INNOVATIVE BUSINESSES LOAN PROGRAM LAUNCHED BY THE INNOVATION CITY

The City of Somerville makes $1 million available to support next-generation industries The City of Somerville—the ‘Innovation City’—is supporting the growth of next-generation industries that will fuel the 21st century economy with the creation of the Somerville Innovation Fund (the I-Fund), a $1 million loan program to support the growth of innovative businesses in the city. Businesses expanding in Somerville that feature innovation in their purpose, operation, products or services, or other demonstrable aspect of their operation, can apply for loans from $25,000 up to $500,000 to support working capital purposes. With flexible terms and interest rates based on a full evaluation of each company, these loans support the special borrowing needs of expanding businesses. Priority for the loans goes to projects that create jobs, leverage other financing, and are located in designated economic opportunity areas. Similar to the $300,000 working capital loan that the City of Somerville provided to Greentown Labs for its expansion into Somerville, I-Fund loans contain requirements that the business must hire new employees within one year, that not less than 51 percent of new jobs must be available to persons who meet low- moderate-income guidelines, and that the business must agree to make a good faith effort to hire Somerville residents for all available job opportunities. “If Somerville is going to compete in the new industrial renaissance, we have to support those businesses that will form the foundation of the 21st century economy. We launched our Future Economies Commission specifically to ensure that Somerville is at the forefront of the next generation of economic opportunities,” Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone said. “These loans directly support job creation in the city, while also planting the seeds that will lead to the revitalization of the city’s industrial and business districts and unlock other important economic opportunities for our city. These growing businesses are looking to Somerville, because it’s a city that supports originality, creativity and innovation.” This innovation initiative is supported by funds that have been allocated for economic development activities, using the Community Development Block Grant program and other existing sources. Loan proceeds must be used for working capital for business expansion purposes and cannot be used for building construction or real estate acquisition. The program is administered by the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning & Community Investment (OSCPD), which makes final decisions on all aspects of the program.

Latest Updates From Groundwork Somerville

A Special Appeal from Groundwork Somerville   * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Stay Up-To Date: Check Out Events on our Calendar * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 2014 Events  Maple Syrup Brunch - January 20 Maple Syrup Boil Down - March 8, 9am-3pm Growing Center, 22 Vinal Ave. 2014 Groundwork Gala - April 4, 7pm The Armory, 191 Highland Ave. Comcast Cares Day - April 26th, all day Sites in Somerville and Malden     Would you like your year-end donation to have a regional - even a global impact?  Then I hope you will invest in Groundwork Somerville - recognized by The First Lady with a return invitation to the White House in 2013!   In April and May, a team of students and supervisors joined Michelle Obama in the White House garden - a garden modeled on the ones Groundwork has been building with Somerville Public Schools since 2003. But Groundwork grows more than gardens. We grow community and leaders. One of our signature programs is the Green Team: area youth who are employed and trained in environmental stewardship and leadership. This year's 24 youth got on-the-job experience in urban agriculture, parks management, historic preservation, invasive species removal, community organizing, urban planning and design, and social advocacy, and were the keynote speakers at Tufts Sustainability Conference and presented at the Mass Land Trust Coalition's annual conference. We can measure what Groundwork and our Green Team did this year for the earth: building public open space, growing 500 pounds of organic vegetables, and biking 1,500 miles around the region working to care for and maintain 31 different sites including state and national parks, gardens, rivers and farms. But the long term effect of being part of Groundwork Somerville? The potential is immeasurable. We are already seeing the early fruits of investments in these youth programs. Tania Ahmed (2009-2010), founded the non-profit Green Teen Growers and traveled to Bangladesh to examine the effects of climate change. Enxhi Popa (2010-2011) is now an affordable housing organizer and will graduate Tufts next year. And that is just two of the 150 youth who have been a part of our programs since 2007. Imagine the impact so many future leaders and environmentalists can have on our cities, farms, rivers, parks, and planet. While we are lucky to receive some funding each year from grants, schools and governments to support this work, we live or die through individual donations. Your year-end gift will go to keeping the Green Team's bike fleet in safe and working order, keeping all our gardens and farm beds full of soil, procuring compost and seeds, and employing Green Team youth in the off-season, when gardens aren't growing, but income is still essential for them and their families. A gift from you today is a sound investment in the future of environmental stewardship. In a challenging economic environment, we must count on you to help us finish this year in the green and prepare for a successful and innovative 2014. Every dollar matters. Thank you for contributing today to Groundwork Somerville.   Sincerely,   Chris Mancini Executive Director   To donate, you can click the links above, or mail a check to Groundwork Somerville, 24 Park St. #7, Somerville, MA 02143  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Want to know more about what your investment does? $60,000 hires a certified and specialized program manager to coordinate the youth program and run all our urban agriculture operations; $40,000 funds a year-round educator to administer seasonal curriculum to over 400 elementary students $17,500 builds a new urban farm or community garden $10,000 supports the Maple Syrup Project: four-weeks of classroom presentations and activities, including tapping urban maple trees and boiling the collected 300 gallons of local maple sap. $4,000 funds one Green Team youth for a full year $2,000 funds one Green Team youth for the summer $600 funds one Green Team youth for the school year season In 2013, generous donations to Groundwork Somerville funded:   A community-led design process of the 9-acre Draw 7 State Park--a completed project that will be a green benefit to the 6 towns that border the park;   Construction on 2.5 miles of the Northern Strand Community Trail, which will eventually link more than 50 continuous miles of off-street bike and pedestrian paths in the metro area The completion of South Street Farm, Somerville's first urban farm and a model of green technology incorporating rainwater harvesting and solar power to help provide affordable, healthy food to low-income families.                                                                                                        Please donate now to keep Groundwork Somerville in the green! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 24 Park Street, #7 Somerville, Massachusetts 02143

