This photo depicts “examples of the block building type.”

By Cathleen Twardzik

A land use public hearing occurred virtually on Thursday, October 17, at 6:30 p.m.

The hearing’s main goal “was to discuss a zoning map amendment for 501 Mystic Valley Parkway. The proposal seeks to change the zoning from a neighborhood residence (NR) district to an urban residence (UR) district, which would allow for increased residential density and a broader range of housing options,” said Grace Munns, Deputy Director of Communications.

Somerville residents’ response to the proposed land use of the building and future parking situation was explored at the meeting. Parking minimums was a major issue discussed. Resident concerns spanned a wide range – explaining the pros and cons of the matter.

Now for the specifics of the topic of retaining or removing parking minimums at 501 Mystic Valley Parkway, for example:

A blind resident attended, and she was worried about the impact of a building with parking causing safety issues for her to use the nearby bus and T stops because the presence of more cars would become a problem. Other residents were also concerned about the number of accidents that have already taken place at the intersection where the new housing building (501 Mystic Valley Parkway) would potentially be located.

A number of residents believe that people don’t need parking in that area because they utilize public transportation in lieu of using a private vehicle.

One resident said, “Parking generates traffic.”

“I notice that the large majority of people expressing support for the project don’t live in this neighborhood,” said another resident. She said that too many car accidents already occur near her home, which is near where the proposed building would be located, and therefore, she believes that the accident problem would worsen.

It’s time for the other side of parking minimums. A mother and resident of Somerville was concerned because her small child is disabled and needs accessible parking. Therefore, a parking minimum would be challenging in her situation.

Yet, a community member with non-disabled children presented the conundrum of not having a parking space if she took her children somewhere. She said that it would be a burden to walk several blocks with all their “stuff” if she lost her parking spot closer to the building.

After considerable discussion, one resident said, “If it [weren’t] a hard problem, [then] we wouldn’t be here [at the meeting].”

Parking may or may not be expanded because, “The discussions are still ongoing, but the goal is to create a balanced solution that supports transit-oriented development while addressing concerns about parking availability. The city is considering reducing parking minimums to encourage the use of public transit, but residents who need parking will still have access. Specific plans for the number of parking spaces will depend on further deliberation,” said Munns.

What stage is the project in? It “is still in the committee stage, where the zoning map amendment is under consideration. The potential building on this site would likely include residential units, [al]though specifics about the project’s final design and usage are still being discussed,” she said.

No vote was taken at the meeting.

However, “The next possible vote could take place at a subsequent land use committee meeting, [al]though, no specific date has been set, yet. The date will be shared on all city communications channels, once confirmed,” said Munns.

To view the proposed zoning amendment online, then, use the link: somervillema.gov/parkingminimum “or through the Somerville City Council’s online meeting calendar.”

If you would like to view the meeting in its entirety, then, please follow the following link: somervillema.granicus.com/player/clip/2585?view_id=1&redirect=true.

If you’re a resident and still have questions about this hearing’s topic, then, October 31 at 7:30 p.m. will mark “the deadline for submitting public comments regarding the 501 Mystic Valley Parkway zoning amendment. Residents and stakeholders can email their comments to the city at publiccomments@somervillema.gov before that time,” she said.