Development and Zoning

(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.

(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.

(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.]

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.

[ September 20, 2010; 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. ] 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.

[ September 2, 2010; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] 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.

[ August 24, 2010; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] 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.

[ August 17, 2010; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] 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.

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.

[ August 10, 2010; 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. ] 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.

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.

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.

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.

[ July 13, 2010; 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. ] 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.

[ July 15, 2010; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] 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.

[ July 6, 2010; 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. ] 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.

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.

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.

[ August 11, 2010; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] 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.

[ June 30, 2010; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] This meeting is important because this use could tie up the site for a long time and affect local property values.

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.

[ July 23, 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.

[ June 30, 2010; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] 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.

[ June 24, 2010; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] This meeting is important because it deals with ongoing Somerville developments.

[ June 21, 2010 to July 23, 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. There will be a public meeting on June 30. Written comments will be accepted until July 23 at holly.s.johnson@state.ma.us.

[ June 15, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] 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.

[ June 9, 2010; 8:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because Somerville Historic Districts are important to maintaining the city’s character and to controlling development.

[ June 9, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] This meeting is important because it deals with ongoing developments at Assembly Square and East Somerville.

[ June 3, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because it relates to the ongoing Green Line Extension.

[ June 2, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] This meeting is important because it provides an early opportunity to influence future plans for Davis Square.

[ June 2, 2010; 8:00 am; ] This meeting is important because it reports how livable, transit-oriented development is being supported by the current administration.

[ June 1, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because it deals with citizen-initiated zoning changes.

[ June 14, 2010; 6:15 pm; ] This meeting is important because it gives citizens a chance to provide feedback to the City on how things are going in their neighborhoods.

[ June 1, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] 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.

[ May 25, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because charter amendments are always important, and adopting the Stretch Energy Code will reduce environmental impact throughout Somerville.

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 Inspector Eddie Nuzzo provided sworn testimony to the Architectural Access Board (AAB) at a Variance Hearing to support the owner Joseph Sater’s request [...]

[ May 26, 2010; 6:45 pm; ] This meeting is important because it gives citizens a chance to provide feedback to the City on how things are going in their neighborhoods.

[ May 24, 2010; 6:15 pm; ] This meeting is important because it gives citizens a chance to provide feedback to the City on how things are going in their neighborhoods.

[ May 22, 2010; 10:00 am; ] This event is important because it puts interesting parts of Somerville, such as the bank of the Mystic, on display.

[ May 19, 2010; 6:15 pm; ] This meeting is important because it gives citizens a chance to provide feedback to the City on how things are going in their neighborhoods.

[ June 12, 2010; 10:00 am; ] 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.

[ May 26, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] This meeting is important because it relates to land use around the new Green Line station at Lechmere.

[ May 19, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because it relates to land use around the new Green Line stations at Ball Square and College Avenue.

[ May 20, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] This meeting includes a continuation of the 1 Benton Road case, which has proved controversial.

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.

[ May 12, 2010; 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] 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.

[ June 2, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] At this meeting, citizens will evaluate professional designs and documentation for the Green stations in your neighborhood.

[ May 22, 2010; 1:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because it begins work on sustainable station designs for the Green Line Extension.

[ May 21, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because it provides background information on sustainable station designs for the Green Line Extension.

[ May 17, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because it relates to Green Line Extension economic development around Magoun Square.

[ May 12, 2010; 7:15 pm; ] This meeting is important because adopting the Stretch Energy Code will reduce energy use and environmental impact for all residences and businesses in Somerville.

“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.”

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.

[ May 6, 2010; 4:30 pm; ] 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.

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 gather community consensus on a vision for the future and identify steps to make that vision a reality. [...]

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.

[ May 6, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because it deals with ongoing Somerville developments.

[ May 5, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] Depending upon the agenda, the Zoning Board of Appeals may make decisions fundamental to Somerville’s future.

[ May 11, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] 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.

[ May 3, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] Depending upon the agenda, the Committee on Housing and Community Development may make decisions fundamental to Somerville’s future.

[ April 27, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] This meeting is important because the Somerville Open Space and Recreation Plan, which relates to state and federal funding, is being extended.

[ April 26, 2010; 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. ] 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.

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.