SOMERVILLE TAX RATE LOWERED THANKS TO UNPRECEDENTED GAINS IN NEW COMMERCIAL GROWTH—MAINLY IN ASSEMBLY SQUARE

Just received this press release...........................

Residential and commercial tax rates to be lower in FY14; Significant shift in tax burden from residents to commercial properties keeps taxes low despite rising property values

Somerville property owners are in for some good news regarding their tax bills. Real estate values in Somerville are climbing, but tax bills will hold relatively steady in fiscal year 2014 (FY14) with a decline in tax bills for some and only modest increases for most—thanks to unprecedented gains in new growth fueled mainly by new development in Assembly Square.

The residential tax rate will decrease 5.7 percent in FY2014 from $13.42 per thousand dollars of property value to $12.66 per thousand, and the commercial rate will be lowered 3.9 percent from $22.38 per thousand to $21.51. At the same time, an unprecedented shift in the tax burden from residential to commercial property owners will take effect. The share of total taxes paid by residential property owners will decrease 3 percent, more than three times the decrease in any previous year.

“We have never seen anything like this before. This is a truly historical shift, and the slightest shift of the tax burden can have a dramatic impact when you are dealing with numbers this large,” said City Assessor Marc Levye. “This will save residential owners $2.6 million next year compared to what they would have paid if their share of the tax burden remained unchanged from the previous year. Most residential owners will see either a smaller increase or an outright decrease in their tax bill. This is significant good news, and it’s due in large measure to Assembly Row.”

The City is able to reduce the tax rate due to an unprecedented $3.5 million in new growth last year—more than $1 million more than the previous year. Most of that new growth stems from new commercial and residential construction at Assembly Row. Max-Pak construction and the increased value created by renovations carried out by the Public Storage facility at 50 Middlesex Ave., the new Stop & Shop on Route 16 and new personal property growth at 50 and 70 Inner Belt Road also contributed significantly to new growth. (New growth is the value added to homes and buildings by improvements or new construction. The new taxes collected on these properties are based on the higher or newly created value.)

“This is just the beginning of the benefits that Somerville residents and businesses will reap in return for the prudent investments that the City, the Board of Aldermen and this community have been making to spur smart development in our city in recent years,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.

Curtatone has long pointed to Cambridge as the goal for distribution of the tax burden. In Cambridge, 61 percent of the tax levy is paid by businesses while residents bear only 39 percent of the tax burden. In Somerville—despite this year’s important progress—the reverse applies: more than two-thirds of the tax burden is still resting on residents while businesses contribute less than one-third.  

“This must change,” said Curtatone. “Somerville property owners who receive the residential tax exemption already receive one of the lowest tax rates in the region, but that is not enough. And building affordable units alone is also not enough if we want to maintain affordability in our city. We are experiencing a historic shift toward the urban core that is driving up real estate prices metro-wide. To help maintain affordability for all Somerville residents—including the many middle and working class families that have lived here for generations—while still improving city services and investing in our schools, we must increase the commercial tax base so that we can lower the residential tax burden.”

