Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Senior Planner Melissa Woods and others filled Ward 4 residents in on details of the city’s proposed revitalization plan.

By Amy Swain

Residents of the Winter Hill area of Ward 4 gathered at the Healey School Thursday for the semi-annual discussion of resident statistics.

Melissa Woods, Senior Planner at the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, opened the meeting with excitement regarding the publication of the Winter Hill revitalization plan on the city’s website.

Current talk of the city’s resources being focused on the GLX and Union Square prompted the question, however, of whether this realistically means progress for Ward 4. “The city is smart fiscally,” Woods said. “We have the right team, and this is still a priority. We do need to come to a path, and this may happen after other projects, but it is never a bad idea to document a vision.”

Mayor Curtatone came to present one important topic: Question 5. Most are aware of the four questions on the ballot regarding state law. Somerville will have a fifth question, concerning raising property tax above the limit specified in the bylaws of the city specifically to fund the new high school. This is referred to as debt exclusion, and a ‘Yes’ vote would allow the city to change taxing standards for this project only.

The question has no end date, but standards of debt exclusion would mean the city specifies the project the tax increase is for, and it would remain in effect until the project is paid off.

While the mayor tried not to be pushy on the matter, he clearly feels very strongly that this is necessary: “The more we kick this down the road, the physical and financial liability increases. The building is not falling apart on our kids, no, but our accreditation is in jeopardy.” The city’s website has detailed information regarding plans for the project and average cost to the taxpayer.

Police Chief David Fallon revealed a new citywide speed limit of 25 mph, unless otherwise posted. Some will be higher, and some, including around parks and hospitals, will be lower. London has adopted this model, and has seen very positive results that Fallon believes will translate to our densely populated city.

Fallon also discussed crime and prevention information, much of which focused on the SPD’s community engagement and trust building. “We’re aware of what’s going on nationally with policing across the country,” the Chief said. “Our officers know we get our authority from the citizens of this city.” In an effort toward full transparency, all police procedures, including search and seizure, are posted on the department’s website.