[ April 28, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] 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, is the second Visioning Meeting for Davis Square. It is intended to promote community dialog about the area today and what it should be in the future. Following up [...]

[ April 21, 2010 to April 23, 2010. ] Harvard Infrastructure Sustainability & Design Conference

Wed. Apr. 21 – Fri. Apr. 23

Harvard University Graduate School of Design
48 Quincy St.
Cambridge MA (map)

This conference explores infrastructure sustainability in the context of the current environmental challenges. At the conference, the alpha version of the Zofnass Rating System will be released. The Zofnass Rating is [...]

[ April 21, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] Blueback Herring River Route Community Meeting

Wed. Apr. 21 6:30 PM

Elizabeth Peabody House
277 Broadway
Somerville MA (map)

This meeting, a followup to the March 10 meeting, will present for citizen review logo and signage options for the new “Blueback Herring River Route” connecting Foss Park to Shore Drive, and updates on improvements to the Blessing [...]

[ April 17, 2010; 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. ] 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.

[ April 14, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] 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 a regular hearing of the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Zoning Board of Appeals reviews applications to bypass normal Somerville Zoning.

Depending upon the agenda, the Zoning [...]

[ April 15, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] 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 meeting of the Somerville Planning Board. The Planning Board holds public hearings and grants permits for special districts, such as Planned Unit Developments.

Depending upon [...]

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 [...]

Apply now for membership, to advise on station designs for Brickbottom, Gilman Square, Lowell Street, Ball Square, College Avenue, and Union Square.

[ April 8, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] 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. and New Washington St. (map)]

Flyer (PDF)

This is the public hearing on the HUD Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant program, the Emergency Shelter [...]

[ April 6, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Planning Meeting

Tues. Apr. 6 6:30 PM

Upper Hall
Greek Orthodox Church
29 Central St.
Somerville MA (map)

This is the third planning meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. At this meeting, the group will continue specifying goals, policies and actions to implement the vision statement.

This meeting is important because Somerville’s citywide [...]

[ April 5, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] BOA Committee on Parks and Open Space Meeting

Mon. Apr. 5 7:00 PM

Somerville City Hall
2nd Fl. Comm. Rm.
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda (PDF)

This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Aldermanic Committee on Parks and Open Space. On the agenda, among other business are amendments to the the 2008-2013 Open Space and Recreation [...]

[ April 5, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] BOA Committee on Housing and Community Development

Mon. Apr. 5 6:00 PM

Somerville City Hall
2nd Fl. Comm. Rm
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda (PDF)

This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Aldermanic Committee on Housing and Community Development. Among other business, the committee will approve a letter to MassDOT supporting the continuation of [...]

[ March 30, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] 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.

[ March 27, 2010 to April 23, 2010. ] 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.

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.

[ March 25, 2010; 11:00 am; ] 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 vice president Bonnie Sullivan on financing programs available for municipalities, businesses, and nonprofits. This workshop is sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development [...]

[ March 23, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] 2010 Conservation Commission Meeting

Tues. Mar. 23 7:00 PM

Somerville City Hall
3rd Fl. Conf. Rm.
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda (PDF)

This is the monthly meeting of the Somerville Conservation Commission. On the agenda are the Community Gardens, the Open Space and Recreation Plan, and infrastructure work at Assembly Square, among other business.

This meeting is important [...]

[ March 31, 2010; 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] 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 learn about the City’s planning process, discuss how redevelopment might impact the neighborhood, and find out how we can ensure [...]

[ March 16, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] BOA Committee on Housing and Community Development

Tues. Mar 16 6:30 PM

Somerville City Hall
2nd Fl. Comm. Rm
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda (PDF)

This is the regular meeting of the Somerville Aldermanic Committee on Housing and Community Development. Among other business, the committee will discuss accuracy checks on Applications for Special Permits and [...]

[ March 15, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] 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 Mayor Curtatone and Alderman Taylor, is called to discuss the renovation of the Dickerman and Morse-Kelly Playgrounds, including presentation of a preferred design for both parks.

This meeting is important [...]

[ March 18, 2010; 10:00 am; ] MPO Long Range Transportation Plan Meeting

Thurs. Mar. 18 10:00 AM

State Transportation Building
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)

This is the first of a series of meetings sponsored by the Metropolitan Planning Organization to develop the new Long Range Tranportation Plan for Greater Boston out to 2035. The new plan is due April [...]

