Learn more about preserving and growing artist/maker and climatetech industries in Somerville through a series of hybrid public meetings starting Monday, October 28 

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development (OSPCD) invite residents to participate in a series of public meetings on the Central Somerville Avenue project, which kicks off on Monday, October 28. 

The first meeting, scheduled for Monday, October 28 at 6 p.m., will be held in-person on the 2^nd floor of Bow Market (1 Bow Market Way) and online via Zoom. It will consist of an introduction of the project, a staff walk-through the draft language, and discussion of the elements of a research and development district. 

The series of hybrid meetings, hosted by the Planning, Preservation & Zoning (PPZ) division, is part of efforts to preserve and grow the artist, maker and climatetech industries. To achieve this, OSPCD is proposing a Five Point Plan, including clarifying zoning language, creating a research & development district, updating the SomerVision map, creating an Urban Design Framework, and writing a zoning overlay district. These efforts aim to balance economic growth with preserving spaces for artists while protecting historical assets and promoting sustainable development.   

For future meetings and project information, please visit voice.somervillema.gov/cen-som-ave.