The city is taking a closer look at needed infrastructure improvements following reports of inadequate lighting issues on certain streets in Somerville. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Sal Ghamo

On April 28 Somerville’s Board of Aldermen discussed developments concerning the committee on public health and safety that last met on April 19.

For the bulk of the  April 19 meeting, Alderman at Large, John M. Connolly  made reference to the lack of street lamp contractor repairs.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) commissioner Stanley Koty attended the meeting. Koty spoke in detail about the 805 new lights that had been installed on Broadway, Medford Street, Highland Avenue, as well as on the main and crosstown roadways.

The DPW is currently looking into why 79 of the new lamps do not have power. Koty will be communicating with Eversource to solve the problem. Power outages have also been reported, and the work schedule that has been constructed to repair this problem will coincide with street sweeping and parking restrictions that may be imposed to allow for the servicing. Alderman Connolly stated that, “First priority for any of the darker neighborhoods are being dealt with.”

Alderman at Large Connolly updated the Board of Aldermen on the latest findings of the Health and Safety Committee at its latest regular meeting last Thursday.

Somerville has also acquired a new lighting contractor. The relationship between the contractor and the city has proven itself to be a harmonious one. “We will be getting additional information, as we go along, about the progress that they’re making and how rapidly these lamps have been repaired over the course of time,” Connolly said. The committee will continue to follow up with DPW concerning the results of the street lamp repairs.

Alderman Connolly closed the discussion by briefly reporting on traffic delays and the issue of intersections being blocked by automobiles. “We will be hearing additionally from both the chiefs of police and fire about the progress with the matrix report for the fire department, and also about blocking the intersections that we’re currently working with right now,” said Connolly. “Don’t block the boxes of program that we’re trying to institute so that vehicles won’t be obstructing a major intersection causing more traffic delays.”

The next regular Board of Alderman meeting will occur on May 12.