Board members appear to be in favor of approving phase one of the ambitious Union Sq. Revitalization Project, but doubts linger on environmental issues overlooked earlier in the process. — Photo courtesy of US2

By Denise Keniston

On August 22 the Somerville Planning Board is set to vote on the remaining site design applications for phase one of the ambitious Union Square Revitalization Project.

Phase one, referred to as the D2 block, is a four-acre parcel located on the corner of Prospect Street and Somerville Avenue. It includes three buildings: a lab building, two multi-use commercial and residential buildings, and open civic space.

Planning Board member Mike Capuano is in favor of approving the applications. “I appreciate where [developer] US2 is compared to even a couple of weeks ago. They’ve addressed a lot of concerns about the layout of the buildings,” says Capuano. “I still wish we could have underground parking, but I understand that’s not possible. When the vote comes up, I’ll be in favor.”

Earlier this summer, the Board approved the lab building which buoyed optimism that the remainder of applications would be approved. The project is seen as a lifeline by those looking for well-paying union jobs, local businesses looking to increase foot traffic, and advocates desperately seeking affordable housing.

Public comment is overwhelmingly positive. Unions, businesses, and affordable housing advocates voice a sense of urgency to get the project moving. — Photo courtesy of US2

Interested parties testified at a recent public hearing. First up was Jim McGinnis of Union Square Main Streets – a well-organized group of Union Square businesses – in favor of the project. “I’m here to reaffirm our support of this project and to express our interest in seeing the project constructed in a timely manner,” said McGinnis. “We’re very interested in the benefits to local businesses, and we’d like to see if move forward as soon as possible.”

The local IBEW 103 electrician’s union out of Boston sees the project as an opportunity for jobs. “We’re overwhelmingly in favor of this project,” says Rich Antonellis IBEW 103 agent, “We know it will provide good-paying jobs and benefits and a good tax base for Somerville.”

Mary Cassesso, Managing Trustee of the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund, is also in favor. “A project of this magnitude, which would include ninety affordable housing units, is huge in the city of Somerville,” says Cassesso, “Many people are moving north of Somerville because it’s just too expensive to live here. These affordable units will have a major impact!”

Environmental concerns continue to dog the project and doubts linger. Specifically, concerning energy efficiency and sustainability.

Greg Karczewski, President at US2, points to the project’s commitment to LEED Gold Standards. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) provides a point system to score green building design and construction. Buildings are awarded points based on the extent various sustainable strategies are achieved. The more points awarded, the higher the level of certification from Certified, Silver, Gold, to Platinum.

“We are setting a new standard for sustainability in Union Square. The holistic approach, with roots in SomerVision and the Neighborhood Plan, will restore land that is currently contaminated into a transit-oriented, mixed-use project that will bring new housing, commercial office space, parks and open spaces to the city,” says Karczewski. “Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond the buildings by not only meeting LEED Gold standards but also providing the multi-modal investments and resilient public realm that will deliver equal access to the new Green Line station.”

Planning Board member Amelia Aboff points out the LEED Gold Certification met by US2 satisfies some of the simpler criteria such as “a plague in the lobby of the building.” However, US2 received only nine points out of a possible eighteen points for the more difficult category of energy performance.

At a recent meeting, the Board was reminded that any “final hour” changes regarding sustainability could not happen. As such, holding US2 to higher environmental standards will have to wait until the next phase of development.

“Given the scale and visibility of their Union Square projects,” says Aboff, “I believe it is vital that US2 set the right tone for future development by utilizing all appropriate and reasonably cost-effective energy efficiency measures, and it is my understanding that there may be additional, feasible measures worth their consideration.”

Board member Dorothy Kelly Gay voices some regrets at not looking at the “sustainability piece earlier in the process.” “I certainly wouldn’t hold up the project at this point,” she says. “But if I’m still on the Board the next time a building of this magnitude comes before us I will be looking earlier in the process for the sustainability piece. I certainly wasn’t aware until I read the sustainability report – I had no idea – that was an eye-opener for me.”

The Somerville Planning Board is set to vote on the applications at the next meeting on Thursday, August 22.