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- February 2024 events email
February 2024 events email
Support housing in Gilman Square!
Supporting Housing
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In Gilman Square, Somerville homebuilder Tony Barros has a new proposal for a six-story apartment building on Pearl Street, just steps from the T. That kind of development should be a slam dunk, especially given Barros Properties’ history of working with neighbors and the city to produce good outcomes. True to form, they have been coordinating with the Gilman Square Neighborhood Council to address some issues brought up in early conversations and are committing to increased setbacks to reduce the shadows cast on some smaller buildings nearby.
The catch? Our zoning isn’t yet aligned with the proposed project or with the city’s stated goals for transit-oriented development. Barros Properties will need a map change to upgrade from Midrise 4 to Midrise 6 before they can build. That change is subject to approval by the Planning Board and the City Council’s Land Use Committee, and they will need to hear from you about it, especially if you live nearby.
Here’s an example you can adapt:
My name is _____ and I live at _____. I’m writing to support the map change for item number 23-1810, upzoning 234 and 236 Pearl Street, Gilman Square from Midrise-4 to Midrise-6. This property is just steps from the T, and permitting lots of housing there is completely aligned with the SomerVision 2040 and Somerville Climate Forward plans to reduce car dependency and increase the amount of housing near transit in the city. We’re also pleased to hear that the proponent has worked with the Gilman Square Neighborhood Council to identify other community benefits, including street safety upgrades. This proposal is a clear win for the city and should be approved promptly.
Send an email saying something like that to [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected], and let them know you support new housing in Somerville!
Upcoming Events
Here’s a quick update on what’s going on in housing issues in Somerville over the next couple of weeks. Note that we’ve delayed our normal monthly meeting a week, so it doesn’t conflict with your Valentine’s Day plans:
Community Land Trust 101: Saturday 2/10, 1-3 pm, in-person at CultureHouse, 64 Union Square. Featuring a screening of the short film Arc of Justice, snacks, and discussion with the Somerville Community Land Trust.
McGrath Highway Update from MassDOT: Tuesday 2/13, 6:30-8 pm, online. Key item: grounding the McGrath highway overpasses.
Land Use Committee/Planning Board joint meeting: Thursday 2/15, 6:30-8 pm, online. Key items: the SomerNova proposal and the Pearl Street proposal mentioned above.
Somerville YIMBY open meeting: Wednesday 2/21, 6-7 pm, online. Key item: a midrise zoning proposal we hope to bring forward this spring.
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