Development and Zoning
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:59 pm on May 6, 2013
The key issue is allowing a larger supermarket in Assembly Square at a location that should be dedicated to high-rise office and R&D space.More…
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Housing, Union Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:58 pm on
The Open House provides an opportunity to tour the new office, meet the GLX project team, get project updates, and provide feedback on the current state of the project. More…
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:56 pm on
Agenda gives no specifics. There are committees on resident services, public safety, major projects, and finance. To find out the specifics, come and listen. More…
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:21 pm on May 1, 2013
Agenda includes updates on Assembly Square and Union Square and takings and other actions in Union Square. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Mystic River | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:30 pm on April 28, 2013
Agenda includes a proposed home-rule petition to establish a Job Creation-Job Retention Trust, and a proposed ban on polystyrene containers in Somerville. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:02 pm on April 21, 2013
Community cleanups provide the opportunity to help your community and meet other citizens over breakfast and barbeque. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3, Ward 4, Ward 5, Ward 6, Ward 7 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:58 pm on
Agenda includes an update on the construction of the Riverfront park at Assembly Square. More…
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Events, Mystic River | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:58 pm on April 14, 2013
The HUD block grants are a very important source of funding for affordable housing in Somerville, yet very few people attend these hearings. More…
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Seniors | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:29 pm on April 7, 2013
The Green Line Extension and Assembly Square T-Stop may be at risk if inadequate funding is provided. Make your views known. More…
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Posted in Assembly Square, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, College Avenue, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Events, Gilman Square, Green Line, Lowell Street, Magoun Square, MBTA, Orange Line, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:58 pm on April 1, 2013
Agenda includes four substantial residential projects and only a couple of small commercial projects. This is the wrong policy emphasis. More…
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by Joeb a 11:16 am on March 26, 2013
Somerville Library as a digital laboratory, community service, and creative resource to both city and national users.
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Posted in Arts and Culture, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Education, Events, Green Line, Politics, Schools and Youth, Seniors, Teens, Union Square, Ward 2, Ward 3 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:07 pm on March 24, 2013
Separating supermarkets from general merchandise and department stores in the use table could ensure that allowing a supermarket would allow a department store in the same location only by Special Permit. However, Special Permits are granted automatically if the Planning Board does not act. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:04 pm on
The HUD block grants are a very important source of funding for affordable housing in Somerville. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:01 pm on
Draw 7 Park, currently underutilized, will be an important amenity for the new neighborhood at Assembly Square. Come and participate. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Mystic River | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:55 pm on
Remediation of contaminated industrial areas in the Union Square area has been an issue. It may be in your interest to comment on the Environmental Notification Form. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:12 pm on March 3, 2013
Trains carrying large amounts of flammable alcohol would pass through Somerville, including Porter Square, Brickbottom, East Broadway, and Assembly Square. More…
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Disaster Relief, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Porter Square, Public Health & Safety, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:07 pm on
The state’s transportation infrastructure is long overdue for repairs and maintenance. Come to this forum to learn what options are on the table. More…
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:56 pm on February 24, 2013
Agenda includes conditions upon Federal Realty for building a retail/food service building in block 2A and to build a mixed-use office building in block 2B within the 150 foot river setback. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Mystic River | No Comments »
Posted by MaryRegan a 4:33 pm on February 22, 2013
The Committee to Elect Mark Niedergang invites you to enjoy delicious free food from Redbones, Taco Loco, and Gauchão , fun entertainment, good company, and provocative discussion at a party and fundraiser to kick off Mark’s campaign for Ward 5 Alderman. Alex the Jester will entertain. State Representative Carl Sciortino (Somerville/Medford) will speak.
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Posted in Announcements, Ball Square, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Education, Environment and Open Space, Events, Government Reform, Housing, Lowell Street, Magoun Square, Politics, Porter Square, Schools and Youth, Ward 5 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:01 pm on February 18, 2013
Agenda likely includes the purchase of real estate by the Redevelopment Authority (SRA) and any funds paid through SRA to Federal Realty (FRIT), and also the final agreement with FRIT about Yard 21 and whether covenants with IKEA and FRIT apply to future purchasers of the property. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Mystic River | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:48 pm on
Massachusetts public transportation is perpetually strapped for cash. Innovative financing options might help. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:06 pm on February 10, 2013
Agenda includes a hearing on waivers and permits to allow Federal Realty to build a retail/food service building in block 2A and to build a mixed-use office building in block 2B within the 150 foot river setback. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:06 am on February 6, 2013
Ethanol trains carrying large amounts of flammable liquid would pass through Somerville, including right by Brickbottom, East Broadway and Assembly Square. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Mystic River, Transportation | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:43 pm on February 3, 2013
Agenda includes a presentation by Ian Lockwood and opportunities for citizen input ranging from spot improvements to larger scale network visioning. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Transportation | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:41 pm on
Agenda includes approving the Assembly Row Storefront and Signage Design Standards. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Mystic River | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:39 pm on
This panel discusses how Assembly Row’s outlet shopping stores are designed as part of an urban neighborhood. Program includes a hard-hat site tour of Assembly Row. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:52 pm on January 30, 2013
Agenda includes two buildings on block 2 of Assembly Square. One is a food-service building and the other is a mixed-use building with retail and office uses. More…
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Mystic River, Orange Line, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:12 pm on January 27, 2013
Bicycle advocates turned out to the first meetings in support of a dedicated cycle track, which is opposed by neighborhood businesses. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:14 pm on
Bicycle advocates turned out to the first meetings in support of a dedicated cycle track, which is opposed by neighborhood businesses More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:32 pm on January 20, 2013
Land acquisition in Union Square is required for the Green Line T-Stop and for area redevelopment. Those involved should make sure their interests are met. More…
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning | 2 Comments »
Posted by Joeb a 9:56 pm on January 17, 2013
Why build when we can use what we have so much better?
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Posted in City Finances, Development and Zoning | 60 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:16 pm on January 13, 2013
If a grocery store is built at the IKEA site, it should be on the first floor of a multi-story, high-value R&D building, otherwise the location is underutilized.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Events, Mystic River, Orange Line | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:59 pm on January 6, 2013
Federal Realty has acquired the IKEA site and is considering placing a grocery there. We need to preserve upper-story R&D space at the site as well as choose a good grocer.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Events, Mystic River, Orange Line | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:48 pm on January 1, 2013
Come, look, listen, and participate. Neighbors and other stakeholders should assert their interests early rather than late.
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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Events, Gilman Square, Housing, Lowell Street | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:38 pm on December 9, 2012
Governor Patrick, Secretary Davey, Congressman Capuano, Mayor Curtatone, and other state and local elected officials are holding a kickoff ceremony for construction of Phase I of Green Line extension. The shovels are going into the ground. The Green Line Extension is really happening!
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Events, Gilman Square, Green Line, Lowell Street, Magoun Square, MBTA, Neighborhoods and Squares, Teele Square, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:29 pm on
The SHA Annual Plan is a requirement of Federal funds for housing for low and moderate income families, the elderly, and the disabled.
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Posted in Accessibility, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:24 pm on
Agenda includes a presentation of the FEMA Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Disaster Relief, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:11 pm on December 2, 2012
This public hearing will affect property tax percentages for fiscal year 2013, giving revenue implications of various rates. Every Somerville property owner will be affected by this hearing.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:07 pm on
Rutherford Avenue and Sullivan Square are just over the Somerville line in Boston. Somervillians who use the Sullivan Square T-Stop should come to the meeting and participate.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Orange Line, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:48 pm on
Agenda gives no specific issues, but includes resident concerns, major projects, and finance.
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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Seniors, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:45 pm on November 25, 2012
Come, look, listen, and participate. Neighbors and other stakeholders should assert their interests early rather than late.
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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Gilman Square, Green Line, Housing, Lowell Street, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:49 pm on
Agenda includes a public hearing on an amendment to the Order of Conditions for the stormwater connections of block 2A of Assembly Row and a Notice of Intent for interim parking lots at blocks 5 and 6 of Assembly Row.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Mystic River, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:56 pm on November 18, 2012
This public hearing will affect property tax percentages for fiscal year 2013, giving revenue implications of various rates. Every Somerville property owner will be affected by this hearing.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:51 pm on
Davis Square neighbors should make their views known on the Kenney Park renovations.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:17 pm on November 12, 2012
Beacon Street Reconstruction Meeting #3 Tue. Nov. 13 6:00 – 8:00 PM John F. Kennedy Elementary School Cafeteria 5 Cherry St. Somerville MA (map) This is a community meeting on proposed changes to Beacon Street called by the Somerville Office of Strat…
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Posted in Development and Zoning, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:38 pm on November 11, 2012
Agenda likely includes discussing the Community Preservation Act, the coming Green Line Extension, the Davis Square Visioning process, and the Porter Square Visioning process.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Historical, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Red Line, Special, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Ward 6 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:35 pm on
Agenda will likely include discussing the implications of the passage of the Community Preservation Act as well as citizen concerns about services and public safety.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:32 pm on
Agenda likely includes discussing the implications of the passage of the Community Preservation Act on revisions to the Historic Preservation Commission Guidelines.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Historical, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:59 pm on October 28, 2012
VOTE! In addition to the Presidential and Senatorial elections we all know about, there are seven initiatives on the ballot.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Government Reform, Neighborhoods and Squares, Politics, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:55 pm on
2012 election year rhetoric features “The market versus the state”, “Big capital versus big government”, and so on. What about creating a web of collaboration where no one is in charge because everyone is in charge?
