Initial steps in preparing for construction of Somerville’s new public safety building is expected to commence within the next few months.

By Alex Reidy

On Wednesday, March 31, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, Ward 1 City Councilor Matt McLaughlin, Ward 2 City Councilor J.T. Scott, and city staff held a virtual community meeting to introduce the Public Safety Building Project.

The new public safety building is to be built on 90 Washington Street to replace the original building that has become obsolete and outdated, with a plethora of structural issues that would cost more to fix than to build a new building.

The new facility will house both the Police and Fire Departments as well as community-decided development that has yet to be determined.

The focus of constructing this new building is the shared spaces of Police, Fire and Community, which would include spaces for emergency communications, education, wellness, community outreach and clinical support, investigation and evidence, patrol, administration, and specialized training.

Beyond the administrative aspects, there is the idea that the extra space on the land can be used for many different purposes that are as of yet undetermined, including possible affordable housing, a park or another building used for other purposes, such as a pharmacy.

Impacted soils need to be tested and the original foundations still need to be demolished, and 3 to 4 months from now is the estimated starting date for that.

Funding has not been concretely decided upon, but the use of Opportunity Zone funding program may well be used.

The new facility is estimated to be completed by late 2023 to early 2024. You can go to somervoice.somervillema.gov/public-safety-building to share your opinions and feedback, and to get updates on the project.