(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

By Mayor Emeritus
Eugene C. Brune

The questions I and many Somerville people are asking is what is the mayor or the Ward 6 Councilor is saying?

What do the City Council members think about a proposal to build a twenty-five-story, five-hundred-unit building in Davis Square? Currently, they are waiting as there is no application before any board. If Copper Mill submits one, you will then hear the concerns, as well as the final vote. I am hoping that common sense will prevail.

I also read that the developer Copper Mill LLC was encouraged by the city to meet with the community to get their reaction to this proposal to build twenty-five stories. In reading the Somerville Times, I also understand that there were several standing rooms, only crowds with the vast majority against this idea.

As the former Ward 6 Alderman and former Mayor, as well as a former resident of Ward 6 for 85 years, my vote would be NO to twenty-five stories. Yes, to a development that will help the city bring in new tax revenue and is agreeable to our residents as well as not hurting the business community in Davis Square. I understand the need for more housing; I agree, but what Somerville needs is more affordable housing for our long-term residents who are being forced out by high rents. Somerville is fortunate to have several nonprofit companies, many of which I had the pleasure of working with in my role as a former Alderman and Mayor. If given the opportunity they would do an outstanding job building affordable units

In 1972, when serving as the Ward 6 Alderman which includes Davis Square, I had the opportunity to join the fight and discussions as to why Somerville and Davis Square needed the Red Line to continue from Porter Square to Davis Square. The discussions were brought on when Arlington refused the subway to continue from Porter Square to Arlington Center

As the then Ward 6 Alderman and looking at the future of the city as well as Davis Square, I felt that, at that time, the only thing that was going to save Davis Square would be the addition of the MBTA Redline subway station.

In speaking with former Governor Dukakis, as well as the former Secretary of Transportation, Fred Salvucci, I emphatically urged both men that Davis Square was slowly dying, all we had then were barrooms and shoe stores, and even the shoe stores were moving out. This was an undisputed known fact. Another fact is that at one time Davis Square was one of the top best Squares in the state.

At the same time, I met with members of the Davis Square Task Force and to my surprise, they also had many questions, and needed answers from me as to future problems the subway may bring to Davis Square. I had a wonderful and trusting relationship with this group of many Somerville lifetime Davis Square residents that loved their Davis Square. Later when I was elected Mayor, I continued meeting with them, as well as Arts On The Line as to what they would hope for the future of Davis Square.

These community groups did not want Davis Square to be another Central Square or Harvard Square. They asked that we have a 50-foot height limit for any future buildings in Davis Square. They wanted their Davis Square to be safe, and that included a park where they could enjoy meeting friends, sitting, and having a cup of coffee after doing the shopping. They asked me to bring in a variety of non-franchised restaurants and retail stores. I also promised them that we would have no new barroom licenses issued; Only restaurants that primarily serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

 Somerville spans just 4.2 Square miles and has about 88,000 residents. Despite the high population density, most people enjoy the village-like atmosphere.

Additionally, is the Davis Square community of businesses and residents prepared to manage increased traffic for at least two to three years due to extensive construction activities around Davis Square?

Will those same people. Want to put up with huge crane towers, many large contractor trucks making deliveries of steel and construction materials, nonstop noise, as well as the loss of revenue to so many businesses? How about the lack of parking that will happen due to the many of the now available spaces taken away while this exceptionally large development is going on.

 Also, can we guess how many big developers are just waiting with plans and proposals for high-rise apartments in Davis Square, if this major proposal is approved? Residents and businesses will be living in a construction area for several years or forced to move out.

Also, let’s not forget that this 25-story skyscraper, if permitted, will be blocking the sun in that area forever. Many are worried that whatever the ruling comes down for Copper Mill, the city and Davis Square may well be inundated with several other proposals. Many will be watching the leadership of the elected city officials, from the mayor to City Council members and boards, hoping that the city leaders will make common sense decisions based on their judgment and active and on-going community involvement.

 I was always pleased that all the former Mayors, who came after me, Mike Capuano, Dot Gay, and Joe Curtatone, respected the wishes of residents and businesses of Davis Square As former Mayors we clearly understood that a city or town cannot sit still and not make changes. We must maintain consistent tax revenues.

As a former mayor considering such a proposed massive development for Davis Square, I would ask for a much more sensible plan. I believe my former colleagues would agree.

Residents and businesses in Somerville, particularly those in Davis Square, expect the mayor, city councilors, planning and zoning boards, to use practical common-sense judgment for balanced growth consisting of four to six stories, 70 feet maximum building heights.

Thank You.

Eugene Brune, Mayor Emeritus
Former Ward 6 Alderman
Former Register of Deeds, Middlesex South