Foreclosures Remained Low in Somerville Through March

In Somerville and across the state, foreclosures were down in the first quarter of 2013.

There were no completed foreclosures in Somerville during March, according to figures released this week by The Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman. In March of 2012, there were five completed foreclosures. In fact, through March there were two foreclosures in Somerville this year. That compares to eight foreclosures in the first three months of 2012. Foreclosure petitions, the first stage of the foreclosure process, were also down slightly in the first three months of 2013, at nine. Through March of 2012 there were 12 foreclosure petitions. Across the state, there's been "a significant decline" in foreclosures, "indicating the foreclosure crisis is over," The Warren Group wrote in an announcement about this week's figures. There…

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New Homes For Sale in Somerville This Week

Find homes for sale in Somerville on this page every week, from our partners at Zillow.

Home of the Week: Magoun Square Home Has Finished Attic and Basement Space

The single-family home also got a driveway for three cars, a patio and a shed.

House Hunt: Open House Sampler

Home of the Week: Magoun Square Home Has Finished Attic and Basement Space

The single-family home also got a driveway for three cars, a patio and a shed.

A look at this week's home of the week. Realtors, this is your space. Upload photos of the houses you're showing this weekend and enter the property's details in the caption. Selling your Somerville place without a Realtor? Consider yourself invited to add your photos and details into the mix. Please upload one photo per open house listing and include the following information in the captions of all photos: Click on the big green "Upload Photos & Videos" button to get started. If you have any trouble getting the message out, send an email to somerville@patch.com.

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16 People Who Will Influence Powder House School Redevelopment

A technical advisory committee includes elected officials, residents, city staffers and a Teele Square business owner.

The city has announced the formation of an advisory committee that will review six development proposals for the Power House Community School site near Teele Square. The school closed in 2004, and the city issued a request for proposals on Dec. 26, 2012, seeking development pitches for the 1.85-acre plot of land. See a summary of the six development proposals. The Powder House Community School Technical Advisory Committee will review the six proposals and make a recommendation to the mayor's office about which one is best. Here's the list of people on the committee: Somerville residents: Somerville City staff: What Developers Want to Build at the Powder House School Six Developers Submit Powder House School Proposals City Officially Seeks …

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Wage Theft is 'Rife' In Somerville, Say Activists

The practice particularly affects workers in the restaurant and construction industries, and immigrants are especially vulnerable, activists said.

"It's a major problem in the 21st century, and what happened at Diva is happening every day in America and all too often right here in Somerville," said Rand Wilson, a labor organizer, speaking to the Somerville Board of Aldermen Tuesday night at a public hearing. Wilson was speaking about so-called wage theft, where employers cheat employees out of payment. Patrick McDermott, a workers rights organizer with Somerville-based Centro Presente, said workers are cheated out of pay in a number of ways. Sometimes employers, particularly in the restaurant and construction industries, will hire someone for week, then fire them on Friday without providing a paycheck. Sometimes employers issue checks without suficcient funds to honor them. Often …

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'Redbones' BBQ Opening Second Location in Malden

The popular Davis Square hot spot will come to 333 Commercial Street this August, with plans to operate a nanobrewery, beer garden and catering services.

A popular Davis Square BBQ spot will be opening a new location in Malden, the city of Malden has confirmed. Redbones will bring a full bar, complete with its beer and bourbon list, to 333 Commercial St., the present location of Rosebud Farms.  Redbones opened in Davis Square in 1987 and has a popular food truck. Owners Robert Gregory and Caryn Whitney said they had plans to open an on-site nanobrewery at the Malden location, offer outside seating and operate catering services at the site. This would be in addition to offering the restaurant's existing BBQ and drink menus.  Malden city officials joined Gregory and Whitney as they offered free samples to passersby near Malden Center Monday afternoon.  "Many of the young people that have been…

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