Residents and city representatives gathered on Monday to review the proposed zoning changes that would affect Wards 2 and 3. — Photos by Donald Norton

By Donald Norton

The residents of Ward 2 & 3 were given a preview of the new ordinance being proposed by the city on Monday evening, Feb. 23 at the former Union Square Post Office on Washington St.

A small but vocal crowd of about 50 joined the meeting, along with Alderman Maryann Houston from Ward 2 and Ward 3 Alderman Bob McWatters, as well as Alderman at Large Mary Jo Rossetti.

After a brief presentation, the meeting was opened up for discussion on the various changes being proposed and some voiced concerned about what the new ordinance would do to the area.

A couple of residents complained of the impact of residential units over commercial and business zoned properties. It was mentioned that an additional 9,000 residential units would be added. Some residents were clearly not in favor of that many residential units coming into our small city.

After hearing some of the attendees’ concerns, the planning staff manned small issue tables around the room to address more specific questions.

Meetings concerning other wards have been scheduled accordingly:

• Ward 1: Wednesday, March 4 in the East Somerville Community School cafeteria, 50 Cross St.
• Ward 4: Tuesday, March 17 at the Healey School, 5 Meacham St.
• Ward 5: Monday, March 16 at the Lowell Street VNA, 259 Lowell St.
• Wards 6 and 7: Monday, March 2, at the Tufts Administration Building (TAB), 169 Holland St.

Each meeting will start at 6:30 p.m.

In addition to these ward-based meetings, the Land Use Committee of the Board of Aldermen and the Planning Board will hold a rescheduled joint public hearing on the proposal on Thursday, March 5 in the Aldermanic Chambers at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Public feedback is also accepted through the zoning website at www.somervillema.gov/zoning through March 27. For more information, email zoning@somervillema.gov.