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Vote in favor of the Somernova CBA on June 4

Vote in favor of the Somernova CBA on June 4

Union Square, Inman Square, and Spring Hill, this is for you

Aaron Weber
June 03, 2025

After months of organizing, collaboration, and community input, the Somernova Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) is ready for approval. If you live, work, own property, or volunteer nearby, please come vote YES on June 4.

The Somernova proposal, devoted to research & development on climate change resilience, is something many other communities would offer lucrative tax breaks to attract. Combined with a CBA, it’s a win-win for the environment, arts, small business, housing, and more.

This CBA is detailed, extensive, and carefully negotiated. It’s earned the trust and endorsement of groups like the Somerville Community Land Trust, Somerville Community Corporation, Groundwork Somerville, and Art Stays Here, as well as current tenants The Dojo and The Bouldering Project. We like it too, and encourage you to vote in favor.

The CBA includes:

Good Jobs: Strong wage standards, local hiring, union labor, and training programs and internships for Somerville youth and residents — during construction and in the finished project.
Green Development: Net-zero-ready construction, green roofs, native plantings, strict transportation demand management programs, improved streetscapes, and more.
Community Center: A decade of secure funding for the Dojo youth center as well as additional community spaces.
Arts & Culture Spaces: Space for arts and creative businesses, music practice spaces, and performance venues, including subsidized affordable arts spaces.
Transparency & Accountability: Union Square Neighborhood Council members will monitor compliance and implementation.

For more details, check out the Council’s executive summary with a list of benefits, or take a deep dive and read the entire agreement.

This agreement requires a 2/3 majority to pass and has stiff opposition, so it’s critical to make your voice heard.

Voting will be held in person at St. Anthony’s School, 480 Somerville Ave, on June 4 from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Upcoming Events

June 5: Land Use Committee Joint Meeting with Planning Board — The extensive agenda includes Somernova, our dormer amendment, and more. 6:30 pm, online via Zoom.

June 6: Somerville YIMBY Monthly Social — In-person at Remnant Brewing in Bow Market, 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

June 9: Somerville Ave Quick-Build Improvements — Meeting to review plans to upgrade safety along Somerville Ave. Online via Zoom, 6:00 - 7:30 pm.

June 11: Somerville YIMBY monthly meeting — Online via Zoom, 6:00 - 7:00 pm.

June 22: Somerville YIMBY Book Club — We’ll be talking about the book Abundance by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson. If you have trouble finding a copy, reply to this message to borrow one. In person at Bloc Cafe, 1:00 - 3:00 pm.

As always, you can find our Google calendar at somervilleyimby.org/calendar. If you notice we’ve missed an event, feel free to reply to this message and let us know!

Vote in favor of the Somernova CBA on June 4

Union Square, Inman Square, and Spring Hill, this is for you

Upcoming Events

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