The Somerville Beacon

Somerville's $1.3 Billion Combined Sewer Overflow Plan

A summary of the regional sewer plan headed to state and federal regulators on April 30, and its projected impact on Somerville households.

Apr 26 • Ben Orenstein

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An Interview with Ben Ewen-Campen

Somerville City Councilor and candidate for the House of Reps. 27th Middlesex District

Apr 24 • Ben Orenstein

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March 2026

Reforming Somerville’s Demolition Review Ordinance

Somerville has two systems for protecting historic buildings.

Mar 16 • Ben Orenstein

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Emergency Measures: Three Legal Changes to Help Address Somerville's Housing Crisis

A blueprint for immediate action in a crisis.

Mar 6 • Ben Orenstein

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January 2026

New tool: Somerville City Council Digests

City Council meeting summaries, delivered directly to your inbox

Jan 10 • Ben Orenstein

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November 2025

An Interview with Judy Pineda Neufeld

Looking back on years of elected service

Nov 17, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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October 2025

How I Moderated My First Mayoral Debate

A peek behind the scenes.

Oct 21, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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What Should I Ask at Monday's Mayoral Debate?

I'm moderating a debate between Wilson and Burnley and would like to include your questions.

Oct 14, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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June 2025

New Course: How The Somerville Government Works

Taught by yours truly.

Jun 18, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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Let's Fix the School Street Crossing

I'm putting together a crew!

Jun 12, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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April 2025

Automatically Addressing a Housing Shortage

A model for writing an automatic response system into the law

Apr 6, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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March 2025

An Interview with Willie Burnley Jr.

Somerville City Councilor and Candidate for Mayor

Mar 11, 2025 • Ben Orenstein

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