"We
envision that (the ordinances) will be used to strengthen the zoning
process," Swartzel told the Planning Board last Thursday. "We feel
these are reasonable ordinances that are no less than what we deserve
in Somerville."

Among the changes they seek are measures asking
for disclosure of all parties with a financial stake in developments
and for the city to conduct planning studies using contractors that
haven't held contracts with the city for seven years.

SomeSense
also wants the Board of Aldermen to take on responsibility for issuing
special permits, with the group charging that the ZBA acts as a "rubber
stamp" for both the mayor and developers. The panel's five voting and
two alternate members are appointed by the mayor for five-year terms.

Two
of the five proposed ordinances relate directly to the group's
frustration at the city for not being up front about possible conflicts
of interest and other issues relating to a senior housing development
proposed for 44 Park St.

"The disclosure of conflicts of
interest is an ethical no-brainer," resident David Dahlbacka said in
support of an ordinance to force all parties involved in a project to
be disclosed. "The people who are putting in for permits should at
least disclose who they are."

"It shouldn't be something that has to be put in an ordinance," he added. "It should be obvious."

The
Planning Board will take written comments on the proposed ordinances
until March 12, and plans to vote on each of the five items on March 18.