Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will Davis Square’s new neighborhood council shape future development?

Coming up on the Somerville Patch calendar: Mark Torgerson

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Good morning to you Somerville! Catch up on our news and events right here. Keep reading to stay in the know. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How will Davis Square's new neighborhood council shape future development?
  • Could Somerville churches soon build thousands of new affordable homes?
  • How Teele Square's devastating fire is impacting residents and beloved businesses

Also on today's calendar: Mark Torgerson and 21 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Partly sunny and very warm, with a high of 78 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Friday: A passing afternoon shower, temps: high: 82, low: 55.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and not as warm, with a high of 70 and low of 48 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. DSNC formally recognized by City Council (thesomervilletimes.com) — Somerville residents should know the City Council has unanimously voted to formally recognize the Davis Square Neighborhood Council, giving neighbors a stronger voice in development decisions. Councilors resolved earlier legal questions and emphasized giving the group broad leeway, though some remain concerned about how its half-mile catchment area overlaps with neighboring cities.
   

2. 'Yes in God's Backyard' initiative to unlock affordable housing opportunities (thesomervilletimes.com) — Somerville's City Council has formally backed the statewide "Yes in God's Backyard" bill, which would let religious institutions build multi-family housing by right on their land. Local councilors say the change could unlock potentially thousands of affordable units and generate new tax revenue for Somerville, offering another tool to address the city's ongoing housing affordability crisis.
   

3. Dozens displaced, 6 businesses destroyed after fire in Somerville's Teele Square (cbsnews.com) — Somerville readers should be aware that a massive fire in Teele Square on Wednesday displaced 41 residents and destroyed six longtime businesses in a building across from the neighborhood firehouse. Firefighters contained the blaze with mutual aid from nearby departments, three firefighters suffered minor injuries, and city officials say they're helping displaced tenants and pushing for a faster rebuild.
   

4. Somerville/Medford Remembering Thomas Anthony Ferrara (thesomervillenewsweekly.blog) — Somerville and Medford readers are remembering Thomas Anthony Ferrara, a talented artist, musician, and Navy veteran who was born and raised in Somerville and recently passed away in Tampa at 62. A private Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ann's Church in Somerville, and his family suggests donations to Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center in his memory.
   

5. Kate Nash Sets North American Tour Dates for Fall 2026 (ticketnews.com) — Somerville music fans can catch Kate Nash kicking off her North American tour at Arts at the Armory on November 3, bringing new songs from her upcoming album. Tickets go on sale to the general public October 2, with presales starting September 30, and additional tour dates span major U.S. and Canadian cities.
   

📸 Around Somerville

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Somerville

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📣 Somerville Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • 'Which Side?' Protest Music Teach-Out Returns to Somerville's Burren Backroom on Oct. 27 —Mark Allen Wood Read on Patch
  • Inter-Con Security Systems, Inc. posted a job opening for Off Duty Officer MA (84786) in Somerville. Apply here.
  • Life Alive Organic Cafe posted a job opening for Dishwasher at Union Square in Somerville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Somerville here.

Ok Somerville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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