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Government Reform, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:49 pm on
Andy Wiley-Schwartz will join Visiting Scholar Aaron Naparstek to discuss a groundbreaking approach to urban planning and design that has led to the construction of more than 50 new plazas and 21 acres of new public space in New York.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:49 pm on
Agenda includes the presentation to the Planning Board of the RA/RB Report, which recommends changes to make residential zoning more comprehensible and consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Comprehensive Plan, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:17 pm on October 7, 2012
This meeting is intended to solicit input from the community on ideas for reconstructing Beacon Street. Changes to Beacon Street can affect people from Porter Square to Inman Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Beacon Street, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:08 pm on
The first of three events focused on the future of Gilman Square, Lowell Street, and Ball Square. Come, listen, and participate. Neighbors and other stakeholders should assert their interests early rather than late.
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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Gilman Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:58 pm on
This is a special meeting of the Somerville Redevelopment Authority. The agenda is to approve the 2012 Union Square Revitalization Plan as amended by the BOA on Oct. 2, 2012.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Mystic River, Neighborhoods and Squares, Union Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:15 pm on September 30, 2012
Agenda includes resolving two continued Special Permits for parking in Assembly Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Mystic River, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:09 pm on
Come and ask questions. The Federal HUD block grants are a very important source of funding for affordable housing in Somerville.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:03 pm on
This is a special meeting of the Somerville Board of Aldermen to discuss and vote on the revised Union Square Revitalization Plan. Come and observe. Citizen presence is the most important check and balance in governance.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Housing, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:00 pm on September 16, 2012
This meeting is called by the Somerville OSPCD to describe planned changes to Beacon Street. Changes to Beacon Street can affect people from Porter Square to Inman Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:57 pm on
This is the fifth in a series of meetings on proposed changes to Davis Square. Participation is important for a satisfactory outcome.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Red Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:37 pm on September 9, 2012
Key issues are responding to IKEA’s withdrawal from Assembly Square and monitoring the City’s progress with the Comprehensive Plan.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Mystic River, Orange Line, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:39 pm on
Agenda includes a Public Hearing on the Union Square Revitalization Plan and discussion by the Board of Aldermen meeting as a whole.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Housing, Union Square | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:30 pm on
Agenda includes committee approval of Union Square Revitalization Plan and possible rescheduling of Public Hearing.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Union Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:17 pm on
Dear MVTF Supporters, In 2012, Assembly Square is waking up. The new Assembly Square Drive is open, and the MBTA has begun building the Orange Line T-Stop at Assembly Square. Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRIT) and Avalon Bay are building mixed-use …
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Posted in Development and Zoning | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:50 pm on August 25, 2012
Agenda includes report on whether covenants with IKEA and FRIT apply to future purchasers of the IKEA site at Assembly Square. Approval of Union Square Revitalization Plan.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Mystic River, Orange Line, Union Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:55 pm on August 19, 2012
Agenda includes routine modifications and demolitions, the proposed guidelines changes, and the Assembly Row Historic Enhancement Project.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Historical, Housing | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:23 pm on August 12, 2012
Agenda likely includes a Special Permit for parking lots in Assembly Square blocks 5 and 6 to serve retail in blocks 1, 3, 4.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Mystic River, Orange Line, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:10 pm on
Agenda includes discussing revisions to the Historic Preservation Commission Guidelines.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Historical, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:06 pm on
Broadway is a key commercial corridor in Somerville. Its urban design can improve the commercial potential of the neighborhood as well as its livability.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, East Somerville, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:02 pm on
Agenda includes the Assembly Square riverfront park along the Mystic between Rt. 28 and the Winter Hill Yacht Club.
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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Mystic River, Orange Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:50 pm on July 15, 2012
Agenda includes changes to the Assembly Row Special Permits requesting more parking spaces for blocks 4, 5, 6.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:47 pm on
Agenda includes the Assembly Square 2002 Revitalization Plan authorization for a Minor Plan Change naming the IKEA parcel as an Acquisition Parcel and Disposition Parcel.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | 2 Comments »
Posted by Mary Regan a 6:01 pm on July 12, 2012
A crowd of 80 Union Square residents and other Somerville supporters gathered last night to proclaim Union Square as the heart of diversity with their message: “We support an affordable, diverse Somerville: Let’s keep Union Square a place for everyone!”
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Posted in Civic Action, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Housing, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:58 pm on June 24, 2012
Agenda includes the Assembly Square 2002 Revitalization Plan, the Union Square Revitalization Plan, and the proposed SRA website.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Red Line, Union Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:37 pm on June 10, 2012
Agenda not available. The Trust manages payments made in lieu of affordable housing units required by the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance, along with revenues from loans made by the Trust.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:33 pm on
The agenda includes resident concerns and reports of the executive director and committees.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:23 pm on June 4, 2012
Agenda includes ordinance changes to support urban agriculture in Somerville, including farming on municipal land.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:19 pm on June 3, 2012
Public notice includes a proposed demolition of 336 Summer St., currently designated as historically “significant”.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Events, Historical | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:49 pm on May 28, 2012
Ward 6. which includes Davis Square and part of Porter Square, may be affected by the proposed zoning change for Elm Street and Somerville Avenue.
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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Porter Square, Red Line, Traffic & Parking, Ward 6 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:09 pm on May 20, 2012
Turning McGrath Highway back into a boulevard would relink parts of Somerville that have long been severed.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:07 pm on
Assembly Row and Assembly Square T-Stop development has started. It’s time to move ahead with the Transportation Mitigation Plan.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:29 pm on May 13, 2012
Public notice includes an ordinance amending the Somerville zoning code to encourage urban agriculture.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:46 pm on May 6, 2012
Agenda includes the acquisition of 258 Somerville Ave., the status of Assembly Square and Union Square, and the creation of a web page for the SRA.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation, Union Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:26 pm on April 29, 2012
Turning McGrath Highway back into a boulevard would relink parts of Somerville that have long been severed.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:36 pm on
Now that the Somerville Comprehensive Plan has been endorsed by the city and adopted by the Planning Board, I would like to pass along a suggestion.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | 5 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:15 pm on
Assembly Row Groundbreaking Ceremony Mon. Apr. 30 10:30 – 11:30 AM Assembly Square Foley St. at Assembly Square Drive Somerville MA (map) Federal Realty and the City of Somerville are sponsoring a formal groundbreaking ceremony for the Assembly Row d…
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Posted in Development and Zoning | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:01 pm on April 22, 2012
Environmental mediation in a densely populated city like Somerville is important for public health.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Public Health & Safety, Union Square | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:56 pm on
The ResiStat meetings provide an opportunity for citizens to hear what the city government is doing and for the city government to hear citizen’s concerns.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Ten Hills, Transportation, Ward 1 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:00 pm on April 15, 2012
The HUD block grants are a very important source of funding for affordable housing in Somerville.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Seniors, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:31 pm on April 8, 2012
Agenda includes adopting the Somerville Comprehensive Plan.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Red Line, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:20 pm on
Agenda includes Magoun Square, Union Square, and the Somerville Comprehensive Plan.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Magoun Square, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:49 pm on April 1, 2012
The Inner Belt Symposium The Role of Planners Working with Community Groups Wed. Apr. 4 6:00 – 8:00 PM MIT Room 32-155 The Stata Center 32 Vassar St. Cambridge MA (map) The Community Organizers Thurs. Apr. 19 6:00 – 8:00 PM Lecture Hall Cam…
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Posted in Development and Zoning | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:43 pm on
Agenda includes five antenna proposals: 844 McGrath Hwy., 331-333 Broadway, 49 Davis Sq., 15 Weston Ave., 114 Highland Ave.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:08 pm on
The Inner Belt struggle was the first time Boston-area neighborhoods stood up for their own interests with regard to transportation improvements.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Historical, Neighborhoods and Squares, Traffic & Parking, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by Alain Jehlen a 9:08 pm on March 29, 2012
Somerville residents opposed to Walmart coming to our town have scheduled a campaign day this Saturday, March 31. They will knock on doors, hand out flyers, and ask small
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Posted in Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:10 pm on March 25, 2012
This session explores how progressive transportation and planning policies can strengthen a city’s economy, encourage exciting new urban development, and improve quality of life and long-term sustainability.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:03 pm on
This session explores how grassroots, Internet-empowered “tactical urbanism” concepts are changing the way we plan, design and program urban public space.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:19 pm on
Agenda includes Magoun Square, Union Square, Somerville Avenue, planned bridge repairs by Mass DOT, and the Comprehensive Plan.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Magoun Square, Trains, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:44 pm on March 18, 2012
Agenda includes Assembly Square Blocks 1 and 4 and small changes to the Assembly Square PUD. Adopting the Somerville Comprehensive Plan may be deferred.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:42 pm on
This is a joint meeting of the BOA Land Use and Housing and Community Development Committees. The agenda includes adopting the Somerville Comprehensive Plan.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:54 pm on March 11, 2012
Progressive urban planning requires not only urban transformation, but also neighborhood enhancement and conservation.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:50 pm on
Public participation in designing neighborhood T-stops is essential to their success. Come and make your views known.
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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, College Avenue, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, MBTA, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:42 pm on
Join Mass Senior Action in telling the MBTA…”Bail Out the Riders, Build Massachusetts!”
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, MBTA, Neighborhoods and Squares, Seniors, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:27 pm on
Agenda includes a change to the definition of pervious area that could bar completely paving new construction. (Note: Rescheduled from 3/13/12.)
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:16 pm on March 5, 2012
Public participation in designing neighborhood T-stops is essential to their success. Come and make your views known.
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Posted in Ages 18+, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Ward 6 | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:54 pm on March 4, 2012
Next to road repairs, community housing has the most immediate effect of all City programs on the day to day lives of Somerville residents. Come and make your views known.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:51 pm on
Agenda includes status reports on Assembly Square and the Green Line Extension, acquisition of 258 Somerville Ave.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:48 pm on
Agenda includes the proposed rezoning of Somerville Ave. and Elm St. between Porter and Wilson Squares, which is controversial.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Porter Square, Wilson Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:59 pm on February 26, 2012
Community corridor planning is essential to making the best use of the new Green Line T-Stops. Come and make your voices heard.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:55 pm on
Agenda includes routine variances, such as 143-145 Cedar St. (10 unit residential), 11-15 Holland St. (fast-food restaurant), 39-43 Elmwood (3 buildings, 9 unit residential).
