WEEK IN REVIEW: Alderman Sean O'Donovan Steps Down

Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan Steps Down
Sean O'Donovan, who served as alderman in Somerville's Ward 5 since 2000 and, before that, was the ward's School Committee representative between 1995 and 1999, resigned from the Somerville Board of Aldermen Thursday night. He cited family obligations and the need to devote more time to his law practice as reasons. He nominated Courtney O'Keefe, founder of the website Ward5Online, as his replacement, but the Board of Aldermen did not immediately approve her appointment.

'World of Beer' Chain Eyes Davis Square Location
World of Beer, a national chain of craft-beer bars, wants to come to Davis Square, according to the food blog Boston Eater, which picked up the story from Davis Square LiveJournal. According to the LiveJournal post, which relays an email from Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz, World of Beer wants to open in thelong-vacant Social Security building at 240 Elm St.

Somerville Reps Split on Transportation Financing Vote
Two of Somerville's state representatives voted against a $500 transportation financing bill Monday; one voted for it. Rep. Carl Sciortino said, "The House bill just doesn't cut it." Rep. Timothy Toomey said, "I could not justify voting no with the threat of fare increases and service cuts looming over the commuters, families, and seniors." Rep. Denise Provost also voted agains the bill.

House Fire Near Kennedy School Displaces Four
A Monday night fire at a home behind the Kennedy School in Somerville displaced four residents, according to District Chief John Norton of the Somerville Fire Department. Norton said the cause of the fire was likely electrical. Residents in the home were changing a fuse, and when they got back to their second-floor living space they noticed the fire, he said.

As neighbors and some Somerville aldermen voiced concerns about parking and traffic at a proposed apartment complex in Union Square, developers of the project are in discussions with city planners regarding an historically significant building at the site.