2007 @ 03:36 pm
Pedestrian survey
The Boston Metropolitan Area Planning Committee (MAPC) is conducting a survey on conditions affecting pedestrians in the greater Boston area. The results will be used to determine which areas need improvements to make them more pedestrian-friendly, and what kinds of improvements might be needed.
You can fill out the survey online: http://www.mapc.org/pedplan/
You can fill out the survey online: http://www.mapc.org/pedplan/
03 October 2007 @ 03:27 pm
Tufts Community Forum tonight 10/3
From the West Somerville Neighborhood Association:
Where the "I" in this email is Edward Beuchert who's on the Board of Directors of the The West Somerville Neighborhood Association. I'm just passing along the info...
... I wanted to remind everybody about the Community Forum that is being held [to]night at Tufts. The idea for this event came out of a meeting with the Tufts Student Senate leadership I had about two weeks ago. I'm pretty impressed by the efforts the Tufts Senate President Neil DiBiase and the Senate Vice President Bruni Hirsch are making to improve the situation. The idea is to get neighbors and students together to discuss ways to improve community relations, including going over the problems we as neighbors have, and some possible solutions -- so far I think the idea of posting signs near the perimeter of campus reminding those leaving that they are entering a residential area with its noise restrictions is one that a lot of neighbors I've talked to seem to like, along with some kind of Tufts-mandated training for students who are living off-campus for the first time -- I also know that some people feel these measures wouldn't solve the problems, and to them I say come to the meeting and speak your mind!
The Community Forum will be held [tonight], Wednesday October 3, at 7:30 pm in Sophia Gordon Hall, 15 Talbot Avenue (near the Oval and Aidekman Arts Center), and refreshments will be served. Here's a link to a map.
I hope to see you there!
Where the "I" in this email is Edward Beuchert who's on the Board of Directors of the The West Somerville Neighborhood Association. I'm just passing along the info...
13 September 2007 @ 11:38 am
For what it's worth (what's that sound)
Apropos of the of the discussion about airplane noise: I was awoken this morning at 6:15 by a jet going overhead. Since I'd had a late night I tried to get back to sleep. Less than 2 minutes later another jet flew by. Then another, and another and another. I counted 5, low and loud.
It did seriously suck and it made me wonder: are there really that many flights scheduled so early in the morning?
It did seriously suck and it made me wonder: are there really that many flights scheduled so early in the morning?
12 September 2007 @ 10:23 am
Loud noises!
Airplane noise is up 3X in Davis area this year. This is confirmed by Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership (STEP) and our mayor. You may or may not have read the articles in the news. Both STEP and our mayor have encouraged people who are annoyed by the noise, to call this number and complain:
(617) 561-3333
Here is some more info:
http://www.somervillestep.org/mt/mt-sea
The more people that call and complain the better chance we have in getting a reduction in overhead flights (so we're told).
If you don't care about the increase, or don't care about planes flying by every 40 seconds, please read all of the witty responses below instead.
(617) 561-3333
Here is some more info:
http://www.somervillestep.org/mt/mt-sea
The more people that call and complain the better chance we have in getting a reduction in overhead flights (so we're told).
If you don't care about the increase, or don't care about planes flying by every 40 seconds, please read all of the witty responses below instead.
30 August 2007 @ 11:09 am
Somerville News Coverage of MS-13 Arrest
I think that the Somerville News piece about the recent MS-13 arrest did an unusually good job depicting the grey area of morality that is so often ignored by the media in their coverage of criminals. I know that such an opinion is commonly viewed by the masses as bleeding-heart, or liberal-guilt, or what have you, but I can honestly say I am proud to be part of a community that recognizes the human side of all people, and I feel this article is an excellent example of that. I do not know specifically what actions Morales was responsible for as a gangster, and I do not question that MS-13 is a very powerful and dangerous entity; but because of this article perhaps a few more people also reflect on the fact that no-one is only a thug.
I would welcome your thoughts.
I would welcome your thoughts.
21 August 2007 @ 09:55 am
Honk to Impeach?
Did anyone else find the "HONK TO IMPEACH" plackard-carriers in the Square yesterday afternoon irritating?