3/11/2010 By Tom Nash : 1. SomeSense makes case for zoning changes, 2. Senior zoning ordinances shelved, Advocacy group claims victory

[ March 10, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] 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, will present and request feedback from the public on the City’s plans to create the “Blueback Herring River Route” connecting Foss Park to Shore Drive, with improvements to [...]

[ March 9, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] 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 planning meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. At this meeting, the group will continue specifying goals, policies and actions to implement the vision statement.

The goal of the comprehensive plan [...]

[ March 4, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] BOA Land Use Committee and Planning Board Joint Meeting

Thurs. Mar. 4 6:00 PM

Somerville City Hall
Aldermen’s Chamber
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda (PDF)

This is a joint meeting of the Land Use Committee and the Planning Board to consider changes to the zoning suggested by Some Sense.

This meeting is important because the proposed changes [...]

[ March 2, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] BOA Land Use Committee Meeting

Tues. Mar. 2 7:00 PM

Somerville City Hall
2nd Fl. Comm. Rm.
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda (PDF)

This is the regular meeting of the Aldermanic Land Use Committtee. On the agenda is an ordinance increasing the allowed density for senior housing.

This meeting is important because it will affect a current proposed [...]

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.

[ February 22, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] 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 meeting of the Aldermanic Housing and Community Development Committee. There will likely be further discussion of the Route 16 Green Line Extension stop, which is currently being deemphasized by the [...]

[ March 3, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] 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 and Community Development (OSPCD), is intended to promote discussion about what should happen in the Davis Square area in the future. There will be statistical data presentations, visual [...]

[ March 2, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] 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 Square PAC. At this meeting we will discuss how the IKEA development is to proceed in 2010 and how to begin work on the Transportation Mitigation [...]

[ March 1, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] 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 Development (OSPCD) is intended to present and get community feedback on plans to improve Union Square. The city will present what it considers the locally preferred alterative based [...]

[ February 23, 2010; 4:00 pm; ] Red Line/Blue Line Connector Working Group Meeting

Tues. Feb. 23 4:00 PM

Amenities Room
Suffolk University
73 Tremont Street
Boston, MA (map)

This is the regular meeting of the Red Line/Blue Lline Connector working group. This meeting’s agenda includes a summary of alternatives, environmental impacts, and a schedule for the connector’s Draft Environmental Impact Report.

This meeting [...]

I believe that both the premise for the Ordinance and the approach that it takes are wrong.

[ February 24, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] 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 Square Task Force, one of the longest running activist groups in Somerville. It came into existence around the extension of the Red Line to Davis Square.

This group is important [...]

[ February 24, 2010; 1:00 pm; ] 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)

Agenda (PDF)

This is the regular meeting of the Metropolitan Planning Organization Access Advisory Committee. This committee was created to improve transit access and services for people with disabilities.

This meeting is [...]

[ February 22, 2010; 5:00 pm; ] 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 meeting of the MBTA Rider Oversight Committee, which provides recommendations to the MBTA to address the needs and concerns of MBTA riders.

This meeting is important because the MBTA will soon [...]

[ February 18, 2010; 10:00 am; ] MPO Transportation Planning and Programming Committee Meeting

Thurs. Feb. 18 10:00 AM

State Transportation Building
Conf. Rms. 2, 3
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)

Agenda (PDF)

This is the regular meeting of the Metropolitan Transportation Planning and Programming Committee. This group makes decisions to support or not support new transportation initiatives throughout the Boston area, including the [...]

[ February 18, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] This hearing is important because it is a key step toward getting Federal money for improving Somerville.

[ February 19, 2010; 8:15 am; ] 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. MassDOT director David Mohler and Urban Ring Project Manager Scott Hamwey will present, ‘How Will We Get A”round”? MASSDOT suspends further MEPA review on the Urban Ring project’.

This meeting [...]

[ February 10, 2010; 3:00 pm; ] 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 Amendment to Public Comment Period. (PDF)

Feb 2. 2010 TCAC Letter to MPO (PDF)

This is the regular meeting of the Regional Transportation Advisory Council (RTAC), which is charged by the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organizaiton (MPO) [...]