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:51 pm on
Agenda includes Assembly Square Order of Conditions (OOC) for changes to Block 3 and to Shore Drive in Ten Hills.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Orange Line, Special, Ten Hills | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:18 pm on February 20, 2012
Agenda not available (2/20/12). The Design Review Committee provides design criteria, guidance and recommendations to permit applicants. Its mandate is to maintain and enhance the natural, aesthetic, and cultural heritage of the City and to preserve the value of land and buildings.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:13 pm on
Agenda includes routine variances and, in executive session, a discussion of current litigation regarding 369-371 Beacon St.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:57 pm on January 29, 2012
Agenda includes further discussion and possible vote on the Porter Square/Wilson Square zoning change, which has proved controversial.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Porter Square, Red Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:58 pm on January 15, 2012
Agenda includes resident concerns and report of committees on Resident Services, Public Safety, Safety, Major Projects, and Finance.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:43 pm on
Agenda includes further discussion and possible vote on the Porter Square/Wilson Square zoning change, which has proved controversial.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Porter Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:41 pm on
Agenda includes (16 Linden St.) a variance to add a 5-unit residence to a lot that already has a 3-unit structure and (485 Mystic Valley Pkwy.) convert the Mystic Water Works property into 60 affordable housing units.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:18 pm on January 8, 2012
Agenda not available (1/1/12). The Design Review Committee provides design criteria, guidance and recommendations to permit applicants. Its mandate is to maintain and enhance the natural, aesthetic, and cultural heritage of the City and to preserve the value of land and buildings.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:31 pm on January 1, 2012
Agenda includes the proposed zoning changes to Somerville Avenue from Wilson Square to Porter Square, White Street, and Elm Street from White Street to Wilson Square. “What’s in it for us?”
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Porter Square, Red Line | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:28 pm on
Agenda includes converting the existing Mystic Water Works into a 25 unit affordable housing apartment building.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:09 pm on December 18, 2011
The City of Somerville is proposing zoning changes to Somerville Avenue from Wilson Square to Porter Square, White Street, and Elm Street from White Street to Wilson Square. While this zoning change can bring definite benefits to the city in tax revenue, some abutters are asking “What’s in it for us?”
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Porter Square, Red Line, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »
Posted by eila a 5:18 pm on December 15, 2011
The City of Somerville submitted a variance application on December 2, 2011 that stated that a “proposed secondary stair case” was being considered for the west sidewalks of Lowell St. Bridge into the future Max’sGreen. Since there’s already a staircase less than 200 feet away, why does the City want to waste 109K of public funds on that second staircase?
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Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing, Transportation | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:48 pm on December 11, 2011
According to state law, Redevelopment Authorities are empowered to buy and sell property, acquire property through eminent domain, and grant tax concessions. Agenda not available (12/11/11).
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:47 pm on
Agenda includes zoning changes to set minimum pervious area requirements and to modify zoning maps for Somerville Ave. from WIlson Square to Porter Square, White St., and Elm St.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Union Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:42 pm on
Agenda includes contract awards and (in executive session) watershed land acquisition approval and ratification of collective bargaining agreements with Steelworkers and Massachusetts Organization of State Engineers and Scientists.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:23 pm on December 4, 2011
Continuing the Green Line Extension to Mystic Valley Parkway will complete the integration of West Somerville and Medford into the Green Line.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Green Line, Ward 7 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:48 pm on
Light rail mass transit is a good thing, but directing commuter rail trains, including diesel trains, through the middle of Cambridge is controversial.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Commuter Rail, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:45 pm on
This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Design Review Committee. Agenda not available (12/4/11).
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:43 pm on
Agenda includes 343-351 Summer St., a controversial development that includes residential and a replacement for the existing VFW club.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Housing, Red Line, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:38 pm on
The Mystic Riverfront Park upgrades are a big part of the improvements to Assembly Square resulting from the Assembly Square PUD.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Orange Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:51 pm on
Agenda not available (11/29/11). This meeting will most likely discuss property tax percentages for fiscal year 2012.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:57 pm on November 27, 2011
Agenda includes 485 Mystic Valley Pkwy, a project converting the exising Mystic Water Works into 25 affordable units of housing and replacing an existing office building with 35 affordable units.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing, Ward 6 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:51 pm on
Agenda includes the acquisition of 258 Somerville Ave. and updates on Assembly Square and Union Square. Note: the Somerville Redevelopment Authority does not have a web page.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Green Line, Housing, Orange Line, Union Square | 7 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:16 pm on November 20, 2011
Agenda includes an update on the Order of Conditions for Assembly Square and a new fence for the Bike Path Community Garden.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Orange Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:14 pm on
Agenda includes 343-351 Summer St., a mixed-use building including a new VFW hall near Davis Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Red Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:13 pm on November 13, 2011
This is a first look at the proposed design for the Community Path. All concerned with the path and the Green Line Extension should show up and comment.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:11 pm on
Agenda includes an update on the Somerville Comprehensive Plan and a signage change at a restaurant at 379 Somerville Ave. Note change of venue.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares | 1 Comment »
Posted by eila a 12:47 pm on
Although there appears to be a lot of neighborly opposition to SCC’s 181 Washington Street proposed development at this time, the Boston Society of Architects is calling it an “active project.” Below, information about the…
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Posted in Announcements, Development and Zoning, Housing, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by Rand Wilson a 8:25 am on November 11, 2011
Join us for a discussion on how this will affect the community and what you can do about it!
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Posted in Announcements, Development and Zoning, Politics, Workers' Rights | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:59 pm on November 6, 2011
It is very important that the public catch up with the Assembly Square T-stop project progress and decisions.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Orange Line, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:15 pm on
The comment period ends 11/23/11. This is your chance to provide input to Federal guidelines on access by persons with disabilities.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety | 4 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:59 pm on
These meetings are an important way to make your needs known to Somerville government. Show up and make your voice heard.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Historical, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Ward 1, Ward 2, Ward 3, Ward 4, Ward 5, Ward 6 | No Comments »
Posted by eila a 4:31 pm on November 2, 2011
Over 80% of Somerville’s new sidewalks and curb cuts, installed since 2004, are hazardous for people with various types of disabilities (one-in-five). These infrastructure improvements don’t even adhere to basic, standard building code. See a listing of the first 50 locations that the City of Somerville promises to re-do, equalling about $500K wasted the first time around- for starters.
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Posted in Accessibility, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Government Reform, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety, Public Records / FOIA Requests, Schools and Youth, Seniors | 6 Comments »
Posted by eila a 8:51 pm on October 24, 2011
October, 2011: The Somerville Community Corporation is organizing strategy sessions to get more affordable housing in Somerville by “strengthening our city’s inclusionary zoning ordinance.”
The Community Access Project has placed a FOI request to the…
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Posted in Accessibility, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Housing, Public Records / FOIA Requests, Special | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:02 pm on October 23, 2011
Agenda includes Assembly Square Blocks 1 and 4 and sewer and drain work in Ten Hills. This work helps fulfill the financial conditions needed for the success of the Assembly Square DIF and iCubed programs.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:55 pm on
This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Design Review Committee. Agenda not posted (10/23/11).
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:53 pm on
Agenda includes 16 Linden St., constructing 5 dwelling units on a lot with 3 existing units for a total of 8.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:50 pm on
Agenda includes a special permit for dry boat storage at 74 Foley Street in Assembly Square, possibly for boats from the Winter Hill Yacht Club.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:29 pm on October 16, 2011
Agenda includes 343-351 Summer St. for a special permit to develop a new two to three story mixed-use building consisting of a VFW hall and 31 residential units.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Red Line, Special, Ward 6 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:27 pm on
Agenda includes Assembly Square Block 3, a Special Permit for two levels of retail and restaurant, including a 12-screen cinema, with residential above. This development helps fulfil the financial conditions needed for the success of the Assembly Square DIF and iCubed programs.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | 1 Comment »
Posted by Jonathan Rich a 11:05 pm on October 12, 2011
I was looking at plans for a house that’s going to be built behind mine, and just got it’s ZBA stamp of approval, and realized that they hadn’t fixed the stairway. For the first three…
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Posted in Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Government Reform | 8 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:38 pm on October 9, 2011
Completing the Green Line Extension to Route 16 is essential to Somerville’s future. Make your voice heard.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:29 pm on
The Maintenance Facility is currently located at Option L, as far as possible from Brickbottom. This is a good opportunity to weigh in on this design.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, East Somerville, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, MBTA, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:49 pm on October 1, 2011
Agenda includes 343-351 Summer St. developing a new two to three story mixed-use building consisting of a VFW hall and 31 residential units.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Pedestrians, Red Line, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:58 pm on September 25, 2011
Agenda includes public hearings on proposed developments at Blocks 1 and 4 of Assembly Square. These developments help fulfill the financial conditions needed for the success of the Assembly Square DIF and iCubed programs.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Orange Line, Transportation Projects | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:34 pm on
Agenda likely includes Assembly Square mixed use buildings on Block 3, including a cinema. These proposals help fulfill the financial conditions needed for the success of the Assembly Square DIF and iCubed programs.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Orange Line | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:32 pm on
Agenda will likely include the Avalon Bay developments at Blocks, 1, 3, and 4 and may include prospects for further development.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Orange Line, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:21 am on September 19, 2011
We will present a summary of the City’s almost finished Comprehensive Plan, followed by discussion. The plan is the product of over two years of work by the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:18 am on
The group will review the zoning change maps, begin to review the comprehensive plan draft document, and create a map describing future transportation improvements.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Red Line, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:54 pm on September 18, 2011
Agenda likely includes Assembly Square mixed use buildings on Block 3, including a cinema. These proposals help fulfill the financial conditions needed for the success of the Assembly Square DIF and iCubed programs.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special | 1 Comment »
Posted by eila a 6:34 pm on September 16, 2011
Disabled residents of Somerville experience disproportionate poverty, substandard housing conditions, and face pervasive exclusion, even in the city’s inclusionary and affordable housing opportunity programs. Today, a FOIA request was lodged to learn how four influential nonprofits guide the City to step up to its obligations to affirmatively further Fair Housing for economically disadvantaged residents.