I'm all for freedom of speech, I'm all for expressing your opinion in public space, and believe me, I loathe the current administration. But can't you express your opinion without all the noise pollution within earshot of my house?
Maybe I'm just a grumpy old man, but in my day, we walked uphill both ways in the snow to impeach somebody! There was none of this hoity-toity honk-your-horn-inside-your-fancy-automob
( and a response from the city! )
I'm all for freedom of speech, I'm all for expressing your opinion in public space, and believe me, I loathe the current administration. But can't you express your opinion without all the noise pollution within earshot of my house?
Maybe I'm just a grumpy old man, but in my day, we walked uphill both ways in the snow to impeach somebody! There was none of this hoity-toity honk-your-horn-inside-your-fancy-automob
( and a response from the city! )
Current Music: Storm the Dub Mix // Storm the Studio R.M.X.S. by Meat Beat Manifesto
26 June 2007 @ 01:31 am
Noisy airplanes
I've been writing a bit for the Somerville News this summer, and the airplane business seems like an interesting thing to look into. I'd greatly appreciate talking to anyone who would like to say anything about this topic. Please email me (look under my user info) - it'll be a great way of getting your concerns out there to the public. Thanks a bunch.
22 June 2007 @ 11:34 pm
Airplane noise Friday
Someone posted a comment that aircraft noise had increased over Davis recently. Today, I was sick in bed and I thought I was going to go insane. An aircraft flew over my house every minute, no kidding, all day long from 5am this morning.
I'd really appreciate it if fellow Davis Square readers who dislike noise especially from aircraft could make a complaint to Logan. Please don't flame the thread if you think airplanes are cute or you simply love noise.
Unless we speak out, even a little, no one will give a damn. I spoke to the airport people and they said they will act and possibly re-route or stagger flight paths but only if they get complaints.
Apparently, ever since a new runway went in, they have received an increase in complaints.
http://www.massport.com/logan/airpo_nois
Thanks.
Call (617) 561-3333
or
This is the link to report a complaint: http://www.massport.com/logan/airpo_nois
Current Mood: 
irritated
irritated06 June 2007 @ 07:50 pm
Increased airplane traffic?
Has anyone else noticed an increase in airplane traffic over Davis Square over the last 6 months? We were just out on our deck having dinner (Day St and Orchard St) and it seemed like there was an airplane passing overhead (literally) every 2-3 minutes (no joke). Worse, they made so much noise that it was constantly interrupting us. I know the airplanes have to fly somewhere but it seems like Davis Square has become one of the major flight paths and I don't remember this being a problem last year. Who should I complain to?
19 May 2007 @ 11:22 am
Environmental Legislative Forum on Thursday
Although the location of this forum is Medford, The legislative boundaries mean that some of the legislators speaking also represent Somerville and other neighboring communities and there will be some interesting and relevant information presented. Hope you don't mind me plugging it here!
Massachusetts Environmental Legislation
A Conversation with Legislators Representing Medford
Come meet with our State legislators about pending environmental legislation
that will affect us locally.
Please join the Medford Environmental Alliance for this free event!
When: Thursday, May 24
Time: 6:30 pm (networking and refreshments); 7:00-9:00 pm (program)
Where: Century Bank, 400 Mystic Avenue, Medford, 6th floor Community Room
( Read more... )
Massachusetts Environmental Legislation
A Conversation with Legislators Representing Medford
Come meet with our State legislators about pending environmental legislation
that will affect us locally.
Please join the Medford Environmental Alliance for this free event!
When: Thursday, May 24
Time: 6:30 pm (networking and refreshments); 7:00-9:00 pm (program)
Where: Century Bank, 400 Mystic Avenue, Medford, 6th floor Community Room
( Read more... )
08 May 2007 @ 11:07 am
DARBI Meeting Tonight
DARBI (Davis Area Resident Business Initiative) is a relatively new non-profit group (about a year old) and they meet once once a month. This month's meeting is tonight so I thought I'd help spread the word in case anyone is interested.
WHEN: 5/8/07, 7:00 pm
WHERE: Orthodontics at Davis Square, 30 College Ave.
AGENDA:
- The DARBI sub-teams (events, membership, green, beautification, davis donates, website, map/brochure, merchandising).
- The Local First initiative.
