Public Hearing on Final Land Transfer Needed for D2 Parcel Development in Union Square Tuesday, 9/10

The Somerville City Council Finance Committee of the Whole invites all interested community members to attend and speak at a Public Hearing on the Transfer of City-Owned Parcel, 82-D-1 in the North Prospect Block to the Somerville Redevelopment Authority (City Council Agenda Item #204755). The transfer would mark one of the final steps before the start of development of the first parcel in the Union Square Neighborhood Plan by master developer Union Square Station Associates (US2). The Hearing will take place on Tuesday, September 10, at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at City Hall, 93 Highland Ave.

The Finance Committee of the Whole will hear testimony on the proposed transfer. Written public comment will also be accepted as noted below. The hearing is an opportunity for the community to offer input now that the Union Square Neighborhood Council and US2 have ratified a term sheet for their Union Square Community Benefits Agreement.

The 82-D-1 parcel is a City-owned 7,474 square foot* property on the corner of Somerville Ave. and Prospect St. that formerly served as a parking lot and currently is in use for construction material storage. It is part of the nearly 4-acre D2 parcel (169,427 square feet*), which is slated for redevelopment that will include two residential buildings with a combined total of 450 housing units including 90 affordable units, a 175,000 square foot Skanska USA lab building, the Civic Plaza on Prospect St., and other features. The start of work on D2 by US2 will also facilitate progress on the construction of the Union Square MBTA Green Line stop and for planning to be finalized to ensure continuous pedestrian access during D2 construction to the T-stop once completed. *Dimensions are as recorded in City Assessing records.

Written Testimony: Public testimony at public hearings is generally limited to two minutes per person, but may be extended at the discretion of the Chair. Written testimony for the public record may be submitted via email to cityclerk@somervillema.gov through Tuesday, September 10 at 5 p.m. or submitted by mail to City Clerk, 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contactNency Salamoun, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or NSalamoun@somervillema.gov.