East Somerville receives Boston-area residential award
East Somerville has been termed one of "The Hottest City Neighborhoods" in the current edition of Boston Magazine, according to the Somerville Journal.
Despite having a reputation for being "tough turf," the Journal reported that East Somerville made the list of the eight hottest city neighborhoods under the larger list of "The Best Places to Live."
In the Journal's article, East Somerville was described as "full of charming houses with Queen Anne and Federal architecture, many which are being rehabbed by professionals."
The description of East Somerville listed new development, improvement and value as reasons for the choice. According to the Journal, a two-family Victorian can be found in East Somerville for $400,000, whereas much smaller units might cost around $600,000 near Davis Square.
Alderman Bill Roche, who has lived for over 30 years in East Somerville, said he was not surprised by the selection, and emphasized that renovation projects and new social programs are constantly improving the neighborhood.
Alderman cleared of sexual abuse charges following eight month investigation
"I'm innocent and I don't feel like I should be held up and ridiculed," Somerville Alderman Tom Taylor told the Somerville Journal after being cleared of allegations of sexual misconduct by the Middlesex District Attorney (DA).
A young man alleged that Taylor had sexually abused him in 1999 when he was 15 years old, but the DA's office, after eight months of investigation, said no charges would be filed, according to the Journal.
"After a thorough review of the facts and circumstances surrounding this matter, the District Attorney's office has determined that no charges will be filed against Mr. Taylor at this time, and no further action is anticipated in this matter," a DA office press release said.
"I'm glad it's over, the whole ordeal. It's a relief. I kind of still feel a sense of sadness and anger over the whole thing," Taylor said.
Students help residents file tax returns
Tufts students are volunteering to help local residents file their taxes by the Friday, April 15 deadline, according to the Somerville Journal.
Student volunteers for the Somerville chapter of the National Student Partnerships (NSP) received training from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) about how to file tax returns and have helped clients save between hundreds and thousands of dollars, according to the Journal.
Helping with taxes is one of several duties of the NSP, which also include finding health care and affordable housing, according to the Journal. About 30 people volunteered for the tax help.
-- Compiled by Bruce Hamilton from the Somerville Journal
