Former Somerville mayor candidate at center of safety dispute

On April 28, 2010, in Latest News, by The News Staff

Scirocco's 10 Howe St. property.

By George P. Hassett

City officials have filed a complaint against a former candidate for mayor after he allegedly turned his backyard into a neighborhood safety hazard, including building a concrete wall on his property.

Richard J. Scirocco challenged Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone in 2007, losing in the primary. He received 464 votes.

In March, the city's Inspectional Services Department issued a stop work order at Scirocco's 10 Howe St. property, according to city records. It was the latest of several dating back five years, said city spokeswoman Jackie Rossetti.

Inspectional services employees visited the house this week and filed a complaint against Scirocco in Somerville District Court, Rossetti said.

Rossetti said Scirocco's failed bid for mayor played no part in how he was treated by city officials.

"If there is a public safety issue, the city treats every property owner the same way," she said.