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YIMBYs on TV, State Action, and More
Good news!
Aaron Weber
January 28, 2025
NBC Channel 10 has picked up coverage of the Copper Mill proposal for new apartments in Davis Square, and included a short interview with Steering Committee member Jeff Byrnes. We couldn’t be prouder to know that we’re making a difference in the way people talk about development in Somerville! The Boston Globe also has an article about the proposal and the dueling flyers it’s inspired.
What’s going on with that proposal right now? It’s still very early days, and nothing has been formally or officially filed. We’re following the formation of the Davis Square Neighborhood Council, which will be gathering neighborhood input for zoning and other changes that will be required before construction can begin.
State Action
Abundant Housing Massachusetts has announced their top priorities for the 2025-2026 legislative session, and they need our help to make sure our legislators keep those bills in motion. Visit the AHMA website for a quick and easy way to drop a line to Beacon Hill and let them know their constituents want action on housing.
Upcoming Events
January 30: Transit-Supportive Density report and discussion from the Boston Foundation. 9:00 am, online and in-person.
January 30: Somerville anti-displacement taskforce report, 7:00 pm, online.
January 30: Gilman Square Redevelopment Advisory Committee, 7:00 pm, online.
February 4: Public Safety For All report from the Public Safety for All Task Force, Civilian Oversight Task Force, and Anti-Violence Working Group. 6:30 pm, in-person at Somerville High School.
February 6: Planning Board meeting. 6:00 pm, online.
February 7: Somerville YIMBY social meetup. 6:00 pm, in-person at Remnant Brewing, Bow Market.
February 12: Somerville YIMBY monthly meeting, 6:00 pm, online via Zoom.
Additional Reading
Population.FYI analysis of price and density restrictions showing the correlation between anti-housing laws and higher housing prices.
We hadn’t spotted this one before: A 2022 analysis of the US housing crisis from IZA Institute of Labor Economics, which suggests that the housing shortage is between four and thirteen times greater than other estimates.
The New York Times covers parking policy and the importance of, well, having a bit less of it.
The Atlantic’s Jerusalem Demsas discusses the psychological reflex of opposition to new homes.