Congratulations to Cambridge

We were thrilled to see that Cambridge City Council passed their latest zoning reform last night, 8-1. For details, check out the coverage in the Boston Globe and Cambridge Day, or take a look at Councilor Burhan Azeem’s thread explaining it on BlueSky. The updated rules allow four-story buildings almost citywide, with an increase to six stories if the buildings include 20% reserved affordable housing. This is a real step forward for our neighbors to welcome newcomers, create jobs, reduce per-capita carbon emissions, and build a sustainable and equitable future for the region.

Here in Somerville, we’re moving closer and closer to gathering signatures for our own proposal. Like Cambridge, we aim to increase allowable height and decrease setbacks in most residential areas. The exact mechanism is different, of course, because our zoning code is different, but our latest draft map of allowable heights would allow 4-6 story apartment buildings in more places citywide. Many of these lots simply aren’t large enough to fit a tall building, but for those that are, this could be a real opportunity.

We look forward to sharing more about our proposal in the coming weeks. In the mean time, please congratulate Cambridge on their incredible step forward!

Dormer Zoning Amendment Goes To Council!

We’re please to share that our Zoning Amendment focused on Dormers is on the agenda for City Council’s Feb. 13 meeting!

This amendment will remove a number of unnecessary & onerous restrictions on how dormers can be built or modified, making things simpler & more sensible for homeowners and homebuilders.