- The residential/business membership drive.
- The neighborhood crime situation.
From the DARBI website http://www.yourdavissquare.com
"About DARBI
The Davis Square Area Resident-Business Initiative (DARBI), a registered 501(c)4 nonprofit association of volunteers who live and/or work in the area, aims to:
* Promote Davis Square as an attractive place in which to live, visit, shop and conduct business.
* Propose and carry out solutions to the issues that matter most to residents and businesses."
WHEN: 5/8/07, 7:00 pm
WHERE: Orthodontics at Davis Square, 30 College Ave.
AGENDA:
- The DARBI sub-teams (events, membership, green, beautification, davis donates, website, map/brochure, merchandising).
- The Local First initiative.
- The residential/business membership drive.
- The neighborhood crime situation.
From the DARBI website http://www.yourdavissquare.com
"About DARBI
The Davis Square Area Resident-Business Initiative (DARBI), a registered 501(c)4 nonprofit association of volunteers who live and/or work in the area, aims to:
* Promote Davis Square as an attractive place in which to live, visit, shop and conduct business.
* Propose and carry out solutions to the issues that matter most to residents and businesses."
22 January 2007 @ 02:09 pm
Wall of Respect for Women meeting - Wed 1/24
The next meeting of the Wall of Respect for Women mural project will be this Wednesday, January 24 at 6:30 pm at the Nathan Tufts Field House in Powderhouse Park.
(for those tuning in late: the group is planning a replacement mural for the deteriorating one that Brooks Pharmacy painted over last year.)
(for those tuning in late: the group is planning a replacement mural for the deteriorating one that Brooks Pharmacy painted over last year.)
05 January 2007 @ 03:46 pm
Where do we go from here?
A couple of days ago, plumtreeblossom and I began a conversation about the davis_square community and some of the changes that have been happening as the list has grown and various folks have been figuring out ways to make use of the space in new ways. As you may recall, I opened a breakaway community (davissquare) a little over a year ago. Though that space has remained largely dormant, it's never actually been deleted. This would be only tangentially relevant except that over the past few weeks, I've received several requests to reopen davissquare and retool it to be a moderated posting community.
There's a certain irony in this since davissquare was originally founded in response to moderated posting being briefly enforced here, but I can understand and have shared some of the frustrations that have been highlighted. Before considering a radical move, I brought concerns toplumtreeblossom so the mods would at least be in on the loop that there was some behind-the-scenes grumbling. She suggested that I share with the community as a whole so everyone can speak out and offer some input as to the direction we should be headed.
The complaints that I've received have been about a handful of things:
1) Rants that are at best tangentially related to Davis Square and really would be better placed in private journals;
2) Minutiae about restaurant & business openings and closings;
3) Repeated requests for the same services; and
4) Members who take it upon themselves to police the list or who otherwise use the space as a personal sounding board.
Weirdly enough, we've not really had issues with marketing.
From here, it'd be good if we could begin a conversation about how we'd like to use the space and how we'd like to see the space used. I'm hoping that there might be some simple solutions that we can come up with that will help this space remain useful and usable.
plumtreeblossom and I began a conversation about the davis_square community and some of the changes that have been happening as the list has grown and various folks have been figuring out ways to make use of the space in new ways. As you may recall, I opened a breakaway community (davissquare) a little over a year ago. Though that space has remained largely dormant, it's never actually been deleted. This would be only tangentially relevant except that over the past few weeks, I've received several requests to reopen davissquare and retool it to be a moderated posting community.There's a certain irony in this since davissquare was originally founded in response to moderated posting being briefly enforced here, but I can understand and have shared some of the frustrations that have been highlighted. Before considering a radical move, I brought concerns to
plumtreeblossom so the mods would at least be in on the loop that there was some behind-the-scenes grumbling. She suggested that I share with the community as a whole so everyone can speak out and offer some input as to the direction we should be headed.The complaints that I've received have been about a handful of things:
1) Rants that are at best tangentially related to Davis Square and really would be better placed in private journals;
2) Minutiae about restaurant & business openings and closings;
3) Repeated requests for the same services; and
4) Members who take it upon themselves to police the list or who otherwise use the space as a personal sounding board.
Weirdly enough, we've not really had issues with marketing.
