Davis Square 40B update, Fair Housing Commission opening

The city is recruiting new members of the Fair Housing Commission, and we strongly encourage members to apply. The commission generally meets one evening per month, with additional meetings and events as needed. All residents over 18 are invited to apply by January 30.

The long-running discussion of redeveloping the building at the corner of Elm Street and Grove Street in Davis Square has taken a new turn with a 40B application from developer Copper Mill. 40B is a section of state law that accelerates permitting for projects that have a significant affordability component. In this case, Copper Mill is proposing about 500 apartments, 25% of them subsidized. The proposal meets two of the key concerns the community has expressed in the past few years: it contains an even greater portion of subsidized housing than our normal zoning requires, and of course it preserves The Burren, which has recently signed a new lease promising a return to the new location once it’s rebuilt.

For details about the process, check out the city’s website about the proposal, featuring a clear timeline of the planning and hearings process. The Davis Square Neighborhood Council will also be playing a key role in the discussion of the project.

If and when the state certifies Copper Mill’s 40B application, the permitting timeline will begin with the Zoning Board of Appeals holding a public comment period, and we’ll need your voice.

January 29: Newton for Everyone Movie Night — Newton for Everyone hosts journalist and economist Justine Underhill to tackle one of the most misunderstood questions in housing policy: What is the relationship between market-rate development and homelessness? 7:00 pm, in person at 206 Waltham Street, Newton.

February 3: Legalize Starter Homes press conference — Postponed from the prior week due to the storm. Proponents officially announce that a ballot initiative to allow smaller lots statewide has been certified by the Secretary of State. In person, 1:30 pm, at the State House. Learn more at legalizestarterhomes.com.

February 6: Somerville YIMBY Monthly Social — Join us for informal conversation at Remnant Brewing in Bow Market. 6:00 pm.

February 10: Public Hearing on the City Budget — City Council’s Finance Committee hosts a public hearing on city budget priorities. 6:00 pm, online and in person.

As always, you can find our full calendar at somervilleyimby.org/calendar. Please feel free to send suggestions to [email protected].

Sage Jankowitz Podcast Hosts Adam Dash: A local realtor hosts Somerville’s top land use lawyer to talk about accessory dwelling units, zoning regulations, and the Copper Mill 40B proposal.

Lynn, Somerville, and Providence Win National Recognition for Best New Bike Lanes: The traffic calming initiative on Summer Street has won a national award.

What are planning hearings actually for? Greater Greater Washington points out that most participants don’t actually agree on what planning meetings are even for, leading to frustration, anger, and a feeling of illegitimacy.

Rent Concessions Are on the Rise in America’s Sunbelt Cities: A glut of luxury apartments is driving down rents in the Sunbelt, reports the Wall Street Journal.