City to host housing symposium

On September 19, 2011, in Latest News, by The Somerville Times

Discussion to be held on housing trends, impact of affordable housing, goals and strategies for housing development in Somerville

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the Somerville Housing Division invite all interested community members to a Housing Symposium on Tuesday, September 27 to discuss topics of importance on Somerville’s housing market. The symposium, which will be held from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Armory (191 Highland Ave.), will cover topics such as Somerville and regional housing trends, impacts of future development on affordable housing, goals and strategies for housing options in Somerville, and policies affecting Somerville renters and homeowners. There will also be a keynote speech by Sam Zimbabwe, Director of the Center for Transit-Oriented Development at Reconnecting America, and a panel of housing experts including: Susan Connelly of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership; Aaron Gornstein of Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association; Danny LeBlanc of the Somerville Community Corporation; Joe Macaluso of the Somerville Housing Authority; and Jenny Raitt of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council.

“We are excited to be able to bring this group of housing experts to Somerville to share their wealth of knowledge and help Somerville frame our discussion around housing and our goals for the future,” said Dana LeWinter, Director of the City’s Housing Division. “Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about affordable housing strategies, ask questions of the experts, and provide input to the Housing Division regarding what they want to see. This is an opportunity for Somerville stakeholders to take a community-wide look at our vision for housing in the City and we hope to have a good turn-out to help make the discussion more robust.”

“I am honored to be the keynote speaker for Somerville’s Housing Symposium. At Reconnecting America, we assist communities across the country in planning for high quality communities around transit, and improving housing affordability and choice is a key piece of this work. Proactive steps are critical in realizing the broadest possible benefits of investment in transit and housing and I hope to help to set the framework for Somerville’s housing discussions,’ said Sam Zimbabwe.

The event is free and open to the public, and no RSVP is necessary. For more information, please contact Emmanuel Owusu at 617-625-6600 ext. 2575 or EOwusu@somervillema.gov.