From here, it'd be good if we could begin a conversation about how we'd like to use the space and how we'd like to see the space used. I'm hoping that there might be some simple solutions that we can come up with that will help this space remain useful and usable.
05 January 2007 @ 02:48 pm
Attention
Davis Square currently not on fire. The sun will set at 4:41pm this afternoon. McDonalds is currently open. Post of email sent by alderman to follow, at length, behind cut.
( Read more... )
07 December 2006 @ 04:55 pm
More on the Diva Lounge Incident
I stopped into Diva today to ask if they had anything to say about the incident described in Monday's piece in the the Tufts Daily. The person I spoke to (a manager) said there was a meeting underway about the issue and that if I wanted to, I could come back and talk to the people involved. He said there was a lot of misunderstanding and that the issue was about a patron, not management.
For more info on Diva's side of the story, see a followup article in yesterday's Tufts Daily. (There was also an editorial on the subject in yesterday's issue.)
If anyone else has talked to them, what have you been told? There may be additional word after this afternoon's meeting, if anybody else can stop in later.
Of course, Namaskar still has way better food. :)
For more info on Diva's side of the story, see a followup article in yesterday's Tufts Daily. (There was also an editorial on the subject in yesterday's issue.)
If anyone else has talked to them, what have you been told? There may be additional word after this afternoon's meeting, if anybody else can stop in later.
Of course, Namaskar still has way better food. :)
04 December 2006 @ 11:03 am
Diva Lounge & Tufts students
Although the relationship between Tufts students and the local community is tenuous at times, I thought that community members should be aware of this editorial, and perhaps a dialogue can be established.
Editorial in Tufts Daily - "Racism at Diva Lounge"
[edit 17:55pm EST 2006-12-04: fixed link. Thanks philbot!]
Editorial in Tufts Daily - "Racism at Diva Lounge"
[edit 17:55pm EST 2006-12-04: fixed link. Thanks philbot!]
03 September 2006 @ 11:45 am
Do we need neighborhood "political parties"?
I'm from the area, but very confused by some of the "townie vs. yuppie" debates i see online and in the newspapers. Especially when it's about zoning or land use. I don't know who is rooting for what.
Like i'm always hearing "yuppies" and college kids lumped together. The yuppies have been here for ten years and are mostly homeowners by now, and may be at cross-purposes politically even though both groups might like the coffee shops in Davis.
So do we need political labels like "yuppie", "landlord", "long-term-renter", "college student" (rhetorical question) because its very difficult to tell who's who.
Like i'm always hearing "yuppies" and college kids lumped together. The yuppies have been here for ten years and are mostly homeowners by now, and may be at cross-purposes politically even though both groups might like the coffee shops in Davis.
So do we need political labels like "yuppie", "landlord", "long-term-renter", "college student" (rhetorical question) because its very difficult to tell who's who.
18 August 2006 @ 11:36 pm
Save Our Somerville
Those who remember the thread a few weeks back about "yuppie-haters" might be interested to know that the Save Our Somerville group is holding a community meeting this coming Thursday at 6:00p.m. at Lexington Park. All are welcome (I'll be sitting in the yuppie section, hopefully not alone.)
[EDIT: thanks to those who pointed out that I had previously posted the incorrect time. The meeting is actually at 6, not 7.]
[EDIT: thanks to those who pointed out that I had previously posted the incorrect time. The meeting is actually at 6, not 7.]
03 August 2006 @ 02:39 pm
Middlesex Marquee (again)
I just sent the following to the Middlesex Bank. I also e-mailed Rebekah about it. Does anyone else ever notice this trend on the marquee but me? It's annoying and depressing.
( Complaint to Middlesex Bank )
( Complaint to Middlesex Bank )
16 July 2006 @ 07:59 pm
Today's Save the Someday meeting
I wish I could say I took careful written notes, but I didn't. So this is just from memory.
Between 150 and 200 people jammed into the Someday this afternoon between 5 and 6:30 for a community meeting on the future of the café. Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz did an excellent job of moderating, making sure the meeting started and ended on time and that people spoke in turn. To the crowd's surprise, Mayor Joseph Curtatone was also there, standing next to and behind Rebekah.
