By Sal Ghamo

The Somerville Board of Aldermen’s Special Committee on Open Space, Environment, and Energy has been studying the issues of playing field use, turf choices, and related matters, seeking best practices policies.

At the most recent Board of Alderman meeting, Ward 5 Alderman Mark Niedergang delivered a report on the subject of the Special Committee on Open Space, Environment, and Energy.

The first item discussed was the use of city playing fields by “non-Somerville” leagues. Director of Recreation, Jill Lathan, recently provided a defense of the field rental practices, and explained how she believes that residents of all ages should be able to use the fields in Somerville.

In Lathan’s spirited speech she explained how some locations, such as Dilboy Stadium, are regional fields and therefore their use cannot be restricted just to Somerville residents. Lathan stated, “Every sport, every youth sport, got all the fields that they wanted last year. This spring there will be extra fields provided at Tufts, in Medford, and also more use of Dilboy so that youth sports leagues will be adequately serviced by our fields.”

Ward 5 Alderman Mark Niedergang reported the Committee’s progress to the Board of Aldermen at their latest regular meeting.

Several aldermen expressed their concerns about a number of issues regarding the fields in Somerville. This includes overused fields (fields having more time to rest), overall quality of the fields, and making sure youth sports get all the fields that they need as well as high quality fields in the future.

Another item on the agenda regarded the pros and cons of artificial turf, which have been a key topic of debate and discussion in Somerville for a long time. Alderman Niedergang addressed the issue, commenting briefly on a statement by Brad Rawson, The Director of Transportation and Infrastructure. Rawson stated, “The administration has been intensively studying this issue and they will be making recommendations, and a report, at the Fields Master Plans presentations that are coming up in March.”

There are two dates for identical presentations planned concerning the artificial turf issue in Somerville. The first presentation is Tuesday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. that will take place at the Somerville Community School. The second presentation is Wednesday, March 9 at the West Somerville Neighborhood School.

Alderman Niedergang also discussed the tree cutting this fall by Eversource. Communication was improved after some back and forth between Somerville representatives and Eversource, as well as the eventual firing of an Eversource manager whom would not comply with regulation standards. The abuse from Eversource has stopped, and a positive and respectful relationship has reportedly been established.

Other items the Special Committee dealt with include the use of curbside bioswales to reduce rainwater runoff, the application of recycling in apartment buildings, close attention to the surfaces of playgrounds and other open spaces, and the Globe Direct circulars in plastic bags that used to litter the communities porches, driveways, and sidewalks. The committee has been working on these issues assiduously, and feel that they are on the way to solving them.