Somerville Police Chief David Fallon reported on the state of crime prevention and other matters concerning the safety and welfare of Ward 7 residents at last week’s ResiStat meeting.

By Amy Swain

Last Wednesday, May 11, residents and officials of Ward 7 gathered at the West Somerville Neighborhood School for the semi-annual ResiStat meeting.

The meeting opened with Chief David Fallon of the Somerville Police Department reviewing recent crime statistics. Most common crimes were down, including theft from motor vehicles, which dropped from 34 to only 9 this year. Death from opioid overdose was also down from last year, but unfortunately overdoses themselves continue to rise.

In discussing traffic safety, Chief Fallon revealed that both bike and pedestrian involved crashes were down. Several traffic issues were addressed by the audience. The Alewife Parkway was described as “a mess.” Fallon revealed that there were jurisdiction issues with the state police that have recently been resolved; it is Somerville territory. The topic of electronic license plate readers came up too – “why don’t the police use them anymore?” It turns out that the department switched cars and they simply have not installed them in the new ones yet.

Mayor Curtatone updated Ward 7 residents on the current efforts to keep the Green Line Extension project on track. — Photos by Amy Swain

Ward 7 Alderman Katjana Ballantyne discussed some neighborhood project updates. Regarding  Powder House, she maintains hope that we will see some development this fall. Teele Square “Pit” has no current available timeline, but it is under new ownership, and the first floor retail/upper floors residential plan will most likely be maintained when development begins.

A major focus regarding community development was Somerville High School. In 2010, the school’s accreditation came with the suggestion that the school be updated. This includes more than additional space and a coat of paint. Plans and proposals are available at somervillema.gov/highschool. The city strongly encourages residents to check it out and get involved.

The largest discussion topic of the night was, of course, the Green Line Extension project. As is well known, there have been recent setbacks in production. Mayor Curtatone was fired up on the topic. He revealed that the setbacks have been due to resistance from the state, not the city. After all the money, stress, and health risks the construction has put our city through, the mayor says, “They owe this to us.” According to the mayor, we have a right to a large grant from the FTA. The city is trying its hardest to access that money before the next election. On this subject as well, the city urges residents to speak up: call or write the governor, attend Board of Alderman meetings, ask questions and offer your thoughts.

Keep up with current events and meetings by visiting the city’s website, and stay tuned for the fall ResiStat meeting.