Storm Update from Mayor Dennis Sullivan
The Borough of Somerville has sustained significant storm damage, but no loss of life and only a few minor injuries are reported as of 2:00 pm on Thursday afternoon. Emergency personnel were active all night, responding to various calls town-wide. A home was destroyed in an explosion and the façade on a vacant building on W. Main St. had a partial collapsed. Both sites are under control as the causes are being investigated. The property on Main Street is currently being demolished. Some streets are still flooded, and residents are being evacuated to safety. There is a tremendous, coordinated rescue effort ongoing.
I need your help in managing this difficult situation. Please stay off the roads to allow essential vehicles room to maneuver. Garbage collection will resume on Saturday, but please put out only regular household refuse. Bulk items, storm debris pickup is being coordinated with the hauler. It is expected that bulk waste can be picked up as early as Friday. If you have a true emergency by all means dial 911, but keep in mind that our first responders are working overtime in challenging conditions.
I am in touch with the offices of Congressman Malinowski and Governor Murphy to appraise them of our needs as we assess the damage that we have incurred. I have been assured that help will be available as we begin the long cleanup and recovery. Borough Hall will post regular updates on our website and social media outlets in the days ahead. In the meantime, keep your family safe, look in on your neighbors, and stay Somerville strong!
Mayor Dennis Sullivan
September 2, 2021