Somerville To Continue Construction Freeze Despite Baker's Order

SOMERVILLE, MA — Despite Gov. Charlie Baker deeming construction projects "essential" during the statewide stay-at-home advisory, Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone said the construction ban will continue in the city. In a letter to officials in communities that have frozen construction projects, the governor's Chief Legal Counsel Robert Ross wrote that construction projects are to "continue operations during the state of emergency, but to do so with the allowance for social distancing protocols consistent with guidance provided by the Department of Public Health."

"Local policies, regulations, or directives that provide otherwise are in direct conflict with the Order and should be withdrawn," Ross wrote. On Monday, Somerville ordered all construction projects to cease operations and secure their sites by Friday. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis, and work deemed essential, like utility repairs, will be allowed during this time.

Boston and Cambridge have enacted similar bans.

Curtatone wrote on Twitter Wednesday night that the moratorium on construction projects will stand, defying the state's order.

"Some times you have to put down your foot & say no," Curtatone tweeted. "The construction stoppage will continue in Somerville. We tried to keep it open & it's just not safe. The sites will stay closed to prevent the spread of #COVID19."

The city also released a statement Wednesday saying it could not "control for every factor to ensure safe social distancing and other health and safety guidelines" outlined in the previously issued Construction COVID-19 Safety Guidelines, especially due to Somerville's dense urban environment.

"Therefore, to protect the workers on these sites, their families, and everyone they come into contact with, the City of Somerville construction suspension remains in full force," the statement read in part.