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By Mayor Emeritus Eugene C. Brune

There have been several conversations and written articles pertaining to consumption sites and their tentative locations. Certainly, this type of topic would bring out the good, the bad and ugly, during any discussions pertaining to a volatile issue.

During my six years as the Alderman in Ward Six, as well as my ten years as your mayor, many such issues took place. Halfway homes for alcohol rehabilitation, homeless shelters, drug programs, mental health group homes, etc.

It is only natural that these discussions would take place, especially if it might be in one’s neighborhood. In many instances state law provided the right to locate that home or homes dealing with education in any neighborhood.

The discussions were built around not so much asking permission to locate there but easing the minds of the neighbors that all will be fine. There will not be problems, and if so, they will be taken care of immediately by that organization.

Before this state law took place it was left to the Board of Aldermen to vote yes or no before it would be allowed. I remembered one such time when the Caspar Program for Alcohol Rehabilitation proposed to locate a home in my Ward Six.

Although the neighbors were against it, I presented my arguments for the need of this home to help those families with members needing help to rehabilitate, and I received the votes of the Aldermen. The neighbors were so mad at me that they stated that they would defeat me in my next election.

The home proved to be one of the best neighbors, noticeably quiet, sidewalks always exceptionally clean of snow and ice in the winter. It ended up with the neighbors being very friendly, bringing deserts and clothing to the clients. Pleased to say that these same neighbors also helped me to get re-elected.

When Mayor, I was told that a group home for those with mental health issues was going to locate right next door to me on Wallace Street. I invited all my neighbors over to my home for a meeting and I also invited the director of the program to explain what will be taken place, how many will be living there, what kind of supervision and any other questions we might have. At the end of the meeting all my wonderful neighbors understood the need and were willing to welcome them. Pleased to say never once was there a problem.

But learning that Davis Square is one of the locations mentioned for a consumption site, I believe it is a major mistake. At one time many years ago Davis Square was one of the leading squares in the state, but in the seventies that changed. When I was asked as the Ward Alderman about Davis Square, I would answer that “All we have in Davis Square is barrooms and shoe stores, and even the shoe stores were moving out.” I used that as one of my arguments to Governor Dukakis, when I joined the fight to bring the Red Line into Davis Square.

As Mayor, I and my team began the transition to the renovations of Davis Square, New Store Fronts, sidewalks, streets, lighting, parks, and Harvard Health. Several new businesses, great restaurant’s and with the Red Line we brought people into the Square. Tuft’s students came to Davis Square no longer by-passing us and going to Harvard Square. I promised the members of the Ward Six Civic Association that I would keep Davis Square as a neighborhood square, where they could shop, relax in the new parks, and not worry about being unsafe. That I would keep a 50-foot height limitation as they did not want to be another Central or Harvard Square. I fully understand the need for a “consumption site.” I am also in favor of doing all that is possible in helping those with problems, whether it be alcoholism, homelessness, mental health, food kitchens, and abused and battered people, etc.

I am told that other cities and towns have flatly stated that no consumption sites will be allowed in their communities. I do not agree with this and feel that this is not the right position to take.

Also, why Davis Square, or for that matter any square? Did those selecting locations forget the word common sense? Did they give any thought about the businesses that already have a tough time staying in business with all that is going on in this economy? Or the school children going past squares to and from school, or the seniors that enjoy sitting in the park? Or those neighbor’s that asked me to give them a friendly square and many of them still living there.

I assume that Fenway Health spoke with the Mayor, the Ward Councilor, and the Councilors At-Large, and ask if they think that a consumption site belongs in Davis Square? Why not a location with no homes, schools, or seniors? The elected officials should check the police reports as to the serious problems that are occurring in Davis Sq. And why two in Somerville rather than just one?

Has anyone on the committee given any thought to those with a problem who may be embarrassed standing in line letting the world know that they are a user?

I am not saying that Somerville should turn their backs as they never have in the past. Especially to such a severe problem that has hurt so many families. But I am saying that those making the decisions should use some good old common sense. No sense helping one problem by creating another.