New Assembly Square Neighborhood Plan
I’ve just announced that by unanimous vote, the Somerville Planning Board adopted my administration’s Assembly Square Neighborhood Plan, marking a significant milestone in the City's efforts to guide sustainable development in one of its most rapidly evolving neighborhoods. Once fully implemented, the neighborhood plan offers the potential of up to 2,900 to 5,700 new residential units -- including roughly 580 to 1,100 affordable units -- and an estimated up to $17 million in annual tax revenues among other community benefits.
New Zoning for Union Square
New Zoning for Union Square
This is one of many development projects that demonstrates how Somerville is thriving. There’s Somernova where with community input there will be so-called “tough tech” and companies fighting climate change along with new housing and arts spaces. There’s Union Square where there will be the redevelopment of 20 acres creating 3.8 million square feet of office/lab, residential, retail & green space. After 17 years I got the project at the long closed Star Market at 299 Broadway St. going which will lead to two new mixed-use buildings of 316 apartments, 40% of which will be affordable, as well as retail space and a public plaza and park.
Former Star Market Site at 299 Broadway St.
Zoning for a thriving future
These four, recent projects provide excellent community benefits. The new Somernova zoning has landmark agreements for both labor and community benefits. This is the sort of good zoning for good development I have spearheaded as mayor. It leads to more affordable housing, an increased tax base for the city, and the creation of countless jobs – not just in the construction of these sites, but in the businesses they will house. When more businesses locate here, their business taxes help share the cost of city services with renters and homeowners, so we can all get a tax break. Many more people will be able to both live and work in Somerville, which will be good for the environment as well as existing small businesses that will see increased pedestrian traffic.
