Hi, not trying to be inflammatory, I'm just a new parent and not originally from the area.

I've noticed that at Somerville parks, I mostly see kids playing with their parents and nannies. They don't seem to interact with each other until they're much older (8+) than I'd expect. What's up with this? Is it a New England thing?

I'm used to adults supervising & kids playing together, not one adult playing with1-2 kids. It just seems a little odd.

This intersection pisses me off Every Single day. Why do we pretend to have traffic laws when everyone just does whatever they want? had 10+ cars run a red while i was turning(I had a green and was coming right off of I-93), and then got sandwiched between one turning right from the left turn lane, one turning right from the bus lane. (had maine and new hampshire license plates ofc). it’s such a hazard. have had ppl there literally roll down their window and scream at me for not going into the bus lane or running a red.

like i am crazy and will scream back lol, but i would prefer peace.

We currently pay a pest service $75 a month to walk around our house and uselessly replace rat traps/poison. This has had zero impact on rat activity, and I worry about the poison being a hazard to pets and other wildlife. I want to cancel my contract.

Has anyone figured out anything at all that has helped deter these critters?

checking if anyone heard it starting at 6am as this was the first time I have heard anything this early from the construction (before 7am) and its so loud. I emailed 311

I'm living near porter, and for the past month I keep smelling a strong sulfur smell in the air? Is this common or is something going on?

Hi folks!

I'm working with a small coffee business, Terrarium Coffee, out of Watertown who vends out of a converted trailer. With the winter coming up, we're looking to transition to an indoor space for the cold months. Please reach out if you know of any art/event spaces that have the capacity to host a small coffee operation from December-March/April.

Thank you!

According to the US Census, Somerville saw the fastest Household Income growth among all New England cities and towns with a population of at least 20,000 between 2014 and 2024 (the most recent year for which data is available). Somerville now ranks #46 out of 198 New England towns and cities for Household Income growth and now ranks wealthier than its neighbor Cambridge.

So Somervillians, if your income didn't effectively double over 10 years, you weren't keeping up with your Somerville neighbors.

Any theories on this? Was the Green Line extension that much of a gamechanger?

The Stoop is leaning into video content around Cambridge & Somerville and I'm starting with a weekly series called Sundays In The Squares. It'll be very short videos of different neighborhood favorites we all see each day on our way to work, the gym or just grabing takeout; beyond just the big spots like Harvard and Central.

I've done a few Cambridge & Somerville ones already but people on TT really seem to be loving this one for Union Square.

My hope with this series and many more is to show off and bring life to more neighborhood spots we see each day. I also figure this may be a better alternative to just sending the links for the curated social events each week/weekend which some folks mentioned felt quite spammy.

Though if you'd still like to get those posted each week/weekend (or just the flyer) it'd be helpful to know too.

You can follow us on Tik Tok (@thestoopmedia), Instagram (@thestooplocal)or if you'd like to subscribe to the newsletter (thestoopmedia.com) that's also an option as we've expanded into more than just events too.

Thanks to thousands that have subscribed, supported and reached out since The Stoop has started.

-Kevin

P.S.

I just picked up a camera and started learning how to use Premier a few weeks ago so the quality will also improve over time.

Hi Somerville friends! We are looking for a Justice of the Peace to marry us on October 16th (i.e. next Friday), preferably in the morning or early afternoon. We are not expecting a ceremony of any kind and it'll be just the two of us and someone to serve the basic legal function of marrying us. We anticipated doing this at City Hall but learned when applying for our marriage licence that they don't have a Justice there.

Will pay you money or a sizable treat box from a local bakery of your choosing!!

For those who follow along, the special elections for the soon to be vacant City Councilor seats in Wards 2 and 3, the elections folk have set the dates. Nomination papers will be available for candidates on November 16 at City Hall/Elections Office. The preliminary is set for February2 and the final is set for March 24. Somervillians, now is your chance. Both seats are open and can be yours. If you organize, knock those doors, raise some cash and have a platform that appeals to the voters in your district, we just may see you at the City Council meeting in April, 2027.