Assembly Square won’t be the magic bullet solution to this city’s constant fiscal crisis but truly “smart-growth” development at the site is vital. Somerville taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for a stalled private plan that will not add real economic growth to the city’s bottom line.
Aldermen are correct to thoroughly examine Mayor Joe Curtatone’s request to borrow $25 million for the project. Taxpayers deserve a return for any investment made and a good plan includes maximizing office space and tax revenue from the long underdeveloped site.