(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

Somerville Development Watch has proposed two zoning amendments, both of which discourage infill development in residential neighborhoods. One amendment limits the gross floor area increase during condo conversions to 15% instead of 25%. The other amendment attaches conditions to the granting of a special permit, for example requiring that the proposed use be appropriate for the site, without adversely affecting the character or value of abutting properties, or causing undue traffic, nuisance or hazard. Demonstrably factual objections from abutting owners, and the availability of adequate and appropriate city services for the proposed use would also be taken into account. A public hearing on these amendments will be held on Thursday March 5, at 6pm, at City Hall, 93 Highland Avenue, 2nd floor, Aldermanic Chamber.

Like many cities, Somerville is fighting for its life against an overwhelming tide of development. While real estate prices continue to climb, long-term residents will continue to sell out to luxury condo developers, further driving up prices in a self-perpetuating feedback loop. Eventually the stratospheric prices will deny the city to all but the most affluent, creating a gated citadel, organized around the needs of plutocracy.

The ongoing invasion of urban cores by the rich is a type of class warfare. The losers are exiled to abandoned suburbs and left to fend for themselves, often lacking the most basic services such as police and fire departments. Suburbs are the new ghettos, but without the population density that could potentially foster solidarity. Alienation and xenophobia are the predictable responses to desolate post-suburban landscapes of ruined malls and decrepit houses stripped of their copper.

The only force capable of preventing gated citadels and the suburbanization of poverty is regulation. Governments can and must regulate the housing market. The purpose of housing is to provide people with shelter, so that they can participate in society and live fulfilling, productive lives. As long as housing serves primarily as an investment, we’re slouching towards neo-feudalism. The new lords and ladies will need a few serfs to pour their lattes, but rest of us had better learn to like zombie movies.

Strong measures are urgently needed to limit real estate prices, such as a real estate transfer tax, a one-to-one affordable housing ratio, and rent control. A lasting solution will require redistribution and reinvestment on a vast scale, supported by increased progressive taxation, as in the post-war period when the top federal tax rate was over 90%. In the meantime, the proposed zoning amendments would be a modest start. Their texts are available at somervilledevelopmentwatch.org.

Chris Korda
Somerville Development Watch