Members of the community expressed their views on the city’s proposed Arts at the Armory Master Plan at a meeting on December 10.

By Lexi O’Neil

Somerville residents have been waiting anxiously for the city council’s proposal on how best to serve their community’s voices when it comes to Arts at the Armory.

On December 10, residents and community members gathered to speak on behalf of the Master Plan that Somerville’s council has worked on for the last three years. However, residents and creative arts members of the Armory were in opposition of the plan, stating “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it.”

The Master Plan offers the idea for leasing spaces to residents despite its not-for-profit stance. By the government taking over, the people who have worked tirelessly with the Armory to produce art for the community would lose agency over their tenancy.

Some rental agreements may be too high compared to the funds that these projects bring in, causing stress among leaders about the longevity of their work in the community. Residents expressed their concern for losing what makes Somerville’s downtown area a sought-after historical site while feeling as though their concerns are being dismissed by the council. These opinions span from residents of the neighborhood to leadership members whose only opportunity to share their visions is through the Armory.

A community based around dramatic arts would be nothing if the people’s power of creativity is taken away, and this leaves Somerville residents hanging in the balance between ‘what if’ and what will be.

Artists are pouring out from all corners of the community, and some have expressed viewing the council as looking to turn a quick dollar versus cherishing the shared space. Leases would force artists out of the building, thus taking projects away and creating a larger issue on a for-profit standpoint.

The council did propose means for renovations and upkeep on the building, especially if it were to continue standing as an ever-busy front, but this did not comfort residents due to where the power struggle would lie between their craft and the city’s income.

The new year will bring the Master Plan closer to execution, and the council will have the finalized plans prepared for residents by December 31, 2024.