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Posted in Accessibility, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Government Reform, Housing, Public Records / FOIA Requests | 2 Comments »
Posted by eila a 6:49 pm on September 15, 2011
Although the City of Somerville is well aware that the Armory facility is still inaccessible at the entrance ramp, the Mayor continues to hold important events and meetings here. At the same time, the Architect and Owner continue to claim that various City Departments are refusing to accept an accessible design. Who’s benefitting from this back-and-forth?
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Posted in Accessibility, Announcements, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Records / FOIA Requests, Ward 5 | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:51 pm on September 11, 2011
The agenda includes 149-151 Washington St. seeking a Special Permit with Design Review to establish a tattoo parlor.
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Posted in All Ages, Arts and Culture, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Public Health & Safety, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:44 pm on
Free walking tour highlighting American Tube Works complex, workers’ housing in Duck Village, and brick row houses along Summer Street with refreshments served at India Palace.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Historical, Housing, Special, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:44 pm on
At this meeting the MPO will vote on whether to ignore the needs of Somerville and Medford residents and push back the Green Line Extension to 2018.
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Posted in Ball Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, East Somerville, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square, MBTA, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:35 pm on
An important improvement to McGrath Highway would be to return it to its original concept, as a ground-level boulevard with predestrian crossings.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:05 pm on September 6, 2011
Agenda includes Assembly Square mixed use buildings on Blocks 1, 3, and 4, including a cinema. These proposals help fulfill the financial conditions needed for the success of the Assembly Square DIF and iCubed programs.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Orange Line, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:41 pm on September 5, 2011
This is a critical meeting to give your comments on the Green Line extension delay. If you can’t attend either meeting, please send your comments by Sept 13.
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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square, Neighborhoods and Squares, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:01 pm on
The agenda should include removing a loading area from the Block 10 restaurant at 133 Middlesex Avenue in Assembly Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:57 pm on
MAPC is working with neighboring communities to create a network of safe walking routes to connect neighborhoods with the lower Mystic River, Chelsea Creek, Mill Creek, and the Malden River. You can help.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Pedestrians, Special, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:55 pm on
At this meeting, the city will present a proposed rezoning map depicting zoning changes that will allow for mixed-use development in the key gateways of the Porter and Wilson Square areas.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Buses, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, MBTA, Porter Square, Trains, Transportation, Ward 6 | No Comments »
Posted by eila a 1:42 pm on
The Community Access Project did a reality check of the 2010 East Somerville Safe Routes 2 School Map. We found that less than 20% of the pedestrian features are even up to basic standard code. “Safe” is a misnomer.
These streets ain’t fit for walkin’.
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Posted in Accessibility, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, East Somerville, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Transportation Projects | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 11:05 pm on August 29, 2011
It is important to reunite neighborhoods, lower traffic speeds, and add more trees to make McGrath Hwy a boulevard.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:58 pm on
The Green Line Extension, a legal obligation of the Commonwealth, has been dropped from the 2012-2015 TIP and delayed until 2018. This not only deprives Somerville of long-needed transit access, it jeopardizes the state’s access to Federal transportation funding.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Transportation | 3 Comments »
Posted by Patricia Wild a 9:17 pm on August 13, 2011
So far—and rightfully so—Somerville activists have framed proposed development of 378-382 Somerville Avenue as a displacement issue. As predicted, the advent of the Green Line to Union Square would mean gentrification; 378-382 Somerville Avenue, site of proposed luxury condos, is the first incursion.…
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Posted in Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Housing, Union Square | 7 Comments »
Posted by @BarryRafkind a 9:54 pm on August 11, 2011
“There is no accountability in the existing zoning approval process…. I believe decisions about developments that could substantially impact our neighborhoods should be made by the aldermen, who must answer to the voters every two years.”
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Posted in Announcements, Development and Zoning, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:15 pm on August 7, 2011
The agenda includes a continuance of the review of 343 – 351 Summer St. (site of the existing George Dilboy VFW Post #529) to August 24.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special | 1 Comment »
Posted by Maureen Barillaro a 9:55 pm on July 29, 2011
On behalf of Somerville Climate Action we want to express our grave concern with the possibility of Walmart descending upon Somerville.
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Posted in Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty | 6 Comments »
Posted by Rand Wilson a 12:33 pm on July 25, 2011
Not hiring any local people (or making a good faith effort to do so) is an insult to our community. It should be unacceptable to the planning board, the Board of Alderman and all of our elected officials.
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Posted in Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Magoun Square, Ward 5, Workers' Rights | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:51 pm on July 24, 2011
The agenda includes 343 – 351 Summer St. (site of the existing George Dilboy VFW Post #529) to build a new two to three story mixed-use building consisting of a VFW hall and 31 residential units with parking lot.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, MBTA | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:49 pm on
Check out the conceptual proposals and make your views known. Written comments submitted will be posted on the DCR website.
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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:32 pm on
According to articles in the Boston Globe, Somerville Journal, Somerville Patch, and Boston Herald this week, WalMart wants to open “a grocery store” at the site of the defunct Circuit City next to Home Depot…
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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Orange Line | 4 Comments »
Posted by eila a 12:48 pm on
Rising rents, increased privately-funded housing development, excessive rental burdens, and physically inadequate subsidized housing stock are contributing to Somerville’s transformation into an less diverse, more expensive place to live.
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Posted in Accessibility, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Housing, Public Records / FOIA Requests | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:17 pm on July 17, 2011
This is a good chance for Somerville residents to help improve our river frontage in Assembly Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:37 pm on July 1, 2011
The agenda includes a public hearing on another extension of the IKEA permits and a continuation of the 378-390 Somerville Avenue development, which is controversial.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Housing, Union Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:35 pm on
Among other business, extending a permit to replace a one-story commercial structure at 292 Beacon Street with a larger 2-1/2 story commercial and residential development.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by intrepid a 8:15 am on June 30, 2011
The following email was sent to me as a subscriber to Change.org. I have forwarded the body of the notice, and you will find the link to the online petition in the text of the story. It brings to mind the maxim that if it sounds too good to be true (as with the detente reached by parties to Assembly Sq. development/IKEA), it probably is.…
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Posted in Announcements, Assembly Square, Civic Action, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Neighborhoods and Squares, Politics, Workers' Rights | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:33 pm on June 26, 2011
The agenda includes a (continued) public hearing for final approval of the PUD for Assembly Square Block 10 and a hearing for constructing a restaurant on the site. The 378-390 Somerville Avenue hearing is being continued to July 14.
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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Ward 1 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:17 pm on June 19, 2011
The agenda includes annotating city maps with possible locations of transformational districts, neighborhood infill districts, and other land use categories.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:09 pm on June 12, 2011
The agenda includes a (continued) public hearing for final approval of the PUD for Assembly Square Block 10 and also a hearing for constructing a restaurant in Assembly Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Orange Line | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:05 pm on
Among other business, the agenda includes converting an auto parts warehouse business to personal trainer and artist studios.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:56 pm on
Among other business, the agenda includes reviewing the PUD for Assembly Square Block 10 and a proposed restaurant in Assembly Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:14 pm on June 4, 2011
The Inner Belt, soon to have a new Green Line T-Stop, is one of the few locations in Somerville still available for transformation into an economic powerhouse for Somerville.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Transportation Projects, Ward 1 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:09 pm on May 30, 2011
The agenda includes a public hearing for final approval of the PUD for Assembly Square Block 10 and also a hearing for constructing a restaurant in Assembly Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:06 pm on
Among other business, the agenda includes establishing a bus and taxi rental, storage and servicing use on 21 Third Avenue in the Inner Belt. (Somerville could want to use the Inner Belt for a higher use at this point.)
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Ward 1 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:00 pm on
MassDOT and the MBTA are hosting a series of Green Line station design workshops, one for each proposed stop. It is important to integrate the new Green Line stations with the community and with the proposed Community Path. Your participation can help with this process.
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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, East Somerville, Events, Green Line, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:20 pm on May 22, 2011
Potential zoning changes include architectural design, height, uses, setbacks, dimensional configuration, and parking for each of the key gateways: Wilson Square, Somerville Avenue, White Street, Elm Street, and Mossland Street, as well as the MBTA Air Rights.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Porter Square, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:55 pm on May 15, 2011
This is one of the final hurdles for the long-awaited Orange Line T-Stop at Assembly Square. Please support this development. A T-Stop at Assembly Square will unlock the potential of the site and make possible what Somerville has wanted for more than a decade.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line, Special, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:40 pm on
The agenda includes adding a structure above the hockey rink at Conway Park on Somerville Avenue.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:31 pm on
This is one of the final hurdles for the boardwalk under the Wellington Bridge where Rt. 28 passes over the Mystic River at Assembly Square. Please support this development. Lack of a safe, convenient path under Rt. 28 has severed 10 Hills from Assembly Square for a long time.
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Posted in Accessibility, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:35 pm on
The agenda includes as item #8 (“Request of MassDOT Legal and Planning Departments to authorize the execution of a Public Funding Agreement for the construction of the Assembly Square Station on the Orange Line”).
