Housing, Community Development and Equity Committee

The meeting was called to order at 6:01 p.m. by Chair Kristen Strezo. The meeting was held in a hybrid format pursuant to Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025.

Attendance:

• Councilor Kristen Strezo (Chair): Present
• Councilor Naima Sait: Present
• Councilor Jon Link: Present

A quorum was established with all members present.

Councilor Naima Sait recused herself from the discussion regarding Item 260265. She stated that as the Ward Councilor, she is involved in the tenant selection process and had confirmed the necessity of her recusal with the city's legal team.

The committee opened a public hearing on Item 260265: 'Referral recommendation that this city council for the public hearing on the petition submitted by 52 registered voters regarding Out of the Blue community art space at Arts at the Armory pursuant to section 2-11 of the city charter.'

Summary of Public Testimony

• Parmita Paddai (CEO, Out of the Blue Art Gallery; 191 Highland Ave): Expressed significant concern regarding her housing and the gallery's future. She noted that since the city took over the Armory in 2021, she has faced 'illegal eviction' notices and unsubstantiated police reports. She requested that if she must leave, the city should provide an alternative space.
  • Direct Quote: "I am a teacher. I am a philosopher. I am a community organizer... I hope to go into the ages convening Not being called by the police, not being told horrible things."
• Steven Asaro (191 Highland Ave): Alleged that the city's acquisition of the building was a 'vanity project' and described 'open hostility' from city management. He detailed an incident involving Tom Gallagani and a staff member named Stephanie, alleging they denied him access to his mailbox, which he claimed was a federal felony.
  • Direct Quote: "The seizure of this building is and was nothing more than a vanity project... the second the city took over this building, we were met with palpable and open hostility."
• John J. Philmeyer (Sky Body Works, 93 Allen St): Spoke in support of the gallery as a vital community 'third space' and requested that current residents have a seat at the table for the Armory Master Plan.
• Marcus Neche (202 Framble St, Cambridge): Highlighted the gallery's 30-year history and its role as an inclusive venue for spontaneous performance and art without submission fees.
• Kate Levin (169 Morrison Ave): Emphasized the cultural importance of the space to Somerville's identity.
• Bill Lewis (Priest River, Idaho): A former resident and teacher who praised the gallery's leadership for creating a warm and welcoming public art space.
• David Stickney (Dorchester): An artist affiliated with the gallery since its inception, supporting the current management's efforts to maintain the community.
• Thomas Fahey (Westford, MA): Described the gallery as a 'launching point' for local artists and a rare inclusive space that does not focus on profit.
• Jay Plum (Hudson St): A neighbor who questioned the city's lack of explanation for the eviction and advocated for all existing tenants to remain.
• Gordon Goes (Massachusetts): A visitor and artist who praised the visual impact of the gallery's work in the Armory hallways and criticized the city's management as 'unethical.'
• Danielle McNevin (40 College Hill Rd): Stated the gallery has been a 'safe place' for creative and musical artists for years and questioned why the city repeatedly challenges them.
• Beckwith (58 Tufts St): A musician and artist who argued that performance spaces are the 'soul of our humanity' and should be protected from city interference.

Chair Strezo announced that written testimony would be accepted at publiccomments@somervillema.gov until Friday, March 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:56 p.m.

Vote to Adjourn:

• Councilor Sait: Yes
• Councilor Link: Yes
• Chair Strezo: Yes

Result: Motion passed 3-0.