Bluntly Speaking by Ross Blouin

Supporters packed City Hall last week for a public hearing to discuss pending zoning changes required to advance over 15 acres of planned development in Union Square. The Union Square Neighborhood Plan, adopted this past year, stipulates the project include 60 percent commercial and 40 percent residential. The development will generate over $10 million in new tax revenue annually and create over 5,000 new permanent jobs.

Mayor Joseph Curtatone briefed the Alderman on the overall economic development plans. He then asked the Aldermen to consider the financial ramifications for the entire city if the zoning is stalled. “If we don’t move forward with this zoning, we will be solely responsible for paying for other infrastructure needs in Union Square which must be addressed regardless of the development of Union Square,” Mayor Curtatone said, referring to the $70 million of utility and streetscape improvements required in the square and the $50 million the city must pay for the Green Line Extension.

Over 100 residents and local business owners attended the hearing, with a clear majority speaking in favor of moving the zoning forward. As reported in the Times, the Somerville Chamber of Commerce submitted a petition with over 130 signatures from businesses and residents around the square in support of the new zoning. The petition stressed that other nearby cities are moving quickly to capture the same commercial business Union Square is seeking and needs.

Those speaking against the zoning noted opposition to specific portions of the Neighborhood Plan that was passed by the Planning Board by a 5-1 vote earlier this year. Some residents expressed concern as to how the City would enforce a development ratio of 60 percent commercial and 40 percent residential. Several Aldermen pressed City Planner George Proakis on the issue as did a number of residents who spoke. Proakis promised to come back to the Board with further information on the issue.

Concern was also raised about the pending Community Benefits Agreements. In his testimony, Greg Karczewski president of US2 (the City’s Union Square Master Developer) noted the firm’s commitment to community benefits, “Community benefits has been a high priority for many who have participated in the process. We remain committed to providing community benefits from the redevelopment and will work closely with the Board to finalize the community benefits program,” he said. Karczewski remarked that US2 has already invested over $1million in support of community programs in the Square, including their investment to bring Workbar to Union Square as well as their sponsorship of Greentown Labs, the Fluff Festival, Holiday Stroll, a Small Business Assistance Program and the “Union Lunch” summer event.

The public comment period for this hearing has been extended and will close on October 28. Residents are encouraged to submit comments to the Board at Planning@somervillema.gov. The Board of Aldermen will review all public comment and is expected to vote on this issue later this fall.