Peter Creyf, the once and future owner of Mr. Crepe, told us that he had signed a lease with Richard Fraiman (owner of the Somerville Theatre building). Because of the needs of his other businesses (Waffle Haus at various New England ski resorts), he said that he needed to open Mr. Crepe by the beginning of November. Nevertheless, he agreed to hold his plans in abeyance for the next 10 days, while Gewirtz, Mayor Curtatone, and others scramble to find him a different Davis Square location. It seems like a longshot, but should it happen, Someday Café could remain where it is, under new management by its employees, who have quickly developed a business plan.
Many people in the crowd spoke passionately of their love for the Someday, and its importance to their lives and to Davis Square's identity. A number of people urged Peter Creyf to find a way to mesh his business with that of the Someday, to take on the Someday's employees as partners, or to take over the Someday as a current going concern and then add crêpes to the menu in the months to come. In this way, he could inherit the Someday's enthusiastic customer base rather than alienating it. He understandably was reluctant to change his business plan in this way, comparing a business partnership to a "marriage". But it's possible that in the days to come, he might take into account what he heard tonight.
Almost everyone treated Mr. Creyf with respect, and applauded him at various times.
If you were also at the meeting and are reading this, please add your own notes as comments here.
Between 150 and 200 people jammed into the Someday this afternoon between 5 and 6:30 for a community meeting on the future of the café. Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz did an excellent job of moderating, making sure the meeting started and ended on time and that people spoke in turn. To the crowd's surprise, Mayor Joseph Curtatone was also there, standing next to and behind Rebekah.
Peter Creyf, the once and future owner of Mr. Crepe, told us that he had signed a lease with Richard Fraiman (owner of the Somerville Theatre building). Because of the needs of his other businesses (Waffle Haus at various New England ski resorts), he said that he needed to open Mr. Crepe by the beginning of November. Nevertheless, he agreed to hold his plans in abeyance for the next 10 days, while Gewirtz, Mayor Curtatone, and others scramble to find him a different Davis Square location. It seems like a longshot, but should it happen, Someday Café could remain where it is, under new management by its employees, who have quickly developed a business plan.
Many people in the crowd spoke passionately of their love for the Someday, and its importance to their lives and to Davis Square's identity. A number of people urged Peter Creyf to find a way to mesh his business with that of the Someday, to take on the Someday's employees as partners, or to take over the Someday as a current going concern and then add crêpes to the menu in the months to come. In this way, he could inherit the Someday's enthusiastic customer base rather than alienating it. He understandably was reluctant to change his business plan in this way, comparing a business partnership to a "marriage". But it's possible that in the days to come, he might take into account what he heard tonight.
Almost everyone treated Mr. Creyf with respect, and applauded him at various times.
If you were also at the meeting and are reading this, please add your own notes as comments here.
15 July 2006 @ 08:19 pm
Save the Someday meeting - Sunday 7/16, 5 pm
If you want to save the Someday Café, please go to the Someday tomorrow (Sunday) at 5 pm for an important community meeting. Peter Creyf, owner of Mr. Crepe, will be there. So will Rebekah Gewirtz, the alderman for Ward 6, which includes Davis Square. And so will the Someday employees who hope to take the café over from Gus Rancatore.
More information here and here.
29 June 2006 @ 09:37 am
yesterday's Davis Square Task Force meeting - brief notes
I did not take written notes, so this is just from memory:
Michele Biscoe: Som|Dog presentation about off-leash areas on bike path. The organization would like to build one or more small fenced-in off-leash dog runs along the Community Path, similar to the successful one at Nunziato Field near Union Square. Possible locations are Lexington Park, Cedar Street, or Willow Avenue.
Sara Rosenfeld about Community Servings: would like to recruit people to sell "Pie in the Sky" around Davis Square at Thanksgiving time. The organization prepares and delivers meals to people suffering from AIDS and other debilitating illnesses. Their website is servings.org.
Sign at Middlesex Bank: the sign is permitted by zoning, but is not allowed to advertise the bank's services. It is limited by law to time, temperature, and public service announcements. The bank's president(?) was there, and got an earful from people in the room who complained that it does not belong in the Square, is too bright, doesn't fit the building well, and is irritating to the eye. He says he wants the sign to promote community events and activities. We'll see if he listened to the feedback he got.