Taxes will decline or only modestly rise for most residences despite overall increases in property values and sale prices, which led to higher assessed values for most property types as determined by the Somerville Board of Assessors and approved by the Mass. Department of Revenue. Single families saw the most significant change with an average increase of just under 12 percent in assessed value. Two- and three-family assessed values increased citywide on average by 7 percent, and average condo assessed values increased more than 4 percent. Meanwhile, in another sign of the ongoing real estate recovery in Somerville, foreclosures are down 74 percent through October 2013 over the previous year.

While property owners are gaining value from their investments in their homes, both condo owners and owners of 4-8-families will see an average decrease of $88 and $42, respectively, in their FY14 tax bill. Average increases for two- and three-family owners will be just $39 and $53, respectively. Single-families will see increases on average of $293. However, these changes also reflect an average savings of $165 per residential property for FY14 assuming the percentages of the residential and commercial tax levies stayed the same in FY13. For example, without the decrease, condo owners would on average see an increase of $77 rather than a decline of $88 had the lower tax rate not been possible. (Numbers assume a residential exemption but do not include the Community Preservation Act surcharge.)

                             

“To lower residential taxes, we must bring in new businesses to Somerville and create the infrastructure that will attract them. That’s why the community members who developed the many value-based goals in our 20-year SomerVision plan call for doing exactly this via the kind of smart, community-guided development that we are working to realize in Assembly Row, in Union Square and Boynton Yards, in Inner Belt and eventually along McGrath,” said Curtatone. “So again, this year’s dramatic shift in the tax burden from residents to businesses is just a start, and we will hold steady to ensure our residents—all residents—reap more of these benefits in the future.”

Water Main Break Shuts Off Water In East Somerville

A contractor hit a water main this morning, shutting off water to some residents and businesses (102 buildings affected). This CTY call will be going out shortly.............

“Hello, this is Jackie Rossetti from the City of Somerville with important information about an emergency water shutdown in your neighborhood. Earlier this morning a contractor working on East Broadway punctured a water main, requiring the immediate and temporary interruption of water service for repairs. Work is expected to be completed within approximately 6 hours.

Once service has been restored, you may experience temporary discoloration in your water, and though the water is safe to drink, residents are advised to run the water until it is clear and to avoid washing clothes, especially white fabrics. If any rust stains appear on the wet laundry, the clothes should not be dried, and you should call 311 during normal business hours to receive a free bottle of rust remover.

Our sincerest apologies for this unexpected issue.”

Union Square Redevelopment

 lease see the UPDATED open letter from Mayor Curtatone regarding Union Square redevelopment (attached and below).

CITY OF SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

Change is coming to Union Square. The opening of the Green Line Extension station by 2017 that our community has pursued for decades carries with it transformative potential. However, we do not want to transform Union Square into something else. We want to preserve what we love about Union Square, its unique character and diversity with its small businesses, ethnic stores, a vibrant artist community and affordable housing options. We must ensure that redevelopment in the neighborhood enhances and complements this historic commercial center. The new T station guarantees that there will be interest in redevelopment within the square. But if we want to ensure a balance between redevelopment and preservation as well as hold to our community vision, we must manage that change.

This is why the Somerville Redevelopment Authority will release a request for qualifications for a master development partner to work with the seven parcels identified for redevelopment in the Union Square Revitalization Plan. The developer must have a proven ability to preserve a unique sense of place in a distinctive urban environment, creating opportunities for economic growth and success in transit. Without a primary developer who will work with both existing property owners and the community, the future of Union Square will not be dictated by the community, but by an unfettered market that cannot ensure the realization of the community’s goals determined by years of public processes including SomerVision.

Developed over two years of intensive discussion by community members, SomerVision calls for the creation in Union Square and Boynton Yards of 4,300 new jobs, 850 new housing units with a range of affordability, green and sustainable development, more public green space, transit-oriented and walkable streetscapes, and a true mixed-use neighborhood that seamlessly blends with the neighborhood and retains Union Square’s identity. That follows the community-driven rezoning of Union Square in 2009, which reflected the community’s desire to see new types of development, economic growth and employment opportunities in the area. These are smart, forward-thinking goals that a host of individual developers looking to develop small properties with what will deliver the highest financial return—luxury condos/rentals above retail—will not be able to provide us. The community did and will continue to do the important work of shaping the vision. I intend to do my part by making sure that vision is realized. A primary developer is key to that.