[ February 8, 2010 9:00 am to February 25, 2010 5:00 pm. ] 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 period on the MPO Public Participation Plan to shorten or waive the public comment period on certification documents.

Ordinarily, amendments have a 30-day public comment period. The change is to allow the [...]

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[ February 2, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] 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 Committee on Water Quality (CoWQ), the Outreach Committee, and the Policy Committee. At this meeting MyRWA will introduce a new online tool, the Environmental Atlas, developed in partnership with the Metropolitan Area [...]

[ February 2, 2010; 3:30 pm; ] MassDOT Community Forum

Tues. Feb. 2 3:30 PM

MBTA Board Room, 3rd Fl.
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)

Agenda (PDF)

This is one in a series of “You Move Massachusetts Initiative”meetings, held to update the community on transportation issues in the Commonwealth.

This meeting is important because, among other issues, it presents a status report on the Green Line Extension [...]

[ February 4, 2010; 11:30 am; ] Smart Growth/Transit Oriented Development – What is working or not?

Thurs. Feb. 4 11:30 AM

Radisson Hotel
200 Stuart St.
Boston MA (map)

This presentation by the City of Somerville OSPCD Director Monical Lamboy, developer Ted Tye, and MassDOT Transit Development Director Mark Boy will address how Smart Growth methodologies have worked and how they can be improved. This [...]

[ February 16, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] 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 Feb. 9 Phase 3 planning meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. At this meeting, the group will begin specifying goals, policies and actions to implement the vision statement. A guest speaker is [...]

[ February 4, 2010; 1:00 pm; ] MetroBoston DataCommon Training Event

Thurs. Feb. 4 1:00 PM

MAPC Offices
60 Temple Place
Boston MA (map)

This is one of the monthly training sessions in using the Boston DataCommon to:

Access statistics about a city or town
Analyze social and economic data
Generate and print out custom maps

This meeting is important because it provides training in an online tool for accessing a [...]

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.
The group, Somerville Residents for Sensible Development (SomeSense), seeks to remove special permitting power from the Zoning Board of Appeals [...]

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.
While the city [...]

[ January 25, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] 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)

This is a special meeting of the Somerville Housing and Community Development Committee. The agenda includes discussing the committee’s position on the Alewife / Rt. 16 Green Line T-Stop. The Committee will also provide an [...]

[ January 25, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership Meeting

Mon. Jan. 25 7:00 PM

3rd Floor Community Room
Visiting Nurses Association
259 Lowell St.
Somerville MA (map)

This is the STEP monthly meeting. at which will be discussed current developments on the Green Line Extension and the Assembly Square T-Stop.

This meeting is important because both the Green Line and Orange Line projects are moving forward, [...]

[ January 30, 2010; 2:30 pm; ] Your Walkable Community in Winter: Somerville

Sat. Jan. 30 2:30 PM

Somerville Library
79 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

This is a workshop on walkability in Somerville during the winter. It includes information about snow clearance and ways to make your neighborhood more walkable.

This workshop is important because Somerville is currently very walkable, but requires our help to [...]

Fueled by a growing dissatisfaction with the city’s zoning review and approval process for development projects, a group of concerned residents have joined together to initiate what they are describing as “much-needed and long-overdue reforms of the zoning ordinance aimed at making the key decision-makers more responsible for their actions.”

As the City prepares to sell the closed Powder House School building to private developers, the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) just posted an Aug 24, 2009 real estate analysis report (pdf) to its website .
According to a Dec 31, 2009 article in the Somerville Journal [Somerville's Powder House school building set [...]

[ January 26, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee Visioning Meeting

Tues., Jan. 26, 6:30 PM

Upper Hall
Greek Orthodox Church
29 Central St.
Somerville MA (map)

This is the last Visioning meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. At this meeting, the group will finish the vision statement.

The goal of the comprehensive plan is to improve the quality of life for Somerville’s residents and workers [...]

[ January 21, 2010; 10:00 am; ] MPO Transportation Planning and Programming Committee Meeting

Wed. Jan. 21 10:00 AM

State Transportation Building
Conf. Rm. 4
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)

This is the regular meeting of the Metropolitan Transportation Planning and Programming Committee. This group makes decisions to support or not support new transportation initiatives throughout the Boston area, including the Green Line Extension to Somerville and [...]