Someday Cafe and Mr. Crepe: All interested parties were present: Richard Fraiman (who owns the building), Gus Rancatore (who owns the Someday Cafe), Ian Judge (who manages the Somerville Theatre), Mr. Crepe himself (whose real name I did not get), and a whole lot of Someday employees and customers.
The basic facts, agreed upon by all: the Someday's lease expired in February, Rancatore neglected to renew it, and Fraiman did not notify Rancatore of his failure to renew. After several months of hearing nothing from Rancatore, Fraiman entered into negotiation with Mr. Crepe, and last week told Rancatore he needed to vacate by September 1. Mr. Crepe has not yet signed a lease with Fraiman but is close to doing so.
As you might expect, the next hour was quite emotional. Local residents were upset to see a beloved community space about to disappear. Someday employees were unhappy that the city learned of the cafe's fate (and announced it to the public) before they did. Some people said they would never patronize Mr. Crepe if he displaced the Someday. Rancatore apologized for overlooking the lease expiration. People asked if the two businesses could somehow divide the space, or time-share it, or otherwise work together.
In the meeting, Fraiman did not appear to offer much flexibility, but out of public view, there may soon be back-room negotiations involving Fraiman, Rancatore, Mr. Crepe, and Ward 6 alderman Rebekah Gewirtz.
Michele Biscoe: Som|Dog presentation about off-leash areas on bike path. The organization would like to build one or more small fenced-in off-leash dog runs along the Community Path, similar to the successful one at Nunziato Field near Union Square. Possible locations are Lexington Park, Cedar Street, or Willow Avenue.
Sara Rosenfeld about Community Servings: would like to recruit people to sell "Pie in the Sky" around Davis Square at Thanksgiving time. The organization prepares and delivers meals to people suffering from AIDS and other debilitating illnesses. Their website is servings.org.
Sign at Middlesex Bank: the sign is permitted by zoning, but is not allowed to advertise the bank's services. It is limited by law to time, temperature, and public service announcements. The bank's president(?) was there, and got an earful from people in the room who complained that it does not belong in the Square, is too bright, doesn't fit the building well, and is irritating to the eye. He says he wants the sign to promote community events and activities. We'll see if he listened to the feedback he got.
Someday Cafe and Mr. Crepe: All interested parties were present: Richard Fraiman (who owns the building), Gus Rancatore (who owns the Someday Cafe), Ian Judge (who manages the Somerville Theatre), Mr. Crepe himself (whose real name I did not get), and a whole lot of Someday employees and customers.
The basic facts, agreed upon by all: the Someday's lease expired in February, Rancatore neglected to renew it, and Fraiman did not notify Rancatore of his failure to renew. After several months of hearing nothing from Rancatore, Fraiman entered into negotiation with Mr. Crepe, and last week told Rancatore he needed to vacate by September 1. Mr. Crepe has not yet signed a lease with Fraiman but is close to doing so.
As you might expect, the next hour was quite emotional. Local residents were upset to see a beloved community space about to disappear. Someday employees were unhappy that the city learned of the cafe's fate (and announced it to the public) before they did. Some people said they would never patronize Mr. Crepe if he displaced the Someday. Rancatore apologized for overlooking the lease expiration. People asked if the two businesses could somehow divide the space, or time-share it, or otherwise work together.
In the meeting, Fraiman did not appear to offer much flexibility, but out of public view, there may soon be back-room negotiations involving Fraiman, Rancatore, Mr. Crepe, and Ward 6 alderman Rebekah Gewirtz.
26 January 2006 @ 09:41 am
Task Force Meeting Last Night
Last night I went to my first Davis Square Task force meeting and I just have to say how interesting it was and how impressed I was by it all. It's great to know how many residents are so invested in the community and Rebekah did a great job leading the discussions. As a Davis Sq store owner I look forward to going to more of these meetings and getting a little more involved in any way I can.
P.S. The next meeting is scheduled for 7pm on Wednesday, February 22nd, also at 167 Holland Street (upstairs and to the left).
P.S. The next meeting is scheduled for 7pm on Wednesday, February 22nd, also at 167 Holland Street (upstairs and to the left).