Community open house will showcase proposed concept designs and collect neighborhood feedback 

 

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 6 Councilor Lance Davis, Ward 5 Councilor Naima Sait, and the City of Somerville’s Engineering Division are inviting the community to an open house on flood relief and water quality improvement efforts planned for Morrison Avenue (Cedar Street to Grove Street) and the surrounding neighborhood.  

The event will be held on Monday, June 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Community Baptist Church (31 College Avenue). There will not be a formal presentation. Instead, project staff will be available to review initial concept design plans for stormwater management infrastructure and streetscape improvements, answer questions, and collect feedback. Community members are encouraged to drop-in at any time during the event.  

 

The City of Somerville is making substantial systemwide investments to modernize its sewer and stormwater infrastructure. As part of this effort, the City will be installing new drainage infrastructure and rehabilitating the existing sewer system along Morrison Avenue (between Cedar St. and Grove St.) as well as throughout the surrounding neighborhood. 

 

This project will reduce flood risk in the surrounding area and help maintain the water quality of local rivers. 

 

In addition to the underground utility improvements, this project will also include street safety improvements and green infrastructure (drainage features designed to mimic natural processes such as irrigated planting areas, bioretention basins with select soils and plants that catch and filter stormwater, and new trees) throughout the neighborhood.  

 

Final designs are currently anticipated to be completed by fall 2025. Construction is anticipated to begin as early as summer 2026. All schedules are preliminary and subject to change.   

 

For more information about this project and to stay updated as work progresses visit Somervillema.gov/morrisonave.