[ January 12, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] BOA Committee on Parks and Open Space

Tues. Jan. 12, 6:00 PM

2nd Floor Comm. Room
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

This is an official replacement for the Jan. 6 meeting, which began after 7:30 PM, too late to go on the record. Instead, the meeting was held unofficially and mainly discussed the design of Hodgkins Park, [...]

[ January 13, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] This is a public hearing on updates to the Sullivan Square Orange Line T-Stop and the surrounding area, including the Rutherford Avenue overpass. This meeting is important because the area of Somerville near Sullivan Square uses the T-Stop and is inconvenienced by the overpass.

[ January 12, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] This is the first 2010 meeting of the Somerville Bicycle Committee. They may be discussing the contamination issue on the bike path.

[ January 12, 2010; 6:30 pm; ] This is the second Visioning meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. At this meeting, the group will review the citizen inputs from the earlier SomerVision meetings and pull them together into the beginning of a vision statement.

[ January 21, 2010; ] Mystic River Watershed Association “DoughRaiser” Event

Thurs. Jan. 21, All Day

Porter Square Pizzeria Uno
820 Somerville Avenue
Cambridge MA (map)

Print and Bring Coupons (PDF)

This event is a fundraiser for the Mystic River Watershed Association. Upon presentation of a coupon, up to 20% of your bill will be donated to the Mystic River Watershed Association to help with their [...]

[ January 13, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] BOA Committee on Finance

Wed. Jan. 13, 7:00 PM

2nd Floor Comm. Room
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

This is the first 2010 meeting of the Finance Committee.

Finance Committee meetings are always important, because this is where decisions are made about city money.

For background and matters of interest, see:

Infrastructure Investment Incentive (I-Cubed) Program
Assembly Square Mixed-Use Development Project

WITI?

[ January 6, 2010; 6:00 pm; 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] Zoning Board of Appeals Hearing

Wed. Jan. 6, 6:00 PM

Aldermanic Chamber
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Meeting Agenda (PDF)

This is a regular hearing of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Among other business, the Board will hear the case of the Beacon Street Hotel, which is on the corner of Beacon [...]

[ January 7, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] MassDOT Public Hearing for Somerville’s Washington Street Project

Thurs. Jan. 7, 7:00 PM

Ralph and Jenny Senior Center
9 New Washington St.
Somerville MA (map)

This is a public hearing on road improvements to Washington Street from New Washington Street to the Boston city line. These improvements are near the proposed Brickbottom Green Line Extension stop.

For more information, see Washington [...]

[ January 8, 2010; ] End of Comment Period on Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) on Green Line Extension

Comments End: 1/8/10

Submit written comments at the project’s Share Your Opinion e-mail site.

The Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) has posted the Draft EIR on the Green Line Extension into Somerville and Medford. It is important that all citizens of Somerville and [...]

[ January 5, 2010; 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] Assembly Square Public Advisory Committee Meeting

Tues. Jan. 5, 6:00 PM

Federal Realty Investment Trust
5 Middlesex Ave. Suite 401
Somerville MA (map)

This important event is sponsored by Federal Realty, the chief developer of the new Assembly Square mixed use development.

These meetings are important because they provide means for the community to influence the ongoing development of Assembly Square. [...]

[ January 6, 2010; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] BOA Committee on Parks and Open Space

Wed. Jan. 6, 7:00 PM

2nd Floor Comm. Room
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda (PDF)

This is the first 2010 meeting of the new Committee on Parks and Open Space. On the agenda is discussing contamination of the bike path. This may relate to the MaxPack development off Lowell [...]

[ January 6, 2010; 6:00 pm; ] BOA Committee on Housing and Community Development

Wed. Jan 6, 6:00 PM

2nd Floor Comm. Room
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

This is the first meeting of the new Committee on Housing and Community Development. Among other business, this meeting will deal with the Green Line Extension (especially the Maintenance Facility) and the Assembly Square Orange Line [...]

[ January 12, 2010; 7:00 pm; ] Assembly Square Orange Line Station 30% Progress Design Meeting

Tues. Jan. 12 7:00 PM

Cafeteria
Capuano Early Childhood Center
150 Glen St.
Somerville MA (map)

This is the progress report meeting by the MBTA on the design for the Assembly Square Orange Line T-Stop. Present from the MBTA will be staff from the MBTA Development Department, Design & Construction Department, and [...]