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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:34 pm on
This is the final discussion and vote on the DIF bond issue. The City should issue these bonds only with a signed commitment to the “best effort” of Federal Realty to bring R&D/office into Assembly Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | 19 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:30 pm on
The agenda is to discuss the Assembly Row Bond issue and a petition by 60 Somerville residents to ensure that development financed by the Assembly Row DIF yield jobs for Somerville residents.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:41 pm on April 17, 2011
The Committee is calling this meeting to further discuss the Assembly Row DIF Bond issue. If Assembly Row is not developed to produce a high enough tax base, the city could end up repaying this bond from general funds.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:35 pm on
Among other business, this meeting will address economic development in Magoun Square, possible use of the Massachusetts Economic Development Incentive Program, and the status of the Comprehensive Plan.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Magoun Square | No Comments »
Posted by Dustin Brackney a 8:59 pm on April 12, 2011
As the plan slowly creeps forward to the urban infill project in Union Square, residents, business owners and visitors are going to have an exceedingly hard time finding parking in and around the area. It…
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Posted in Development and Zoning, Union Square | 12 Comments »
Posted by Post Somerville a 11:05 am on
A pair of developers with a history of unfulfilled promises, bankruptcy and faulty construction have found a willing partner in the City of Somerville, which will soon enter the final phase of ushering their most embattled plans into reality.
…
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Posted in Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Public Records / FOIA Requests, Ward 6 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:56 pm on April 10, 2011
This is a continuation of the 3/31/11 Assembly Row DIF Bond hearing. If Assembly Row is not developed to produce a high enough tax base, the city could end up repaying this bond from general funds.
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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:19 pm on April 5, 2011
This meeting includes, among other business, a zoning amendment to change the definition of “pervious area” and update minimum pervious area requirements (comment period closed).
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:54 pm on April 3, 2011
Convened to discuss the Assembly Row DIF Bond proposal. If Assembly Row is not developed to produce a high enough tax base, the city could end up repaying this bond from general funds.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Orange Line, Somerville By The Numbers | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:28 pm on March 27, 2011
Among other business, this meeting will hold a public hearing on the Special Permit with Site Plan Review for the Assembly Square self-storage facility, 50 Middlesex Avenue.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | 3 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:41 pm on March 23, 2011
Among other business, this meeting will deal with the proposed self-storage facility at 50 Middlesex Ave. in Assembly Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:47 pm on March 20, 2011
If Assembly Row is not developed to produce a high enough tax base, the city could end up repaying this bond from general funds.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Orange Line, Somerville By The Numbers | 3 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:38 pm on
Includes a public hearing on changes to the definition of “pervious area” in the zoning and to require a minimum pervious area in certain districts.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:39 pm on March 13, 2011
The master plan for the self-storage facility at 50 Middlesex Avenue in Assembly Square is to be presented.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »
Posted by Friends of the Community Path a 9:38 pm on March 8, 2011
Please join us in our efforts to connect the Minuteman Bikeway and Charles River path networks, by extending the Community Path!…
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Posted in Announcements, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:00 pm on February 22, 2011
Among other business, this meeting will deal with the proposed self-storage facility at 50 Middlesex Ave. in Assembly Square, and with changes to the design of 100 Temple St. (St. Polycarp Redevelopment).
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Orange Line, Ward 1 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:39 pm on February 20, 2011
These meetings provide an important opportunity to weigh in on the direction Somerville is setting for its future.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:27 pm on
The Governing Body determines how much of the tax increment from DIF districts is used for district improvements and how much is returned to the city general fund.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Orange Line, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by Rand Wilson a 10:40 am on February 16, 2011
More than 50 Somerville residents signed a petition requesting a hearing by the Board of Alderman on union jobs and local hiring.
The hearing will be at 6:00 PM on February 17. There will be a short rally beforehand at 5:45 PM.…
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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Politics, Ward 5, Workers' Rights | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:49 pm on February 13, 2011
At this meeting the group will continue to build maps showing future development districts in Somerville.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Somerville By The Numbers, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:46 pm on
At this meeting the group will continue to build maps showing future development districts in Somerville.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:43 pm on
At this meeting the group will continue to build maps showing future development districts in Somerville.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Somerville By The Numbers, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:21 pm on January 30, 2011
This hearing will receive public input on the use of union labor at the MaxPac site.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Workers' Rights | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:14 pm on
Cases include a special permit for Medium Retail and Service uses at 130 Broadway.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special, Ward 1 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:15 pm on January 23, 2011
This is the meeting to get to! The group will begin a city-wide land use map showing the proposed development areas and their categorizations.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:21 pm on January 16, 2011
This meeting will discuss a petition for a public hearing on the use of union labor at the MaxPac site, along with a home-rule petition to streamline administration.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Workers' Rights | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:17 pm on
This meeting will discuss a five-story residential building at 378-390 Somerville Avenue, among other business.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:06 pm on January 9, 2011
At this meeting, the committee will work toward a consensus on the Goals and Actions and begin work on land use mapping.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:00 pm on
Every development in Somerville should contribute to meeting our environmental goals. Assembly Square should not be exempted.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special | No Comments »
Posted by Rand Wilson a 4:58 pm on December 26, 2010
The groups fighting for the inclusion of local residents and union jobs on the proposed MaxPac development petitioned the Board of Aldermen on December 22 to hold a hearing on the Covenant language for union jobs that KSS Realty signed with the City of Somerville.
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Posted in Civic Action, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Politics, Press Release, Ward 5, Workers' Rights | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:26 pm on December 12, 2010
Cases include revision to a special permit for 199 residential units at 56-61 Clyde Street and review of six ZBA cases.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Special, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by eila a 7:23 pm on December 8, 2010
Somerville, Boston and Cambridge Human rights activists encouraged the BOA Public Health and Safety Committee to allow economic integration, safety, inclusion and accessibility to trump aesthetics at a recent Meeting.
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Posted in Accessibility, Beat Reporter, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety | 7 Comments »
Posted by fberman a 12:46 pm on December 1, 2010
Following Alderman White’s assurance that the Board was only voting for the DIF and not on the actual bonds to fund the DIF, the Somerville Board of Aldermen voted 9-1 (Alderman Gewirtz dissented; Alderman Trane recused himself) to move the proposed Assembly Square DIF to the full Board for a vote at the Special Meeting scheduled for this Thursday. …
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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:28 pm on
If implemented as planned, this DIF will very likely result in developments that only cover debt service on the DIF bonds themselves. The rest of Somerville will pay for the city services required by those developments.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:24 pm on
If implemented incorrectly, self-storage in Assembly Square could discourage higher-value uses, which we need more than ever now that infrastructure and Orange Line funding have gone away.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events | No Comments »
Posted by fberman a 12:36 pm on November 29, 2010
The Mystic View Task Force has sent a letter to the City urging delay in voting on the proposed Assembly Row DIF. While we believe that a DIF may be the best available mechanism for moving forward on Assembly Square development, we are concerned that the proposed DIF puts a disproportionate share of risk on the City and fails to adequately hold the developer accountable. Please join us at Tuesday’s Finance Committee meeting (Nov. 30 at 7pm at City Hall) to support our call for a delay in the decision on the DIF to allow time for adequate analysis and the opportunity to negotiate a better proposal.
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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Neighborhoods and Squares | 4 Comments »
Posted by Rand Wilson a 4:07 pm on November 28, 2010
Residents of Somerville concerned about the development of the old MaxPak paper factory where 199 units of new housing are being built will picket and rally for jobs at the entrance to the site (56-61 Clyde Street) in Somerville, MA on Thursday, Dec 2 from 6:00 to 9:00 AM.…
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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Civic Action, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Housing, Politics, Ward 5, Workers' Rights | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:21 pm on November 24, 2010
There is now a $63 M gap in infrastructure funding for Assembly Square. The Orange Line T-Stop and the rest of the development is in jeopardy unless we close the gap by a combination of stopgap funding and a $25 M DIF in Assembly Square.
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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Orange Line, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:53 pm on November 19, 2010
Under the proposed DIF, increases in Assembly Square tax revenue would be diverted to pay for the infrastructure. If tax revenues were inadequate, the taxpayers would foot the bill.
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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:07 pm on November 14, 2010
The proposed changes to simplify the review process for ZBA cases will consolidate all direct citizen input into one public hearing. Unless handled well, this could make it harder for citizens to make their voices heard.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Government Reform | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:59 pm on
The sole item on the agenda is adopting the Stretch Energy Code as Energy Code for Somerville. This important sustainability measure is in jeopardy in Somerville.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Government Reform | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:49 pm on
This meeting gives citizens a chance to provide feedback to the City on how things are going in their neighborhoods.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Somerville By The Numbers, Special, Transportation, Ward 6 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:56 pm on November 7, 2010
Large Retail Cluster Parking: Proposal is to double the parking requirement for large retail (> 25,000 s.f.). Staff believes that because Somerville has little parking available, the effect will be to discourage suburban format in Somerville. Developers would have to build parking garages, which is expensive.
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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Government Reform, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Somerville By The Numbers, Traffic & Parking | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:19 pm on November 3, 2010
The meeting will include:
* A brief history of the Friends of the Community Path
* An update on current status of the proposed Path extension
* An overview of our goals and activities
* A discussion of the kinds of help we often need (attending meetings/events, taking minutes, tabling, strategizing, making inroads, mapping, urban planning, writing, fund raising, research, press announcements, technical, web/blog, social networking, schlepping, etc.)
* Q&A
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:15 pm on
The joint subcommittee meetings will address conflicts between worthy goals. For instance, increasing tax revenue by commercial development may conflict with increasing affordable housing and maintaining neighborhood character.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:10 pm on
At this meeting, the group will review the draft Comprehensive Plan. Somerville’s citywide development for the next twenty years will be shaped by the comprehensive plan. This is a public meeting; any citizen is entitled to observe.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:29 pm on October 20, 2010
The agenda includes the following:
* Change to the zoning ordinance to allow self-storage in Assembly Square
* Changes to the zoning ordinance to revise the procedures for reviewing Special Permits, Special Permits with Site Plan Approval, and variances
* Changes to the zoning ordinance to revise the parking requirements for large scale retail
* Change to the zoning ordinance to allow Historic Carriage House as a use in certain districts
* Special permit to allow Federal Realty to exceed signage size requirements in Assembly Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Government Reform, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:40 pm on October 17, 2010
According to the paper agenda, this meeting will be devoted to Zoning Board of Appeals matters. The Self-Storage change of use ordinance, along with others, will be dealt with at the November 4 public hearing.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:37 pm on
The e-mailed agenda includes the following:
* MBTA Green Line Maintenance Facility, including air rights and a possible stadium.
