Aldermen make push for community center

On February 17, 2010, in Latest News, by The News Staff

By Tom Nash

Citing a lack of city-owned recreational space in Somerville, the Board of Aldermen voted last Thursday to ask the mayor to work with them to develop a plan for a community center.

While the city has space for activities usually included in all-encompassing community centers, Alderman-at-Large Jack Connolly said residents need a space "where both young and older folks could come and spend part of their days not only educating, but recreating,"

"We have only a finite amount of space, but we have an incredible amount of needs that would be serviced by a site like this," Connolly added. "It's my goal to try to put together a working group to get our hands around the potential."

Among the possible sites mentioned were Foss Park and Dilboy Field, where state-owned land could potentially be used by the city. Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane had previously said the vacant Powder House School, which the city is considering selling, could be a viable site.

Alderman-at-Large Bruce Desmond said that a board committee he chaired in 1997 to tackle the issue ultimately went nowhere – and that the need is greater than ever.

"There are a lot of opportunities that we need to get out on the table now," Desmond said. "This is extremely important to this city; it needs it desperately."