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Somerville small-business owners tell council DSA has not supported merchants; council urges using DSA forum and proposes follow-up
Summary
Several downtown business owners told the council the Downtown Somerville Alliance has not offered expected marketing or onboarding support for new merchants and that downtown snow removal and leftover trash harmed storefronts; the council advised owners to take grievances to the DSA board and discussed possible executive-session review of the DSA's role.
Multiple downtown business owners used the public-comment period at the March 16 meeting to complain that the Downtown Somerville Alliance (DSA) is not providing the level of help they expected. Maria Veronic, who said she owns two Main Street businesses, said she feels the relationship has shifted to a "we and them" dynamic and that the DSA is not partnering with merchants to publicize openings or provide walk-through engagement. Another new business owner, Maddie Purand, said she opened two months ago and has not had contact from the DSA to help with grand-opening publicity or a welcome visit.
Cafe Picasso owner Lorenzo Duca raised related concerns about Main Street maintenance after prolonged storms: leftover snow and ice, bags of garbage on snow banks and hazardous walking conditions that he said create a poor impression for customers and complicate deliveries. Long-time resident John Sesi separately urged action on a badly deteriorated street (North Dowy) that he said has been neglected.
Council members responded that the DSA is a separate nonprofit corporation with its own board and that the appropriate first step for merchants is to bring issues before the DSA. Mayor Brian Gallagher and other members encouraged the speakers to attend DSA meetings and provide written examples; one councilmember proposed an executive-session review to assess whether the DSA is meeting its obligations as the special improvement district organization. Council also said borough staff (DPW) will inspect the reported street condition and that landlords can be held responsible for improperly stored trash.
No DSA representative addressed the council during the meeting; councilmembers offered to invite the DSA to a future session to answer questions and review performance if owners do not get satisfactory responses through the DSA board.
