Social Media & Community Engagement Specialist Meghann Ackerman, Senior Planner of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Dan Bartman, and Deputy Chief Stephen Carrabino were on hand at the meeting to inform and engage with interested members of the Ward 6 community. — Photo by Amy Swain

By Amy Swain

Residents of Ward 6 gathered at Somerville Community Baptist Church last Thursday, November 5, for the latest ResiStat meeting for the area.

Refreshments were served, agendas were dispersed, and the Davis Square semi-annual neighborhood meeting opened with Mayor Curtatone addressing the most recent happiness survey. Questions requested information on general happiness as well as satisfaction with physical beauty of the neighborhood, the neighborhood in general, and the city of Somerville. Each category showed an overall increase in happiness between 2013 and 2015, and no average response fell below 7.5 out of 10.

Police Chief David Fallon followed the mayor, presenting information prepared by the Crime Analysis Unit. This began with a discussion on community engagement. Statistics showed that engagement in community meetings, Park Walk & Talks, and citizens’ contact with businesses have all increased dramatically since 2013 – something they believe will affect overall happiness and sense of community.

The overdose crisis was also discussed, and information was made available to interested parties (for those unable to attend, Somerville’s Health and Human Services will have information). Statistics on this issue were expectedly troubling, but steps for recovery assistance were outlined.

There were some issues more specific to Ward 6. Bicycle theft continues to be a large issue, seemingly related to the neighborhood being home to the city’s only MBTA stop. Travelers tend to leave their bikes locked outside the stop. Somerville PD are currently working with transit police to increase surveillance; for that to work they encourage those using this method to lock your bikes only to a bike rack, rather than sign posts or the like.

Car theft is a less prominent but still problematic issue in Davis Square. A trend seems to be unlocked cars. Burglars appear to be simply checking door handles, and without drawing notice are able to quickly snatch valuables. Be sure to lock those doors.

Senior Planner of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Dan Bartman took the mic next to discuss neighborhood planning, an action not taken since 1984. This topic got a big reaction from the crowd. Bartman acknowledged, as many residents were very aware, that the idea was brought up two years ago, and not discussed publicly since. However, the delay seems necessary.

When planning began, it became obvious to those involved that they didn’t have the right methodology or tools to properly measure public life in Davis. In these two years of radio silence, many steps have been taken to ensure that once projects like streetscaping are begun, there should be no delays or surprise issues, such as drainage or inconveniences to drivers or pedestrians.

Testing has related to cost in relation to happiness. One example is chair placement in the park. In city planning in general, moveable chairs have proven a mistake, due to seemingly inevitable theft. However, our planners feel that moveable chairs encourage social interaction, so they took the chance. Population of the park went up 20%, and no chairs have disappeared. So, while it may be frustrating waiting this long for answers, steps are being taken to make the neighborhood the best it can be to accommodate the individuality of the neighborhood.

More than 100 people have been out measuring activity in the neighborhood, revealing more activity in Davis Square per capita than in center city Philadelphia. Public meetings on neighborhood planning will resume this winter. Curiosities about a proposed hotel were also discussed, to which Bartman responded that yes, they would still like to get a hotel, but the priority remains bringing something into the neighborhood that is appropriate for its surroundings and residents.

Ward 6 residents are aware that winter storm parking has always been designated to the odd numbered side of the street. Rejoice, even-siders! From this year on, snow parking will alternate sides. This approaching winter will remain odd, but from then onward the alternating system will be in place.

Douglas Kress, Director of Health and Human Services, closed the meeting with discussion on the neighborhood’s demographics. This included mention of the department’s Community Conversations on Race and Racism programs, which were held throughout October, which they would like to continue moving forward. For information on involvement in such a meeting, call 311. An obvious part of this discussion was that the neighborhood is overwhelmingly white.

The issue of gentrification was brought up, to which one resident noted, “I’m conflicted. I’m thrilled the value of our neighborhood is going up, but it’s disturbing in a way. I like to see the neighborhood coming up, but I’m afraid I won’t be able to afford living here, and that the feel of the classic Somerville home will be lost, turned into condos.”

“The fact that Somerville wants to hear from us makes us want to engage,” another resident revealed. This was obvious in the meeting running until after its 8 p.m. call time, and by speakers remaining to answer further questions. Keep up to date on public meetings by visiting the city’s website.