Somerville officials are still dealing with the cost of the July 10 flood. - Photo by William Tauro

By Tom Nash
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As repairs continue from the July 10 storm that dumped an estimated 4.3 inches of rain on the city, one alderman is questioning whether the flooding billed as a “100-year” storm was as unique as officials are stating.
The city estimates that more than 3,000 properties residential and business have been affected, and that more than $10 million in damage has been sustained.
At an emergency Board of Aldermen meeting last Wednesday, Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche challenged the assertion that the flooding was out of the norm for his ward’s residents, many of whom he said struggled with flooding on the same scale in 1996 and 2004.
“For the people and businesses of Ward 1, this is not a 25-year storm,” Roche said, referring to the rainfall estimate at the time. “It’s almost routine. We need to make sure this doesn’t happen again.”
Responding to complaints from residents about flooded homes, DPW Commissioner Stan Koty said he doubted that the flooding issues were the result of sewer problems. He said the 3.5 inches of rain the city received in an hour was unprecedented.
“It’s a phenomenon that hasn’t been seen,” Koty said.
After briefing the Board of Aldermen last week, Mayor Joseph Curtatone on Monday ordered eight new Ford Crown Victoria Interceptor and eight Harley Davidson motorcycles to replace vehicles lost in the flooding of the police headquarters in the Public Safety Building. The building remains closed as cleanup crews continue to work.
“The purchase of these 16 new vehicles will help us continue to ensure that, first and foremost, we provide for the safety of our residents, and are prepared for any public safety issues that can arise at a moment’s notice,” Curtatone said in a statement. “We will continue to assess the damage to the community, and work together to rebuild quickly.”
The bill for the vehicles is expected to be $324,182.
A brochure written in four languages explaining insurance claim steps and clean-up methods has been distributed to homes affected by the storm.