* Support for Green Line Extension to Route 16
* Impacts of Green Line track layout around Brickbottom
* Traffic redesign for Union Square
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Housing, Traffic & Parking, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:29 pm on October 4, 2010
This is the regular planning meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. At this meeting, the group will finish reviewing the policies and actions.
Somerville’s citywide development for the next twenty years will be shaped by the comprehensive plan. This is a public meeting; any citizen is entitled to observe.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 11:39 pm on October 3, 2010
This meeting will likely deal with the proposed change of zoning to allow self-storage in the Assembly Square Planned Unit Development. There may be a public hearing in joint session with the Land Use Committee.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »
Posted by @BarryRafkind a 3:36 pm on October 1, 2010
A Public Hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 6th at 7pm at the Aldermanic Chambers to discuss the District Improvement Financing (DIF) Program covering Union Square, Boynton Yards, Inner Belt, and Somerville Avenue. This is displayed prominently on the City’s homepage.
This program will affect Somerville financing for the next 30 years and could result, in the future, in property takings by the city.
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Posted in Announcements, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by Lorie Reilly a 7:28 pm on September 30, 2010
If you’re a fan of small independent businesses such as Ricky’s Flower Market and the Reliable Market in Union Square — and even if you’re not — you should take a closer look at the city’s proposal for District Improvement Financing that was unveiled on September 15.
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Posted in Development and Zoning | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:52 pm on September 26, 2010
These are two identical presentations on the Green Line Extension station design guidelines and requirements. The Tuesday presentation is in Somerville; the same presentation is being given on Wednesday in Medford.
The Green Line Extension stations are now being designed. If you want input into the design, attend one of these meetings and ask questions.
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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square, Ward 1, Ward 5 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:19 pm on September 20, 2010
The Mystic View Task Force will hold its annual meeting at 1:30 P.M., Saturday, September 25, 2010, at the Third Life Studio, 33 Union Square, Somerville.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:22 pm on September 19, 2010
A change-of-use ordinance is being submitted to the Board of Aldermen to allow self-storage/wholesale storage in locations in Assembly Square near I-93 and not suitable for better development. I understand that the goal is to allow a developer to place a self-storage facility at the foot of Foley Street, replacing a truck storage facility near the current (poorly-maintained) pedestrian underpass from Assembly Square to the Stop & Shop on Mystic Avenue. The underlying urban design problem is how to use a development in this location to establish a pedestrian-friendly gateway to Assembly Square, given (a) the planned Assembly Square T-Stop at the head of Foley Street and (b) a proposed Foley Street connection under I-93 to East Somerville.
Land use planning is the primary function of municipal government. This ordinance provides an ideal opportunity to observe and participate in the public land use process, from Ordinance to Planning Board special permit.
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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 4 Comments »
Posted by @BarryRafkind a 7:54 am on
As the City continues to move ahead with the focus group meetings, our community meetings are vital to ensure that our neighborhood works together so that the site of the Powderhouse Community School is reused in a way that is most beneficial to our neighborhood AND to our city.
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Posted in Development and Zoning, Events, Schools and Youth, Teele Square, Ward 7 | No Comments »
Posted by @BarryRafkind a 1:22 pm on September 16, 2010
The following is a letter that was submitted to the Board of Aldermen at last Thursday’s meeting by a group of concerned residents. Do you share these concerns?…
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Posted in Development and Zoning, Transportation Projects | 15 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 4:03 pm on September 15, 2010
This meeting is expected to include a proposed zoning change to allow self-storage facilities in Assembly Square, which should be referred to the Land Use Committee.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:04 pm on September 12, 2010
Public input is needed on accessibility, waterfront and water activities design, and pedestrian and bicycle access along Foley Street.
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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:28 pm on
The HUD grants are applied to the problems of homelessness, affordable housing, transit-oriented development, and parks and open space. Citizen input is helpful in setting priorities.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:21 pm on
District Improvement Financing is useful in building tax revenue, provided the projects supported are high enough in density to provide adequate tax base. If they aren’t, the city is on the hook.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation, Union Square | 3 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:08 pm on
299 Broadway (Ocean State Job Lot): Denied. Assembly Square PUD (Assembly Square Drive subdivision): Approved. 90 Union Square: Continued. 425 Broadway (wireless equipment): Approved, on to ZBA. 221 Morrison Ave. (historic B&B): Approved, on to ZBA. 25 Hamlet St. (barn replaced with duplex): Approved, on to ZBA. 42-44 Boston Ave. (deck and stairs): Approved, on to ZBA. 270 Cedar St. (9 residences, parking space count variance): Special Permit withdrawn, variance approved, on to ZBA. Staff not available to do minutes, CD recording available on request.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Historical, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:32 pm on September 5, 2010
This is the regular monthly meeting of the Somerville Historic Preservation Commission, which acts to set aside historic buildings and districts throughout Somerville. Designating historic buildings preserves Somerville’s history and may increase property values.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Historical, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:22 pm on
This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Planning Board. The Planning Board holds public hearings and grants permits for special districts, such as Planned Unit Developments. This meeting deals with ongoing and sometimes controversial Somerville developments.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:19 pm on August 29, 2010
(Part 3) 61 Medford Street. Liquid Nitrogen tank at Biogen, safety concerns, approved. 13A Beacon. Expand windows, replace other windows. Approved. 26 Wheatland St. Condo construction without permit, halt order. Triple permit fee charged. 24 Fairmount. Permit to rectify a basement apartment, never legal. Accepted staff recommendation. 162 Highland. Vote to reaffirm previous rate.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:32 pm on August 28, 2010
(Part 2) Public hearing on Ocean State Job Lot at 299 Broadway. Four in favor, twelve against. One report of possible grocery store. Written testimony accepted until noon Friday, August 27. Discussion to resume Thursday, Sept. 2, at 6 PM.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 4 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:18 am on August 27, 2010
(Part 1) The Planning Board voted 5-0 to DENY the special permit to subdivide One Benton Road to add a second condo development for the reason that no conditions could assuage the issues of public safety, devaluation of neighbors’ property, previous character of the site, and scale. [COMMENT: The city evidently expects litigation as a result of this decision.]
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 4 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:47 pm on August 23, 2010
Second community meeting. Mixed response from neighborhood. Some felt something was better than nothing, others thought we should stick to the new zoning plan. Key point: minimum 10 year lease, could be as long as 25 years. City expects change in neighborhood in 10 years, after Green Line comes in.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 4 | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:07 am on
This is the regular monthly meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. The Strategic Planning staff is drafting the Comprehensive Plan. Somerville’s citywide development for the next twenty years will be shaped by the comprehensive plan.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Orange Line, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:20 pm on August 22, 2010
This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Planning Board. This meeting will deal with an ongoing and sometimes controversial Somerville development, Ocean State Job Lot at 299 Broadway. The Planning Board holds public hearings and grants permits for special districts, such as Planned Unit Developments.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:48 pm on August 7, 2010
This is a rescheduled meeting of the Somerville Planning Board. The original meeting was scheduled 8/19. This meeting deals with ongoing and sometimes controversial Somerville developments: One Benton Road and Ocean State Job Lots at 299 Broadway.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 4 | 13 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 2:36 pm on
This meeting was called by Ocean State Job Lot to reintroduce themselves as a potential tenant at 299 Broadway, the former Star Market site. The previous meeting did not elicit public support. This meeting is worth attending because this use is inconsistent with the new Winter Hill zoning, could tie up the site for a long time, and could affect local property values.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 4 | 5 Comments »
Posted by eila a 2:08 pm on
Three years after the Somerville Avenue Reconstruction Project began, Union Square businesses are still hindered by lack of thoughtful pedestrian planning during construction; and Union Square residents, visitors and workers are still unable to walk these streets with confidence and comfort.
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Posted in Accessibility, Development and Zoning, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety, Seniors, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square, Ward 2, Ward 3 | 7 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:40 pm on
Currently the Steering Committee is working on policies and actions to implement the plan. Somerville’s citywide development for the next twenty years will be shaped by the comprehensive plan.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Government Reform, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 11:25 am on August 6, 2010
This meeting was devoted entirely to passing the proposed modifications to the Preliminary Master Plan for Assembly Square. The Planning Staff had asked Federal Realty to generalize the use mix from Office and R&D because Somerville zoning has a very narrow definition of Office use. Federal Realty widened the definition to include all Somerville uses under special permit. The Planning Board stated that in the absence of any opposition, they would waive the reading of the 70 conditions and voted to approve the changes to the PUD. Some citizens present had expected to have a period for written comment before the vote.
