RESIDENTS SOUGHT FOR CITY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS

Each of these opportunities will allow
for a Somerville resident to provide voluntary service to improve the city and
guide policies, programs and the design of the Somerville community in
forthcoming years. 

There are four opportunities, as
follows:

1. Design Review Committee

The
DRC is an advisory committee to the Somerville Planning Board and Zoning Board
of Appeals in all areas of the City. The DRC will review an application at the
request of Planning Staff, the Planning Board, or Zoning Board of Appeals
(ZBA), for any such application that may be requiring zoning relief before
these Boards. The DRC plays a key role in providing constructive input towards
improving proposed development projects before they enter the public hearing
process before either the Planning Board or ZBA.  The DRC typically meets the fourth Thursday
of each month at 6:30 pm.  Appointments
are for a period of two years.

The
City seeks a Somerville resident with experience in architecture, landscape
architecture, urban design, or urban planning to sit on the Design Review
Committee. Applicants should be prepared to provide creative input in project
design, be able to problem-solve with applicants, and think comprehensively
about how development contributes to the future of Somerville. Applicants must
have strong communication skills, the ability to convey design concepts in
critique-like format, and urban design experience with compact, walkable,
transit-oriented, and mixed-use neighborhoods. 
Applicants in a design field are encouraged to provide their own work
samples with their application. 

2.  Somerville Historic Preservation Commission

The
Somerville Historic Preservation Commission (SHPC) is charged with protecting
and enhancing historic resources in the City of Somerville.  The SHPC seeks candidates with an interest in
historic preservation, and prefers applicants with a background in
architecture, architectural history, historic preservation, urban planning,
and/or building trades.  The SHPC
encourages residents of current Local Historic Districts (LCDs) to apply.  The SHPC typically meets on the third Tuesday
of each month at 6:40 pm.  The SHCP also
has subcommittees that occasionally meet to discuss and implement specific
objectives of the Commission. 
Appointments are for a period of three years.

The
SHPC has four important roles in the City of Somerville:  a. )The SHPC reviews any alterations or
repairs to properties in a Local Historic District (LHD) that are visible from
a public way and that would result in an irreversible change in the design,
materials, or outward appearance of the structure. It also reviews any changes
in the general arrangement of the building's features or its architectural
details, such as the arrangement of windows or doors. b) The SHPC administers
the City's Demolition Review Ordinance.  
This ordinance affects properties built fifty (50) or more years ago and
that are not already designated as part of a Local Historic District.  c)  The
SHPC offers pro bono professional advice, practical information, and pertinent
references about materials and techniques used in historic preservation and
restoration, and provides technical assistance throughout design and
construction. d) The SHPC sponsors events and activities to highlight the
importance of historic resources in the City of Somerville.

3. Somerville Affordable Housing
Trust Fund

The
Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund (SAHTF) was established by City
Ordinance in 1989. Its purpose is to preserve and create affordable rental and
homeownership units in Somerville and carry out programs to directly assist
homeowners and renters.  All of its
activities must benefit low to moderate-income households. The Board of
Trustees for the SAHTF is composed of nine members who fulfill certain roles,
and are appointed by the Mayor, subject to approval by the Board of Aldermen.
The Board of Trustees currently has one vacancy that must be filled by a
representative of a Somerville non-profit organization whose primary mission is
affordable housing. In making an appointment, the Mayor and BOA must also
insure that the composition of the Board of Trustees reflects the geographic
and ethnic mix of the City. Appointments are for a period of three years and the
Board of Trustees meets monthly.

4.  Fair Housing Commission

The
Fair Housing Commission was established by City Ordinance in 1985. Its purpose
is to receive complaints about possible fair housing violations and provide
assistance and referrals, undertake activities to improve the understanding of
fair housing laws in the city, and undertake activities that minimize
discrimination in housing. The Fair Housing Commission is composed of five
members who fulfill certain roles, and are appointed by the Mayor, subject to
approval by the Board of Aldermen. The Fair Housing Commission currently has
one vacancy that must be filled by a tenant who, at the time of his or her
appointment, is eligible on the basis of income for assisted housing in the
city. Appointments are for a period of three years and the Fair Housing
Commission meets monthly.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a
resume and cover letter, as well as any relevant supplemental material by email
to: planning@somervillema.gov.  Applicants are asked to indicate with their
application the committee or committees on which they would like to serve.