[ December 21, 2009; 5:00 pm; ] MBTA Rider Oversight Committee Meeting

Mon. Dec 21 5:00 PM

State Transportation Building
Conf Rms 1-3
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)

This is the regular meeting of the MBTA Rider Oversight Committee meeting established as part of the T’s fare policy commitments. This meeting includes a report by the Project Manager of the Southcoast Rail Project.

This committee is important [...]

[ December 17, 2009; 10:00 am; ] MPO Transportation Planning and Programming Committee Meeting

Thurs. Dec. 17, 10:00 AM

State Transportation Building
Conf Rm 4
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)

Meeting Documents (PDF)

This is the regular meeting of the Boston MPO. At this meeting, technical assistance work programs for 2010-2011 will be discussed.

This is important because it describes work plans for Logan Airport, including air quality. It [...]

[ December 17, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] Public Meeting on Mystic River Reservation Recreational Path Extension (Wellington Undercarriage)

Thurs. Dec. 17 6:30 PM

Mystic Activity Center
535 Mystic Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

This meeting is a forum for discussing the planned boardwalk connecting the recreational path under Route 28 to link Ten Hills and Assembly Square at the Mystic River. This meeting was sponsored by Mayor [...]

[ December 7, 2009; 7:30 pm; ] Ward 1 ResiStat Meeting

Mon. Dec. 7, 7:30 PM

Cafeteria
Capuano Early Childhood Center
150 Glen St.
Somerville MA (map)

This meeting, sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and Ward 1 Alderman Roche, deals with statistical data and issues relating to Ward 1. Similar meetings are held in all other wards of the city. Citizen input from these meetings are compiled into yearly [...]

[ December 8, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] Ward 4 ResiStat Meeting

Tues. Dec. 8, 7:00 PM

Cafeterium
Arthur D. Healey School
5 Meacham St.
Somerville MA (map)

This meeting, sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and Ward 4 Alderman Pero, deals with statistical data and issues relating to Ward 4. Similar meetings are held in all other wards of the city. Citizen input from these meetings are compiled into yearly [...]

[ December 16, 2009; 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] Public Meeting on Green Line Extension Maintenance Facility Alternatives

Wed. Dec. 16 6:00 PM

Cambridge Multicultural Arts Center
41 2nd St.
Cambridge MA (map)

Submit written comments at the Green Line Extension project’s Share Your Opinion e-mail site.

This is a Public Meeting on the Green Line Extension Maintenance Facility Alternatives, part of the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) [...]

[ December 14, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] BOA Committee on Housing and Community Development

Mon. Dec. 14, 6:30 PM

2nd Fl. Comm. Room
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

This is a special meeting of the BOA Committee on Housing and Community Development to hear a presentation by the Office of Strategic Planning about plans for a [...]

[ December 10, 2009; 5:30 pm; ] Ward 7 ResiStat Meeting

Thurs. Dec. 10, 5:30 PM

Tufts Admin. Building (TAB)
167 Holland St.
Somerville MA (map)

This meeting, sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and Ward 7 Alderman Trane, deals with statistical data and issues relating to Ward 7. Similar meetings are held in all other wards of the city. Citizen input from these meetings are compiled into yearly [...]

[ December 9, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] Deckerman and Morse-Kelley Playground Renovations

Wed. Dec. 9 7:00 PM

Library
John F. Kennedy School
5 Cherry St.
Somerville MA (map)

This is a public community meeting to discuss the renovations of the Dickerman and Morse-Kelley Playgrounds on Craigie Street, close to Wards 3, 2, 5, and 6. It will include the presentation of schematic park designs by CBA Landscape Architects.

This [...]

[ December 1, 2009; 5:00 pm; ] Urban Ring Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting

Tues. Dec. 1, 5:00 PM

State Transportation Building
Conf Rms 2-3
10 Park Plaza
Boston MA (map)

This meeting of the Urban Ring Citizens Advisory Committee provides citizens an opportunity to hear MassDOT Secretary Jeffrey Mullan discuss Urban Ring planning in the context of the State’s fiscal situation and the MBTA maintenance requirements.

This is [...]

