Curtatone began by presenting plans for both the incoming MBTA Green Line and Orange Line stop at Assembly Square. The return of widespread train access in Somerville, Curtatone said, represents the city's focus on "the consequential connectivity of policy."

The mayor said the change marks an end to an era when Somerville was a victim of other's transportation priorities – including the removal of trolley stops throughout Somerville and the addition of I-93.

"They didn't plan, and when you don't plan you're doomed for failure," Curtatone said. "Forty years ago, if you wanted to know how not to do things, you'd come to the City of Somerville."

Today, Curtatone said, the city is ready to go with plans that will bring 85 percent of the city within a half-mile of public transit. Following the connectivity idea, he said this will lead to business growth all around.

"That Green Line is going to break ground pretty soon – pretty damn soon," he said.

Business owners in attendance had more immediate issues in mind. A question and answer session opened with an owner taking the mayor to task on the city's recently implemented parking regulations, which some have said are scaring away customers.

"The parking situation is stifling progress," said the owner, who did not give his name. "Most of these people you're welcoming to Somerville, you're saying, 'Here's a $50 ticket. You only have two hours to park.'"

Curtatone said he disagreed, and that the goal behind the two-hour restriction is turnover.

"You need diversity in parking … we agree with that," Curtatone said, noting the city is planning on putting up kiosks that will take credit card payments that will allow for more parking time in Davis Square.

"I don't want to run out at 9 p.m. when the movie is going," he said. "We get it."

Taza Chocolate co-founder Larry Slotnick asked Curtatone about rising health care costs, noting small companies are struggling with rising health insurance premiums.

"Perhaps the city can help small businesses increase their bargaining power," Slotnick said.

Curtatone said that with the city employees facing a 21 percent increase this year, he understands the battle.

"It's the number one budget buster for cities and towns," he said. "I can't imagine what it does to small businesses … We are desperately seeking innovations and creative solutions for health insurance."

Reached after the meeting, Slotnick said he appreciated Curtatone tackling the question, and for speaking against the car-oriented transportations that he said have hindered Somerville.

"I was pleasantly surprised by (Curtatone's) really strong desire to keep the discussion at a big picture level," Slotnick said. "Those kinds of statements can really ruffle some feathers. I give him a lot of credit for it."