Boston-based real-estate company Copper Mill is seeking permits to redevelop the area between The Burren and Dragon Pizza in Davis Square. Their latest proposal includes ground floor retail, a promised right of return for the Burren, and a lot of housing: 502 apartments ranging from studios to 3-beds. 125 (25%) of the apartments will be subsidized affordable, reserved for low-to-moderate income families. For greater detail, download the full draft proposal they sent to the Davis Square Neighborhood Council.
What’s new about this proposal
Most of the time, when someone wants to put up a building, they go through the city’s standard permitting process. But in this case, the developer is applying for permits under a state law known as Chapter 40B, which overrides local zoning laws for projects that include at least 25% affordable housing and have a profit cap on rental units.
Chapter 40B is intended to boost affordable housing production in cities with strict zoning rules, and it does that by setting strict rules and timelines about project approval. Learn more about the law in our new article, What is Massachusetts Chapter 40B?
Current status
At the end of 2025, Copper Mill sent their proposal to the to state officials at MassHousing. They will determine whether the proposal meets the requirements for Chapter 40B. If it does, Copper Mill will then submit a Comprehensive Permit Application (CPA) to Somerville’s Zoning Board of Appeals. That board must then open a public comment process and will have up to 210 days to evaluate the proposal based on state rules. Review the full timeline on the city’s project website.
What you can do
Please send an email to MassHousing by Friday February 6, telling them you support the project and think it should move forward to the next phase of the 40B approval process.
Then, especially if you live or work in Davis Square, reach out to the DSNC or attend their next meeting. They’ll be working closely with the city and the developer on this project, regardless of whether the 40B certification happens.
Upcoming Events
February 6: Somerville YIMBY Monthly Social — Join us for informal conversation at Remnant Brewing in Bow Market. 6:00 pm.
February 9: ArtFarm Community Meeting — Get the latest updates on the long-gestating ArtFarm park near Brickbottom. 6:00 pm, in person at Triangle Coffee, 100 Chestnut St.
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.
February 11: Somerville YIMBY Monthly Meeting — Agenda TBA but will include Davis Square and Copper Mill. 6:00 to 7:00 pm, online via Zoom.
As always, you can find our full calendar at somervilleyimby.org/calendar. Please feel free to send suggestions to [email protected].
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