The future of the former Star Market site was a particular topic of discussion at the meeting held by Mark Development. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Emmanuel Vincent

This past Thursday, Mark Development held an evening meeting centered on the Winter Hill Plan Implementation. This allowed the new team to take a look at 299 Broadway, which was the former Star Market site.

The nearly two-hour meeting consisted of visuals and in-depth analysis. It was also an interactive event, as residents in attendance were able to engage by asking questions and giving input.

The front of Broadway and Temple St. was a focus of the meeting. Those in attendance got a glimpse of the conceptual plan of having retail space front facing the two streets. Also, they were able to see the plan for below level street parking entrance and exit on Temple Street.

The parking concept is currently being visioned for residential parking only. This would ultimately help with reducing traffic. “We really tried to organize buildings facing Broadway with active ground retail,” said Russell Preston, Founder and Design Director at Principle. “Around a central square which will be a vibrant space.”

Add to this open public space on Sewall St., accompanied by rental units between the retail spaces and Mark Development was able to present a lively Winter Hill area with their presentation, comparable to Bow Market. This would allow pedestrians to stroll the area and marvel at scenery.

One concern regarding this plan was affordability, as past enhancements in the city have forced some to relocate. “A lot of our city employees are low paying wages, and can’t live in the city, which can increase the high turnover,” said a multi-generational Ward 4 Resident. “It doesn’t help our environment when they are on I-93 for an hour, hour and a half, because that’s where they can afford to live.”

Another concern for those in attendance was the Walgreens in the area. It was characterized as essential, not just to those in the community, but those in East Somerville as well. It was disclosed that there are no plans to remove the Walgreens from the community. Other issues brought up by audience members was the cost of the below parking, as well as the absence of a community center.

This was the first of many meetings relating to the Winter Hill Implementation as the project is still in the infancy stages. The link for this meeting is on the City of Somerville website and can be viewed on YouTube.