Director of Planning George Proakis asserted his commitment to preserving a sense of community in the affected area. – Photo by Amanda Rhodes

By Amanda Rhodes

Around fifty Somerville residents gathered at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School on Monday night to discuss the controversial re-zoning of Somerville Ave. and Elm St., from Wilson Square to the Somerville-Cambridge line at Porter Square.

The City of Somerville is attempting to increase the tax base and revenue by creating incentives for commercial development without reducing the quality of life for the inhabitants of this primarily residential area of Somerville Ave. Many of these residents and their families have lived in the neighborhood for fifty to eighty years and are anxious about potential changes.

The re-zoning would increase the commercial opportunities in the area and could bring more tax dollars to the Somerville side of Porter Square. The proposal up for discussion included re-zoning of Elm St. to encourage commercial development on both sides of the street. Residents and Aldermen were concerned about the traffic, noise, vermin, and people this could bring to the area, which includes John F. Kennedy Elementary School.

Although consideration was given to parking and increasing vegetation along the street in the proposals, residents voiced their concerns about the current traffic congestion and the proposed height limits for new developments.

Ultimately, Alderman Sean O’Donovan put forth a motion to move the commercial zoning line back to its current boundary on Elm St. The motion passed 3-0 with votes from Aldermen William White and Tony Lafuente. This was viewed as an accomplishment by the residents of Elm St. who want to retain the current character and density of the street.

One major theme of the meeting was the lack of specific proposals for development. Alderman William White was clear that he wants “to know what is being built first, before approving a zoning proposal.” Residents expressed similar concerns and would like to see more illustrations to help them visualize some of the proposed changes. Alderman Lafuente stressed that the “whole plan needs to be reworked …It does not seem to have the appropriate size or scale to provide the tax benefits we are seeking.”

Residents and Aldermen were equally concerned about the proposal to build above the commuter rail that runs along Somerville Ave. The narrow lot may require a 70 ft. tall building to accommodate its uses, with the train running below the structure. Community members expressed concerns that a building so tall would overshadow the smaller residences currently in the area.

George Proakis, Director of Planning, said he would continue to “address concerns about what developments are actually going to be built. “ He stressed that while many of the areas under consideration for re-zoning “need transformation,” it has “never been my philosophy to do development and tear neighborhoods apart.”

Though the majority of affected homeowners opposed the proposals, several residents support redevelopment, citing concerns about safety and a desire to increase pedestrian traffic, especially at night. Residents were in agreement that having amenities within walking distance is a strength of the current neighborhood and something they support increasing at an appropriate scale. Newer community members commended long-term residents for creating such a wonderful “jewel” of a community and emphasized that they want to see the neighborhood become even stronger.

Both residents and Aldermen are committed to reaching the right balance between envisioning a new neighborhood and preserving the old one. Another meeting will be scheduled soon and William White, Alderman At Large, encouraged residents to continue express their opinions. “As elected officials, we’re open until the day of the vote,” he stressed.