By Miriam Valverde

East Somerville celebrated the opening of a new police substation at 81 Broadway on Monday; a move that city officials say will increase the reporting of neighborhood crime and make the area safer for residents and businesses.

Community residents stood outside the substation and listened to city leaders, including the mayor and police chief, detail the new policing methods they plan to bring to one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods.

“Today you have given our department a home in East Somerville,” said Police Chief Anthony Holloway. “And to a police officer, there is nothing more important than having a home in the community. This substation, and the one soon to open in West Somerville, will allow us to be even more effective at policing on a neighborhood level.”

Acknowledging the tight-knit community, Curtatone said, “people who grew up here work here now.”

“This substation will allow residents to bring their questions and concerns to our police officers so that they can be addressed before they become problems,” he said.

People in the neighborhood said they were grateful for the attention. “We need this good presence in the area,” said Cathy Senesi, a local resident.

‚ÄúIt’s a positive influence for the business community, they will feel more secure,‚Äù said Carrie Dancy, executive director of East Somerville Main Streets.

Holloway congratulated the new acting Deputy Chief of Operations Michael Cabral and Acting Deputy Chief of Support Services Paul Upton. Residents had the opportunity to meet Substation Commander Captain Michael Devereaux and the department’s neighborhood police officers and command staff.

A second substation, at 1154 Broadway and serving West Somerville, is expected to open in November.