The OSPCD is in the process of fine
tuning a proposal that will expand the current zoning policy in hopes
of attracting new commercial developments to help revitalize the Winter
Hill and lower Broadway areas. Generally speaking, the plan will allow
businesses to expand the square area of their property through an
increase in the allowable height and density of buildings along the
Broadway corridor.

Rob May, the Director of Economic Development
for Somerville, states that Somerville's "current zoning ordinance is
very limited in height, density, and the bulk of buildings. The new
zoning, which is based on the successful passage of zoning in Union
Square, brings these concepts over to Broadway and works with owners to
redevelop their property." The restructured zoning will also create a
series of incentives to make it more palatable for businesses to
redevelop their lots. "It is not financially feasible to redevelop
under the current zoning ordinances," says May. New zoning regulations
will also reward "green" developments and will attempt to discourage
vehicular traffic with underground parking regulations for certain
classifications of property.

The OSPCD and Ward 4 Alderman
Walter Pero admit that one of the main reasons for the change in zoning
is to help alleviate the issue of the vacant Star Market site in the
heart of Broadway. "The rezoning is really critical to the development
of Winter Hill, says Pero. "The catalyst for the rezoning was the Star
Market site which, unless it went through some zoning changes, could
only have been another market." The Office of Strategic Planning and
Community Development has contacted numerous supermarket chains over
the past few months but has found little interest in leasing the
property from its owner due to the current building specifications and
the close proximity of the Stop and Shop. "With the change in zoning,"
says Pero, "we can build something denser, bigger–maybe with mixed
use, and get the parking away from Broadway. Winter Hill looks tired
and it needs a boost."

Rob May and the rest of his team
believe the old Star Market site to be the lynchpin for the Hill and
feel that its current vacancy is a detriment to surrounding businesses.
"When you get into the Winter Hill area, all those businesses are
suffering because Star Market is empty-it is not bringing customers
into the community." Seven new businesses have opened their doors in
the last nine months along Broadway, but there have been few signs of
growth along that area of Winter Hill.

The Office of Strategic
Planning and Community Development will also be rolling out a program
called "Streetscape" next spring in an effort to further rejuvenate the
lower Broadway area. The initiative will widen sidewalks, provide
pedestrian amenities, and will make Broadway more of a bike-able route.
The OSPCD hopes that the new zoning regulations will help make lower
Broadway and Assembly Square "gateways" to Somerville through a
revitalization of architecture.

The meeting ended with some
questions from concerned local residents over the potential size and
scope of a new structure in the old Star Market location and how it
would affect the homes set below the back side of the lot. One resident
felt that a taller building would cast a shadow over the nearby homes
already set 15 feet below the vacant lot. Under zoning laws, the
Planning Board and the Design and Review Committee would have to sign
off on building changes that would affect the area.

There will
be a final community meeting to discuss the rezoning of all of
Somerville on August 12th and the OSPCD will submit their final
proposal to the Board of Aldermen in September.