Mayor Curtatone and members of the community looked on as Acting Somerville Fire Chief Sullivan addressed the meeting, speaking in favor of the proposed 515 Somerville Ave. location for the city’s new fire station. — Photo by Josie Grove

By Josie Grove

Nearly 100 people filled the Somerville Aldermanic Chambers on Monday night, eager to hear and be heard about the city’s proposal for a fire station at 515 Somerville Ave. The contentious project has sparked a vocal opposition from some neighbors, who have organized into a group called Save Spring Hill.

At the beginning of the hearing, Mayor Joseph Curatone minimized the concerns of the group. “It is important to just dismiss a couple of myths,” the mayor said. He vehemently denied that property values will decrease for homes near a fire station. Because of the demand for housing in the city, said the mayor, “Property values in Somerville, for better or worse, are increasing.”

Curtatone emphasized that 515 Somerville Ave. is ideal for the fire station. “We just so happen to have a piece of property that is located at the exact location we need that will help us deploy more efficiently and effectively. And the land is clear,” he said, noting that empty lots costs the city less than built lots.

The plan has formed quickly, the mayor admitted. “A municipality has very little flexibility to move quickly. We can never get a situation like this in that corridor again.” The mayor explained that because of high demand for land in the city, the probability of a large parcel becoming available in such a good location is very low. The mayor justified using eminent domain in this case, saying, “If we cannot provide for public safety, I don’t know what we can provide for.”

Somerville Fire Chief Sullivan agrees that 515 Somerville Ave. is a good site. Anticipating increased foot traffic, Sullivan opposes building the station in Union Square itself. “Locking a fire department in Union Square, and having them respond to every call through Union Square, would be a safety hazard.” Somerville Fire Local 76 president Thomas Ross also supports the plan, saying, “This location can service things that this department is in dire need of.”

Neighbors at the hearing were less enthused about a fire station. “Our avenues, Somerville Ave. or any avenue, they’re connectors of our squares,” said Matt Joyce, who has lived in Somerville for sixteen years. “The infill of these avenues, those things need to be thought about.”

Response time, the time between a 911 call and firefighters’ arrival, is a key metric for deciding the location of a fire station. The mayor said that the city will commission a matrix study, which will determine the ideal place for a fire station based on the amount of time it takes to respond from there. The study will take into account the new development planned across the city.

Many residents doubted that a station on Somerville Ave. would improve response times. Resident Deborah Hughes said, “I believe the fire department’s primary mission is quick response times. The primary mission will be compromised by their place on Somerville Ave. “

Sylvia Walker was one of several residents who felt that the city has been secretive about the plans for the fire station. “We have been told that everything is going to be with transparency. Well, it wasn’t too transparent on this one, because we didn’t hear anything.”

The mayor said that community participation would come later. “What will this facility look like? We will engage in a robust community-based planning process for this project.” He added, “There will be no giant tower to block your view,” alluding to another of Save Spring Hill’s concerns.

Ward 4 Alderman Tony Lafuente defended the process. “We are just now at the beginning. This is our opportunity, yours and ours.” Lafuente reassured the concerned residents that their voices would be heard. “We’re listening to you. That’s what the process is. We’re being very transparent on this board, because we’re here. Just because the mayor wants this piece of property does not mean that we’re going to give it to him. You as the neighbors have a lot of say in this as far as this board is concerned.”

There will be more meetings throughout the summer, the Board of Aldermen will accept or reject the plan for a fire station at 515 Somerville Ave. in the fall.