Michigander in Mass

At least, that seems to be the opinion of the Mayor. When Somerville's dog owners brought the vacant land in the Inner Belt Park to the city's attention, the response was to consider it another revenue source to be sold off and taxed.

The mayor's office has proposed the site be made available for potential sale.

East Somerville is in drastic need for more park space. Although this parcel is not right next to a residential area, it is very close to the proposed Green Line Washington Street station would be, and to the Community Path once it's finally completed and linking up Somerville with Boston and Cambridge's North Point.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a little more greenery in East Somerville?

For more information, check out the SomDog site.

A deal that would allow future Assembly Square development to continue without legal opposition has been reached by the city, developer Federal Realty, home furnishings retailer Ikea and grassroots group the Mystic View Task Force.

Full story at The Somerville News.

One highlight: according to Wig Zamore:

Federal and IKEA will contribute $15 million toward the design, engineering and construction of a new MBTA Orannge T-stop at Assembly Square. In addition to the $25 million earmark secured by Congressman Capuano, this unprecedented contribution will enable accelerated provision of high speed transit to Assembly Square. IKEA will be located very close to the new T-stop and will assist with affordable home delivery to customers who come on the T. IKEA will also provide packaging designed to assist customers who might want to take their purchased goods home via public transit. Somerville's store will be the first truly transit-oriented IKEA in North America.

Also good to note (again from Wig):

The Open Space plan for Assembly Square includes additions to Mystic River park land, new public open space dotted throughout Assembly Square and extensive use of green roofs and/or rooftop "amentity" decks. Federal will plan and build (or improve) three important bike and Pedestrian Links to other Somerville neighborhoods - under Route 28 to Ten Hills, under the MBTA rail lines to Draw 7 Park, to Sullivan Square via Lombardi Street - and will also provide a Bike Path through the length of Assembly Square to facilitate alterrnative access. Federal will also plan and advocate for the following additional four Pedestrian Connections: from Foley Street to Foss Park, to the States Avenues section of East Somerville, across the Amelia Earhart dam, and along the waterfront from Assembly Square to Ryan Park in Charlestown. MVTF will be able to advocate for additional open space and pedestrain improvements during the public entitlement process.

I like the way I put it better than B&S: Plans for an Assembly Square Orange Line stop moved ahead recently with the approval for $25 million to design and build the station.

As the Green Line extension plans continue, this means Somerville is another step closer to transportation equity.

Mass EOT is offering up new state bike maps for review and input before they get finalized. The page includes comment forms and instructions.