I know that most of us think that our Davis Square is the center of the universe and that we deserve absolutely everything because most of us around here are -- gosh darn -- middle class and privileged. But please take an unselfish look at the demands of having a community center in this space.
First of all the Mayor is right. This location is way too far off from rest of Somerville, especially the 'poorer' Somervillians, who are probably in most need of a community center. Do you really expect an Ecuadorian grandma hauling ass all the way from East Somerville to play bingo on Tuesday nights almost on the border with Arlington?
Second, why the heck do we need another community center? We have the Armory and another number private establishments that cater to our needs. Heck - you wanna take Nia lessons - go to the Armory. Wanna play a fun game - go to Orleans for Trivia Night or Highland Kitchen for spelling bee. Wanna see a movie - go to Somerville Theater. Wanna have a small meeting - go to a bar/restaurant - for a price of a beer they'll be more than happy to have you there. Wanna have a big public meeting - we have VNA, Tufts, or many other spaces that have been utilized for that. Seriously do we need put the City in another 22 million in debt so we can have a location to play bingo?
I think selling the property would be the proper way to go rather than having another glorified money drain which typically community center are. I do think that one of the best options for this space however would be to sell this property to a developer that would be willing to build a hotel - that's what the city really needs - no debt, inflow of cash, jobs, and long term sustainable income of tax monies.
Davis Square - the center of universe
First of all the Mayor is right. This location is way too far off from rest of Somerville, especially the 'poorer' Somervillians, who are probably in most need of a community center. Do you really expect an Ecuadorian grandma hauling ass all the way from East Somerville to play bingo on Tuesday nights almost on the border with Arlington?
Second, why the heck do we need another community center? We have the Armory and another number private establishments that cater to our needs. Heck - you wanna take Nia lessons - go to the Armory. Wanna play a fun game - go to Orleans for Trivia Night or Highland Kitchen for spelling bee. Wanna see a movie - go to Somerville Theater. Wanna have a small meeting - go to a bar/restaurant - for a price of a beer they'll be more than happy to have you there. Wanna have a big public meeting - we have VNA, Tufts, or many other spaces that have been utilized for that. Seriously do we need put the City in another 22 million in debt so we can have a location to play bingo?
I think selling the property would be the proper way to go rather than having another glorified money drain which typically community center are. I do think that one of the best options for this space however would be to sell this property to a developer that would be willing to build a hotel - that's what the city really needs - no debt, inflow of cash, jobs, and long term sustainable income of tax monies.