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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, MBTA, Orange Line, Pedestrians, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:40 pm on July 20, 2010
299 Broadway (Ocean State Job Lot): Case postponed. 90 Hudson Street: Granted unanimously. One Benton Road: Heard testimony of traffic study, hearing to be reopened, Executive Session to be scheduled to deal with litigation strategy. 67 Florence St.: 2/3 variances denied. 16 Browning Road: Variance allowed unanimously. Historic Group C Designation: Approved with understanding that a person who wants out should say so and BOA is to investigate the case and decide.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:09 pm on July 11, 2010
At issue was consolidating an undesignated historic property at 221 Morrison Avenue (near Davis Square) with two previously designated properties on Morrison (222 and 197) to form the Morrison Avenue Historic District. The two owners of 221 Morrison Ave. were present to testify in favor. Passed after discussion. Question addressed of why designate single buildings? Answer: easier to execute than a whole street.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Historical, Housing | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:10 pm on
At this meeting we will be discussing the policies and actions derived from the comprehensive plan goals. This meeting is important because Somerville’s citywide development for the next twenty years will be shaped by the comprehensive plan.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:03 pm on July 5, 2010
This meeting is important because it deals with ongoing and sometimes controversial Somerville developments. At this meeting, the Planning Board is scheduled to hear testimony on the Ocean State Job Lots special permit (a Large Format Retail use at 299 Broadway) and may address the 1 Benton Road special permit.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:37 pm on July 4, 2010
This meeting is important because historic districts on the one hand preserve historic properties for later generations, and on the other hand can prove expensive and inconvenient for property owners in the district.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Events, Historical, Housing | 3 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:11 pm on July 2, 2010
This meeting was unexpectedly testy. Apparently the neighborhood isn’t convinced that Ocean State Job Lot is the best use for the site. What was said in the meeting is NOT part of the official record. There is a special permit process before Planning Board, including determination of consistency with purpose of zoning. If you want to send written testimony before July 15 Planning Board hearing, send to OSPCD (Rob May), Planning Department, Planning Board. Otherwise, go to Planning Board hearing July 15 @ 6 PM and provide oral testimony.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 1 | 7 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:38 pm on
Controversial cases carried over: 1 Benton Road, Ocean State Job Lot. Other cases: NSTAR employee parking lot, SCC/CASPAR ex-homeless permanent housing, parking variance at 308 Beacon Street. Important discussion of historic preservation policy.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:17 pm on June 29, 2010
At this meeting we will discuss the progress of the infrastructure improvements, Ch 91 licenses, and a proposed amendment to the Assembly Square Master Plan. This meeting is important because it provides a last chance to weigh into the development process at Assembly Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Orange Line | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 12:16 am on June 28, 2010
This meeting is important because this use could tie up the site for a long time and affect local property values.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Ward 1 | 6 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 1:31 pm on June 26, 2010
Construction starting right now on roads and infrastructure at and around Assembly Square. IKEA not to start construction until after Spring 2011. Planned improvements to Kensington Ave. pedestrian crossing from Stop & Shop to Assembly Square.
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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Orange Line, Traffic & Parking, Transportation Projects, Ward 1 | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:54 pm on June 20, 2010
All citizens of Somerville and Medford should evaluate this document and give feedback, because this is one of the final steps before the project begins implementation. Written comments will be accepted until July 23.
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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Bicycles, Buses, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square, MBTA, Pedestrians, Somerville By The Numbers, Teele Square, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:48 pm on
All citizens of Somerville and Medford should evaluate this document and give feedback, because this is one of the final steps before the project begins implementation. Written comments will be accepted until July 23 at holly.s.johnson@state.ma.us.
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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Buses, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square, MBTA, Teele Square, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:33 pm on
All citizens of Somerville and Medford should evaluate this document and give feedback, because this is one of the final steps before the project begins implementation. There will be a public meeting on June 30. Written comments will be accepted until July 23 at holly.s.johnson@state.ma.us.
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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square, Neighborhoods and Squares, Teele Square, Trains, Transportation, Uncategorized, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:52 pm on June 7, 2010
This film is important because parts of Somerville are environmental justice areas close to pollution sources and suffer higher than average levels of heart and lung disease.
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:58 pm on June 6, 2010
This meeting is important because Somerville Historic Districts are important to maintaining the city’s character and to controlling development.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Historical | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:53 pm on
This meeting is important because it deals with ongoing developments at Assembly Square and East Somerville.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Somerville By The Numbers, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Ward 1 | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:05 pm on May 31, 2010
This meeting is important because it relates to the ongoing Green Line Extension.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:59 pm on
This meeting is important because it provides an early opportunity to influence future plans for Davis Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Bicycles, City Finances, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Somerville By The Numbers, Trains, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:55 pm on
This meeting is important because it reports how livable, transit-oriented development is being supported by the current administration.
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:44 pm on May 23, 2010
This meeting is important because it gives citizens a chance to provide feedback to the City on how things are going in their neighborhoods.
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Posted in All Ages, City Finances, Crime, Development and Zoning, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Somerville By The Numbers, Transportation, Ward 6 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:29 pm on
This meeting is important because Somerville’s citywide development for the next twenty years will be shaped by the comprehensive plan. This meeting is open to the public.
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Posted in All Ages, Arts and Culture, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:03 pm on
This meeting is important because charter amendments are always important, and adopting the Stretch Energy Code will reduce environmental impact throughout Somerville.
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Government Reform, Housing | No Comments »
Posted by eila a 9:55 am on May 20, 2010
The Architectural Access Board will hold a Hearing on 18 Architectural Access Code Violations for Arts at the Armory facility on Monday, May 24, at 1 p.m.
back story: On February 8, Building…
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Posted in Accessibility, Announcements, Arts and Culture, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Government Reform, Public Health & Safety | 40 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:50 pm on May 18, 2010
This meeting is important because it gives citizens a chance to provide feedback to the City on how things are going in their neighborhoods.
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Posted in All Ages, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Green Line, Somerville By The Numbers, Ward 3, Ward 4, Ward 5 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:48 pm on
This meeting is important because it gives citizens a chance to provide feedback to the City on how things are going in their neighborhoods.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Orange Line, Somerville By The Numbers, Ward 1 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:44 pm on
This event is important because it puts interesting parts of Somerville, such as the bank of the Mystic, on display.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Ward 1 | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 5:40 pm on
This meeting is important because it gives citizens a chance to provide feedback to the City on how things are going in their neighborhoods.
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Somerville By The Numbers, Ward 2 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 11:06 pm on May 16, 2010
This meeting is important because it relates to land use around the new Green Line stations in Somerville and to the forthcoming Comprehensive Plan for Somerville.
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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Magoun Square, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 11:03 pm on
This meeting is important because it relates to land use around the new Green Line station at Lechmere.
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, MBTA, Trains, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:57 pm on
This meeting is important because it relates to land use around the new Green Line stations at Ball Square and College Avenue.
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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:40 pm on
This meeting includes a continuation of the 1 Benton Road case, which has proved controversial.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety, Traffic & Parking | 7 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:07 pm on
This Planning Board meeting included continuing hearings on 79-83 Broadway (slightly controversial), 39R Medford St., and 1 Benton Rd. (also controversial). There was also a discussion of declaring properties part of historical districts, sometimes controversial.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety, Traffic & Parking | 1 Comment »
Posted by @BarryRafkind a 11:29 pm on May 11, 2010
Join your neighbors to learn how the City is moving forward with its plans for the disposition of the Powder House Community School property. Discuss how we can keep our concerns about the reuse of this property at the forefront of the decision making process.
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Posted in Announcements, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Schools and Youth, Teele Square, Ward 7 | 16 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:51 am on
At this meeting, citizens will evaluate professional designs and documentation for the Green stations in your neighborhood.
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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Bicycles, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Magoun Square, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:46 am on
This meeting is important because it begins work on sustainable station designs for the Green Line Extension.
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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Bicycles, Buses, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Magoun Square, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:43 am on
This meeting is important because it provides background information on sustainable station designs for the Green Line Extension.
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Posted in All Ages, Ball Square, Bicycles, Buses, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Magoun Square, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Transportation, Transportation Projects, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 8:11 pm on May 9, 2010
This meeting is important because it relates to Green Line Extension economic development around Magoun Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Magoun Square | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:57 pm on
This meeting is important because adopting the Stretch Energy Code will reduce energy use and environmental impact for all residences and businesses in Somerville.
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:39 pm on
“I hope you all get some power someday, so you’ll know what it’s like to have to satisfy your constituents’ demands with a limited budget.”
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Posted in City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Schools and Youth, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 11:12 am on May 4, 2010
Attended meeting. Ald. Gewirtz, Heuston, Pero, Sullivan present. Staff including Monica Lamboy and representative of City Solicitor present. Also Joe Grafton of Somerville Local First, Tom Bent of Chamber of Commerce.
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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Neighborhoods and Squares | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 3:48 pm on May 2, 2010
This event features presentations by local “green” businesses and tips for utilizing more sustainable and energy-efficient practices. A key part of sustainable development is making it a profit center for Somerville.
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Ron Newman a 3:23 pm on April 27, 2010
PARTICIPATE IN POWDER HOUSE COMMUNITY SCHOOL REUSE FOCUS GROUP: The City of Somerville is seeking community volunteers to participate in a Powder House/Teele Square Focus Group. The Group will be led by City staff to…
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Posted in Announcements, Development and Zoning, Schools and Youth, Teele Square, Ward 7 | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:39 pm on April 25, 2010
Depending upon the agenda, the Committee on Housing and Community Development may make decisions fundamental to Somerville’s future. Meetings of the Aldermen as a whole usually deal with important issues.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Special, Transportation | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:39 pm on
This meeting is important because it deals with ongoing Somerville developments.
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Posted in Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:35 pm on
Depending upon the agenda, the Zoning Board of Appeals may make decisions fundamental to Somerville’s future.
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:35 pm on
This meeting is important because Somerville’s citywide development for the next twenty years will be shaped by the comprehensive plan. This is a public meeting; any citizen is entitled to observe.
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:34 pm on
Depending upon the agenda, the Committee on Housing and Community Development may make decisions fundamental to Somerville’s future.
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special, Transportation | 4 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:32 pm on
This meeting is important because the Somerville Open Space and Recreation Plan, which relates to state and federal funding, is being extended.
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:17 pm on
This meeting is important because Somerville’s use of public transit, already high, will increase as the Green Line Extension and Assembly Square Orange Line stop come in.
