(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)

Dear Mayor Curtatone,

We wish to thank you and the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD) for undertaking a community-wide search for applicants to fill vacancies on several community boards related to development including the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic Preservation Commission, and the Somerville Redevelopment Authority. We hope that your office received a healthy pool of qualified candidates to fill these positions.

Since the search process began in November, Union Square Neighbors (USN) understands that one vacancy has been filled on the Planning Board. We also understand that several vacancies and expired appointments remain, and we are eager to see these positions filled, including:

• Somerville Redevelopment Authority: 2 vacancies
• Zoning Board of Appeals: 4 expired appointments
• Historic Preservation Commission: 1 vacancy, 3 expired appointments

Given the increased development pressures occurring in Somerville, we believe it is all the more important that these community boards have a fully appointed membership and that the members are serving under a current appointment. When an appointment approaches expiration, it presents an opportunity to solicit new members and offer current members the chance to reapply for the position. USN believes the City’s open application process sets good policy because it encourages broad community interest and participation. It also underscores the continued importance of board members exercising decision-making authority that is sensitive to the concerns and input of the community.

We are strongly supportive of filling these vacancies and expired appointments with individuals who have knowledge of the City’s zoning code and have expertise in areas such as real estate development and finance (including residential and commercial development), urban planning and design, architecture, landscape design, and transit oriented development. It is also important that members share the values of Union Square and Somerville as a whole. These values, which are articulated in SomerVision, include our community’s commitment to economic growth, diversity, arts and innovation, open space, affordable housing, multi-modal transit, and historic preservation. There are many talented and committed individuals in Somerville who can bring a wealth of relevant expertise to these boards. We believe it is important that these boards include representation by members with expertise to help guide the realization of these community values.

As always, we would be pleased to meet with you or members of your staff to discuss our perspective in more detail. We wish to thank you for your ongoing leadership and look forward to seeing these community boards working at full capacity.

Sincerely,

Tim Talun, Chairperson

Union Square Neighbors

USN Steering Committee:

Tim Talun (Chairperson), JT Scott (Vice Chairperson), Rob Buchanan (Secretary), Andy Greenspon (Treasurer), Suzanne Bremer, Stuart Dash, Sam Engelstad, Jim McGinnis, Annette McGloin, Philip Parsons, Shu Talun, and Bonnie Tominack.