Union Square - Somerville Community Blog

The Green Line Extension is creating some news in the communities it will serve - Somerville, Medford and Cambridge. 

There is now word that the green and red lines could connect someday in Porter Square!

According to Katherine Fichter, project manager for the Green Line Extension, this is something that could happen in the far, far future.

Yes, I know - that statement doesn't sound extremely promising. But at least it's on the table!

Connecting the green and red lines is a fantastic idea! 

It's time our elected officials acknowledge that the Greater Boston area is truly "greater" than just Boston!

Why should we have to go in and out of Boston to go from Union Square to Porter Square? That's insane! Just like the fact that our friends in East Cambridge have to go on a trek by bus just to get to Harvard Square. Insane!

Does Beacon Hill not realize that we have a little something to offer here in Somerville and Cambridge? Did they miss the memo that said the patrons of the Green Line Extension shouldn't have to ride into Park Street station just to grab the red line? 

Just think - come get your Somerville auto repair here in Union and whiz down to Porter on the green line! 

I understand that the current Green Line Extension must happen first. But after that - the connection to Porter Square is a must! Let's make sure it happens!

Things are also heating up in Medford. The State is balking at completing the Green Line Extension in one phase.

Yes, you guessed it - crying broke again! Supposedly, due to the "economic conditions" there isn't enough money to complete the Mystic Valley/Route 16 terminating stop by the December, 31, 2014 deadline - when the rest of the extension is legally mandated to be completed.

So they are now talking two phases - one for everything up to College Avenue in Medford - and another for the Mystic Valley stop.

But wait - not enough money? What happened to all that fabulous stimulus money? Nearly 1 trillion dollars of stimulus and no money for Mystic Valley?

We have bankrupted our country and can't event get a T stop?

It's time for Governor Patrick to utilize his Obama ties to make this happen! The people of Medford should not be considered second-rate!

If Washington has spent all of its newly-printed money then it's time for Beacon Hill to step-up and get the job done!

If one thing is true about Somerville, it is that we are a diverse city! And that diversity can be seen more than ever at Somerville High School - something that we embrace here at Mike's Auto.

In fact, one of our own technicians went from Somerville High School to Somerville auto repair (haha - get it? Okay, maybe not). (Yes - we're one of those crazy organizations that actually hires people who were educated at our local schools.) 

There are tons of other great kids at Somerville High, many of which just celebrated the annual multicultural fair. Check out the performances below. These kids rock! (I'm diggin' the tango!).

These kids are the future of our city. I think it's safe to say that the future is looking bright!

Rock on, Highlanders! 

The Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership (STEP) reports that the State has selected a new site for the future Green Line maintenance facility. 

The decision is a huge victory for the Brickbottom neighborhood and the entire city of Somerville. MassDOT has chosen option L the maintenance facility, rather than placing it in yard 8. See picture below, courtesy of STEP:

As you can see, this option L is the only feasible option for the residents of Brickbottom.

You may wonder what does this has to do with Somerville auto repair? Well, we don't just provide auto service in Somerville - we are a member of the community. We have called this city home for over 20 years and we love it!

The residents of Brickbottom, from the new immigrants to the creative class which boasts its magnificent artwork, are a vital part of our community. It is diverse neighborhoods like Brickbottom that make Somerville the all-American city that it is.      

Our friends in this neighborhood deserve a high quality of life, and this decision will help make that a reality.

This will also serve as a boon to the whole city, as the once-industrial area of Brickbottom will be able to be redeveloped. More revenues for the city and a cleaner, healthier neighborhood - we all win!

The Green Line expansion is going to make our great city even greater - and Brickbottom is going to be an integral spoke in the hub we call Somerville.

Cheers, Brickbottom! You are well on your way! We promise to go along for the ride!

We started out on May 1, 1980, in a small 1-bay shop in Cambridge. Back then it was just Mike Sr. Mike set out with $2,500 and a dream to be his own boss and help other people. Cambridge auto repair was tough! But Mike held on, taking it day-by-day.

After many years we were able to get a bigger shop in Cambridge. The business grew in more ways than one - Mike Jr. joined. What a team!

It wasn't long until we needed to move again. This time, it was next door to Somerville - a city we've called home ever since! First it was behind the high school on Medford St., then to our current home in historic Union Square.

Once thing is certain: Somerville auto repair has changed forever!

Through the years we have provided the finest automotive service to our friends in the area. How? Mike made a pledge back in 1980 that he still stands by today - be honest, be fair, and arm our customers with knowledge.

It is because of this pledge that we have been so successful. It is why so many women in the area have chosen us to take care of their vehicles. It is why we are the only automotive shop in the State to be named a Super Service Award winner by Angie's List!

We've spent 30 years fighting the big pricey dealerships. We hear the horror stories from our new customers, many of whom always got gouged at the dealer. And who ultimately, end-up very happy with us. That makes us just as happy!

30 years of success! 30 years of making new friends and helping people! Sounds like a reason to celebrate - wouldn't you agree?

We've got some plans...stay tuned!