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Posted in All Ages, Assembly Square, Ball Square, Development and Zoning, Events, Special, Union Square | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:23 am on April 20, 2010
Attended Planning Board meeting 4/15/10. About 12 citizens attending. Printed agenda marked “Modified”. IKEA waterside permit voided. MaxPac plan changes. Argument over residential density and the tax base. Antennas on residential bldgs provide revenue, but come with safety concerns. Permit streamlining.
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Posted in Assembly Square, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Ward 3 | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:00 pm on April 18, 2010
Davis Square Visioning Meeting
Wed. Apr. 28 6:30 PM
Tufts Administration Building (TAB)
167 Holland St.
Somerville MA (map)
This meeting, sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and Alderman Gewirtz…
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Posted in All Ages, Davis Square, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:20 am on April 12, 2010
Volunteers are needed to clean the Mystic River banks and remove shopping carts and other debris from the river. Supplies will be provided. This event is sponsored by the Mystic River Watershed Association and the Gentle Giant Rowing Club.
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:19 am on
Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing
Wed. Apr. 14, 6:00 PM
Aldermanic Chamber
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)
Agenda Not Available (4/11/10)
This is…
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:18 am on
Planning Board Meeting
Thurs. Apr. 15, 6:00 PM
Aldermanic Chamber
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)
Agenda Not Available (4/11/10)
This is the regular…
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | 4 Comments »
Posted by CKSOKEEFE a 5:30 pm on April 9, 2010
The morning of April 5th marked the beginning of the much anticipated renewal of Magoun Square along with (finally) validating those obnoxious green signs at the beginning and in the heart of the square announcing the renovation. One would think that I, both a resident and daughter of a former Magoun Square business owner, would be relieved to see the State and City walk the walk after talking the talk for so long, but I must admit that I am worried. …
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Posted in Development and Zoning, Magoun Square | 24 Comments »
Posted by Columbine a 8:53 am on April 7, 2010
Apply now for membership, to advise on station designs for Brickbottom, Gilman Square, Lowell Street, Ball Square, College Avenue, and Union Square.
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Posted in Development and Zoning, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:41 pm on April 4, 2010
2010-2011 HUD Action Plan Public Hearing
Thurs. Apr. 8 6:30 PM
Ralph and Jenny Center
9 New Washington St.
Somerville MA
[Facility is near the corner of Inner Belt Rd…
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Posted in All Ages, Beat Reporter, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Seniors, Special | 8 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 11:00 pm on March 27, 2010
This is the regular meeting of the Assembly Square PAC. At this meeting we will discuss the Assembly Square Final Environmental Impact Report. This meeting is important because it provides a last chance to weigh into the development process at Assembly Square.
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:59 pm on
The Comment Period for the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Assembly Square Mixed-Use Redevelopment began March 15 2010 and ends April 23 2010. This is your last chance to weigh in on the plans for the Assembly Square Mixed-Use Redevelopment Project.
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by eila a 11:23 pm on March 25, 2010
The City of Somerville was one of 10 cities honored as an All America City by the National League of Cities in 2009. During the announcement, the audience was informed that, “this is a community that uses information to improve the lives of its residents.” Here’s some information about the inaccessible DPW facility.
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Posted in Accessibility, City Finances, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Government Reform, Somerville By The Numbers | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:17 pm on March 21, 2010
Mass Development Financing Programs
Thurs. Mar. 25 11:00 AM
Somerville City Hall
Aldermen’s Chamber
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)
This workshop consists of a presentation by MassDevelopment…
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Posted in All Ages, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events | No Comments »
Posted by @BarryRafkind a 10:26 pm on March 18, 2010
What’s Next For the Powder House Community School?
WHY : The City is moving ahead with plans to rezone and sell the Powder House School property.
WHAT : Join your neighbors to…
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Posted in Announcements, City Finances, Civic Action, Development and Zoning, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Schools and Youth, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:07 pm on March 14, 2010
Morse-Kelley and Dickerman Parks Community Meeting
Mon. Mar. 15 6:30 PM
John F. Kennedy Elementary School
Library
5 Cherry St.
Somerville MA (map)
This community meeting, sponsored by…
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special | No Comments »
Posted by teri swartzel a 11:38 am on March 13, 2010
3/11/2010 By Tom Nash : 1. SomeSense makes case for zoning changes, 2. Senior zoning ordinances shelved, Advocacy group claims victory
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Posted in Development and Zoning | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:23 pm on March 7, 2010
Blueback Herring River Route Community Meeting
Wed. Mar. 10 6:30 PM
Elizabeth Peabody House
277 Broadway
Somerville MA (map)
This meeting, sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and Alderman Pero…
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:21 pm on
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting
Tues., Mar. 9, 6:30 PM
Upper Hall
Greek Orthodox Church
29 Central St.
Somerville MA (map)
This is the second phase 3…
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Posted in All Ages, Buses, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by eila a 2:58 pm on February 23, 2010
The City of Somerville, with it’s clear mandates and civil rights obligations from Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, continues to be really , truly, obviously unskilled at inclusive community-building.
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Posted in Accessibility, Arts and Culture, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Government Reform, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Uncategorized | 21 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:10 am on February 22, 2010
Housing and Community Development Committee Meeting
Mon. Feb. 22 6:00 PM
Somerville City Hall
2nd Fl. Comm. Rm.
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)
This is the regular…
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:09 am on
Davis Square Visioning Meeting
Wed. Mar. 3 6:30 PM
Tufts Administration Building (TAB)
169 Holland St.
Somerville MA (map)
This meeting, sponsored by the Office of Strategic Planning…
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Posted in All Ages, Buses, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Traffic & Parking, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:09 am on
Assembly Square Public Advisory Committee Meeting
Tues. Mar. 2 6:00 PM
Federal Realty Investment Trust
5 Middlesex Ave. Suite 401
Somerville MA (map)
This is the regular meeting the Assembly…
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Traffic & Parking, Trains, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:08 am on
Union Square Design Plan Meeting
Mon. Mar. 1 6:30 PM
Argenziano School
290 Washington Street
Somerville MA (map)
This meeting, sponsored by Office of Strategic Planning and Community…
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Posted in All Ages, Buses, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by fberman a 9:44 pm on February 16, 2010
I believe that both the premise for the Ordinance and the approach that it takes are wrong.
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Posted in Development and Zoning, Housing, Seniors | 1 Comment »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:50 pm on February 14, 2010
Davis Square Task Force Meeting
Wed. Feb. 24, 7:00 PM
Tufts Administration Building (TAB)
169 Holland St.
Somerville MA (map)
This is the regular meeting of the Davis…
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Posted in All Ages, Announcements, Buses, Civic Action, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Trains, Transportation | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:49 pm on
MPO Access Advisory Committee to the MBTA Meeting
Wed. Feb. 24 1:00 PM
State Transportation Building
Conf. Rms. 2, 3
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)…
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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Announcements, Buses, Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Pedestrians, Seniors, Special, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 6:47 pm on
MBTA Rider Oversight Committee Meeting
Mon. Feb. 22 5:00 PM
State Transportation Building
Conf. Rms. 1, 2, 3
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)
This is the regular…
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Posted in Accessibility, All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Special, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:45 am on February 12, 2010
This hearing is important because it is a key step toward getting Federal money for improving Somerville.
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Posted in All Ages, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Somerville By The Numbers, Special, Transportation | 3 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 9:44 am on
Move Massachusetts Meeting
Fri. Feb. 19 8:15 AM
Brown Rudnick
18th Fl., One Financial Center
Dewey Square
Boston MA (map)
This is a membership meeting of Move Massachusetts…
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Special, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:11 pm on February 8, 2010
Regional Transportation Advisory Council Meeting
Wed. Feb. 10 3:00 PM
State Transportation Building
Conf. Rm. 4
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)
Jan. 28, 2010 MPO
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Posted in All Ages, Bicycles, Buses, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Special, Traffic & Parking, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 10:09 pm on
Comment Period on Amendment to MPO Public Participation Plan
Starts: Mon. Feb. 8
Ends: Thurs. Mar. 25
Amendment (PDF)
This is the beginning of the 45-day comment…
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Posted in Bicycles, Buses, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Housing, Pedestrians, Special, Traffic & Parking, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:20 pm on January 31, 2010
Mystic River Watershed Association Committee Meetings
Tues. Feb. 2 7:00 PM
East Hall, Room 015
Tufts University
Medford MA (map)
This is the regular meeting of the MyRWA…
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Posted in All Ages, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Special | No Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:16 pm on
Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting
Tues., Feb. 16, 6:30 PM
Upper Hall
Greek Orthodox Church
29 Central St.
Somerville MA (map)
This is the rescheduling of the…
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Posted in All Ages, Bicycles, Buses, City Finances, Crime, Development and Zoning, Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space, Events, Green Line, Health Care, Housing, Immigration, Neighborhoods and Squares, Pedestrians, Public Health & Safety, Somerville By The Numbers, Special, Traffic & Parking, Trains, Transportation, Transportation Projects | 1 Comment »
Posted by teri swartzel a 12:26 am on January 27, 2010
By Alix Roy, Town Correspondent, Boston Globe
A neighborhood group has filed a series of zoning ordinance proposals with the city clerk, motivated by its frustration with the city’s zoning review and approval process for development projects.…
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Posted in Development and Zoning | No Comments »
Posted by teri swartzel a 12:05 am on

Pizza Ring, the restaurant operated by the owner of 371 Beacon St. ~Photo by Tom Nash
By Tom Nash
City officials admitted this week a special permit application for a contentious hotel project nearing final approval is missing basic information about the developer’s identity and lacks any mention of the property’s lingering environmental issues.
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Posted in Development and Zoning | 2 Comments »
Posted by David Dahlbacka a 7:31 pm on January 24, 2010
Housing and Community Development Committee Meeting
Mon. Jan. 25 7:00 PM
2nd Floor Comm. Room
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)
Agenda (PDF)
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