Residents, artists urge Somerville committee to protect Out of the Blue gallery after city takeover

Somerville — Dozens of artists, neighbors and gallery supporters on Wednesday urged the City Council committee on housing, community development and equity to protect Out of the Blue, a long-running community art space at Arts at the Armory.

At a March 4 public hearing requested by a petition from 52 registered voters under Section 2‑11 of the Somerville City Charter, commenters described the gallery as a rare low-cost, inclusive venue for artists and performers and said the city’s 2021 takeover of the Armory has led to confusing notices and threats of eviction.

"I found myself bewildered when I read in the press that the city took over in 2021," said Parmesho Pradhyay, who identified themself as CEO of Alamo Art Gallery and said they work and live in the Armory. Pradhyay told the committee they and other tenants were given successive notices to leave and described feeling vulnerable, saying, "I was told I should have to leave with first 90 days notice, then 60 days notice, then 30 days notice — that seemed unreal." Pradhyay also said three police reports were filed against them that they consider improper.

Multiple speakers recounted the gallery’s history and cultural role. "Out of the Blue fills that whole I feel inside for community," said John J. Phil Meyer, who said he has long been involved with the gallery. Artist Mark Neshay outlined a 30‑year history of the Out of the Blue gallery moving among sites and described its basement performance space and open, low‑barrier exhibitions. Neighbor Jay Plumb called the Armory an "amazing asset" and said existing tenants should be allowed to stay with appropriate conditions.

Several commenters urged the city to include current residents and tenants in any master planning for the Armory. "Please allow the current residents a seat at the table in the decision making of the armory master plan," one speaker said.

Some speakers made stronger allegations about how the city and building management have treated tenants. Parmesho Pradhyay described receiving eviction notices and alleged follow‑up actions they characterized as harassment. A different commenter recounted what they described as efforts to deny access to a mailbox and said an attorney advised that act would be a federal crime; the speaker said they declined to press criminal charges.

The committee chair, Councilor Kristen Strezzo, read the agenda item (petition 260265) and set rules for the hearing: two minutes per speaker, in‑person and online comment allowed, and a request that commenters supply a name and address or Somerville affiliation for the record. Chair Strezzo also announced the committee would accept written testimony through 5 p.m. Friday, March 6, at publiccomments@somervillema.gov.

Councilor Sayid stated on the record that they would recuse from the matter because, as the ward councilor, they are involved in the tenant selection process and had been advised by the city’s legal team to do so.

No formal vote or council decision occurred at the hearing. Chair Strezzo closed the public hearing and later moved to adjourn; the committee adjourned at 6:56 p.m.

The petition asks the full council to consider the future of Out of the Blue at Arts at the Armory; committee members did not announce a timetable for further action during the meeting. Written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, March 6 at publiccomments@somervillema.gov.