The Davis Square Community

Seven licenses left. And while I agree with your frustration about the limited licenses in Somerville in general, it is more concerning to me that BiBim cannot afford the commercial rent without a liquor license. (that was stated in the community meeting frequently) Essentially, the commercial property owners are determining the businesses that can afford to survive in Davis Square and limiting those businesses to chains with solid financials. Mom and pop, independent or entrepreneurial businesses have no hope of securing a lease and aren't even considered by commercial brokers at the direction of the owners, even if they have solid business plans with successful financials. The property owners are in the financial position to keep the storefronts empty until they get the rent they want. And that is what is happening. You keep harping on the liquor licenses and accusing city officials of ridiculous behavior, but why not focus on the real problem? All you have to do is look at the Cutter/Summer property to realize that the rents are too high for any reasonable business. There are a number of successful, local "chains" that would love to be in Davis but intelligently say no to the rents. And I really don't get why you think that Davis, which has a significant amount of the limited number of licenses, deserves more. Especially in a city with multiple underutilized neighborhoods? If you are really upset about it, start working with the state and do something. Apologies for my frustration, but your posts are frequent and accusatory with no solutions or attempt to fix the problems you identify.