Community ratifies set of 11 principles for land use planning along the Green Line extension.

[ December 3, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] Planning Board and Land Use Committee Meetings

Thurs. Dec. 3
6:00 PM – Planning Board
7:00 PM – Joint Meeting

3rd Floor Community Room
Visiting Nurses Association
259 Lowell St.
Somerville MA (map)

This is the joint meeting of the Somerville Planning Board with the Land Use Committee. It is preceded at 6:00 PM by a Planning Board Meeting.

Note [...]

[ December 3, 2009; 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] From SOMERVILLE, MA City website: There will be a joint public hearing by the Board of Alderman Land Use Committee and the Somerville Planning Board regarding proposed amendments to the Somerville Zoning Ordinance to define senior housing types, add design guidelines, establish Senior Housing Zoning and Dimensional Requirements and incorporate relevant parking requirements. WHEN: Thursday, December 3rd at 7:00 pm

From Ward 6 Ald. Gewirtz’s Winter ’09 newsletter :
There is a proposal being made by the owners of the Citizens Bank building on Elm Street on the corner or Bowers Ave. to bring a Staples to that space. I have been very concerned about large chain stores coming into the square. I’m curious [...]

[ December 1, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] Ward 5 ResiStat Meeting

Tues. Dec. 1, 7:00 PM

Cafeterium
John F. Kennedy School
5 Cherry St.
Somerville MA (map)

This meeting, sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and Ward 5 Alderman O’Donovan, deals with statistical data and issues relating to Ward 5. Similar meetings are held in all other wards of the city. Citizen input from these meetings are compiled into yearly [...]

[ November 30, 2009; 7:30 pm; ] Ward 2 ResiStat Meeting

Mon. Nov. 30, 7:30 PM

Argenziano School
290 Washington Street
Somerville MA (map)

This meeting, sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and Ward 2 Alderman Heuston, deals with statistical data and issues relating to Ward 2. Similar meetings are held in all other wards of the city. Citizen input from these meetings are compiled into yearly reports on [...]

[ November 23, 2009; 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. ] Ward 6 ResiStat Meeting

Mon. Nov. 23, 7:30 PM

Ciampa Manor
27 College Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

This meeting, sponsored by Mayor Curtatone and Ward 6 Alderman Gewirtz, deals with statistical data and issues relating to Ward 6, particularly the Davis Square area. Similar meetings are held in all other wards of the city. Citizen input from these meetings are [...]

[ November 17, 2009; 6:30 pm; ] Comprehensive Plan Visioning Meeting

Tues. Nov. 17, 6:30 PM

Argenziano School
290 Washington Street
Somerville MA (map)

This is the November meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. The Visioning Discussion begins with this meeting and will continue with four public input meetings in December. The Steering Committee itself will resume meeting in January.

This committee is intended to provide input [...]

[ November 12, 2009; 7:00 pm; ] StreetTalk: Design Advocacy – Designing for How We Move Through Space

Thurs. Nov 12, 7:00 PM

Livable Streets
100 Sidney St.
Cambridge MA (map)

This presentation gives examples of landscape architecture and public art projects where pedestrian movement and design determined the space. It is important because we are beginning the design process for the Green Line Extension, the Assembly [...]

[ November 9, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] BOA Committee on Finance

Mon. Nov. 9, 6:00 PM

2nd Floor Comm. Room
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

Agenda (PDF)

This is a rescheduling of the Nov. 4 meeting of the Finance Committee, which was cancelled on November 2. It is important because it addresses the final requirements of the iCubed program just approved by the Aldermen for [...]

[ November 7, 2009; 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. ] STEP Green Line DEIR Community Meeting

Sat. Nov. 7, 9:30 AM

Community Room
Visiting Nurses Association
259 Lowell St.
Somerville MA (map)

This coming Saturday, the Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership is sponsoring a community meeting on the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Green Line Extension. This important, very long document is up for public comment, with a public hearing [...]

[ November 5, 2009; 6:00 pm; ] Broadway Rezoning: Winter Hill to Sullivan Square

Thurs. Nov. 5, 6:00 PM

Aldermanic Chamber
Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Ave.
Somerville MA (map)

This meeting is a rescheduling of the joint October 8 meeting between the Land Use Committee and the Planning Board. It is important because it includes a public hearing [...]