City of Somerville, Massachusetts - File #: 190737

• File #: 190737
• Version: 1
• Type: Ordinance
• Status: Placed on File
• File created: 1/7/2011
• In control: City Council
• On agenda: 1/13/2011
• Final action: 12/20/2011
• Enactment date: N/A
• Enactment #: 190737
• Title: Requesting approval of an amendment to the Ordinances at Chapter 12 regarding the Placement and Maintenance of News racks.
• Code sections: Ordinance Not Zoning -

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
12/20/2011	11	City Council	Placed on file
12/15/2011	10	Legislative Matters Committee	Work completed
10/11/2011	9	Legislative Matters Committee	Kept in committee
3/15/2011	8	Legislative Matters Committee	Kept in committee
2/10/2011	7	City Council	Referred for recommendation
2/8/2011	5	Legislative Matters Committee	Approved
1/13/2011	4	City Council	Referred for recommendation

  Agenda Text

title

Requesting approval of an amendment to the Ordinances at Chapter 12 regarding the Placement and Maintenance of News racks.

body

Official Text

To the Honorable Board:

The City is interested in implementing modular newsrack program as an alternative to single news boxes in key areas. I respectfully request that you approve proposed ordinance amending the City of Somerville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12, Article 4, Placement and Maintenance of Newsracks to amend or add provisions related to the installation, maintenance, and management of a modular newsrack program and Chapter 12, Article 1, General. In a separate action, the Board will be asked to authorize a contract exceeding three (3) years with City Solutions, Inc. which will operate the modular newsrack program.

Independent news boxes with free and paid publications are prevalent throughout Somerville’s corridors and neighborhoods. At times, they create an eyesore and do not conform to ADA regulations, creating pedestrian hazards. In order to facilitate the installation, maintenance and management of a modular newsrack program within public rights-of-way, amendment of the Newsrack Ordinance is needed. The proposed amendments will allow for advertising on the newsracks and will prohibit the placement of newsboxes within Newsrack Improvement Areas, i.e., those areas within 300 feet of an approved newsrack.  

It is recommended that the Board of Aldermen approve the proposed ordinance amending the City of Somerville Code of Ordinances, Chapter 12, Article 4, Placement and Maintenance of Newsracks. 

Sincerely,