2026 is starting off with a bang in Somerville’s housing! Mayor Wilson’s inauguration had a lot of discussion of the affordability of housing. Then this week 2 projects took a major step forward. In Union Square, the Just a Start 100% Affordable project at 24 Webster Ave put up barricade in anticipation of demolition.
It’s great to see this project about to finally put shovels in the ground!
In Davis Square, developers Copper Mill have updated their plans by filing a 40B application to build a 500 home tower right on Elm Street. Section 40B is a state law that accelerates permitting and allows construction to override local zoning if it meets enhanced affordability requirements. The new proposal is for 25% of the building to be subsidized Affordable, a figure high enough that it may require external funding, possibly in in the form of federal, state, or city tax credits. Initial indications from the city and Mayor Wilson are that it will proceed on “friendly” terms, which hopefully means it can get moving quickly.
Upcoming Events
January 14: Somerville YIMBY Regular Meeting — Agenda TBA. 6:00 pm, online via Zoom.
January 20: Historic Commission — A homeowner seeks permission to install a modern HVAC system. 6:00 pm, online via Zoom.
January 27: Real Estate Forum: What’s Next in the Fight for Housing? The Charles River Regional Chamber hosts a panel discussion of housing issues with Sen. William N. Brownsberger, CHAPA CEO Rachel Heller, AHMA Executive Director Jesse Kanson-Benanav, and Pioneer Institute Senior Fellow Andrew Mikula. In person, 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Tickets $20-$40.
January 27: Legalize Starter Homes press conference — 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.
As always, you can find our full calendar at somervilleyimby.org/calendar. Please feel free to send suggestions to [email protected].
Recommended
Fighting Over the Development of a Single Grocery Store in San Francisco: What one grocery store means for housing policy writ large.
North America’s Elevator Problem: Elevators in North America cost three times as much as anywhere else, can make accessibility prohibitively expensive.
Boston’s Broken Land Use System Blocks the Homes We Desperately Need: Jamaica Plain neighborhood defenders recently prevented thirty low-income seniors from finding a place to live. Why?
New Campaign Seeks to End Pet Discrimination in Mass. Rentals: The proposal fails to grapple with the underlying cause of the problem, which is that landlords have too much power and not enough competition.