The city’s Urban Design Commission met last week to discuss options for development of the property at 142 Cross Street. — Image courtesy of Khalsa Design Inc

By Beatriz Leite

This past Tuesday, July 11, the Urban Design Commission of Somerville gathered to further discuss the plans for 142 Cross Street, which have been in discussion and consideration since April 25.

Courtney Kirk called the meeting as the acting co-chair. Members Andrew Arbaugh, Frank Valdes, Tim Talun, Cheri Ruane, and Tim Houde.

The project for a possible residential building was presented by Verdant Landscape Architecture, designed by architect Khalsa Design Inc. The slides presented were an updated version of the original slides with modifications made throughout the process according to the suggestions of the committee.

In the slide show presented by Evan Stellman and Katia Podsiadlo, there were four possible exteriors for the building, with a similar color scheme and size.

“We are adding a street tree on Cross Street,” said Podsiadlo, highlighting that is the biggest environmental move they can make in the small space, due to Stellman’s 12-foot setback that will also fit a bike rack for visitors.

Commissioner Valdes focused his concerns on the design. “I would eliminate option four, the historicism is trying to recreate a roof that I wouldn’t recommend,” he said. He believed option one makes more sense aesthetically and practically.

Most of the other commissioners were more interested in option two, whoever was not fully satisfied with the project gave some suggestions to Stellman and Podsiadlo. Talum motioned for the choice of the second scheme, shown on the upper right, and Valdes seconded that motion. All commissioners voted yes, and agreed on the design.

Kirk provided a summary of topics discussed to assist the commissioners’ vote.

“It sounds like there is a consensus around the project trying to simplify the design since it’s such a small building and except for the corner perhaps the windows could be a different option,” Kirk said. “I also have some concerns raised by the commissioners about the curb cut meeting the city to weigh in a little more about that,” she continued.

They motioned for the applicant to incorporate the design suggestions into project number two and decided to discuss the project further and possibly make a final vote by the next available meeting.