While a T-stop generates interest, it does not guarantee a vibrant neighborhood will appear around it. Sullivan Square or Alewife would look very different if that were the case. A primary developer will have the resources to contribute to the estimated $50 million in infrastructure improvements that will improve the square for everyone, as well as the resources to address any contamination potentially located on sites that currently host light industrial uses. 

A master developer will make it easier for the public to engage in discussions around the vision—and the details—for the square by offering  a unified community process for feedback not just on individual projects within the master plan, but also on how they all integrate and jointly achieve overall community goals.

The now-forming Union Square Community Advisory Committee made up of residents and local community and business leaders will help select the primary developer and will continue to provide regular feedback and suggestions as plans solidify for the redevelopment parcels. Along with the public, they will ensure that we stay true to shared community values and goals. And there will be public processes every step of the way.

We can’t wait decades just to see what happens. Davis Square grew more vibrant after the T arrived in 1984, but it’s easy to forget that took decades—even though nearly all of the Square’s infrastructure and office and retail space was already there. In Union, we have acres of blighted properties that will not be as easily transformed. Of the 490 brownfield sites in Somerville, approximately 25% are located within the boundary of the Revitalization Plan, an area that represents just 4% of the land in the city. Single developers tend to shy away from such properties. Master developers are skilled at transforming them.

There are plenty of success stories around the nation of master developers working within urban neighborhoods. In Portland, Oregon, 34 acres of former brownfields at the Hoyt Street Rail Streets—like a larger version of Boynton Yards—has become a mixed-use neighborhood filled with residences, restaurants, stores, offices, art galleries and parks. Mission Bay in San Francisco has changed from a 300-acre rail yard into a blossoming neighborhood of homes, biotech and lab space, retail, open space and a University of California campus.

A primary developer can pull together parcels by partnering with existing property owners or purchasing those parcels, creating the critical mass that can create the mix of uses the community wants over time. Properties in the Square are already being snapped up by speculators reaching out to owners who are benefitting from the value we have already created in the Square. A master developer will be tasked with making similar offers in the public interest. And that public interest goes beyond desired infrastructure or job creation goals.  A primary developer will be able to better afford the higher affordable housing requirements the community requested via a community process for the square. Half of the blocks have been rezoned to require affordable units far exceeding the 12.5 percent state requirement with 15 or 17.5 percent requirements.

And let me be clear, eminent domain is a last resort. The RFQ will state unequivocally that the primary developer partner is expected to work directly with each property owner and either agree to a sale of the property or create a partnership, with the property owner essentially investing in the redevelopment of his or her property. Property owners will have choices, but we must retain this last resort option to avoid situations like in Teele Square, where a commercial building burned down more than a year ago. Now, an empty lot sits without a buyer, because as of yet the cost of purchasing and cleaning up contamination on the site has been too great to attract an investor for this prime location just minutes from Davis Square. We must also avoid the risk where one parcel holder holds the neighborhood at ransom with an exorbitant asking price and thus remains undeveloped, causing a domino effect that affects redevelopment of surrounding parcels.

Should it come to this last resort, owners of parcels identified for redevelopment in the Revitalization Plan will receive fair market value for their property and relocation assistance and funds, and any purchases will happen only after an extensive public process including a public hearing, notification, written offer and State approval. We also want to keep current businesses that lend to Union Square’s unique character in the square, and will work with those businesses to find them a home. Existing businesses like Ricky’s that enrich the square must be a part of the solution. SomerVision’s goals are not only about creating jobs, housing and open space, but about preserving what we already love about our neighborhoods.

We want to expand the conversation that began with SomerVision and continues at community meetings. On Thursday, Dec. 5 at 12:30 p.m., we will hold an online chat where you can ask me and our planning staff questions directly about redevelopment of Union Square. Questions can be asked in real-time on the chat, emailed in advance to my office at Mayor@somervillema.gov, or submitted by calling 311 in advance. A transcript will be posted on the City website and mailed to persons without Internet access upon request. To take part in the chat, please visit our homepage at www.somervillema.gov. A link will be posted a few days in advance.

I also remind all of you that each step of the way in Union Square, we will continue to have a dialogue between the City, residents and developers. I believe in our community, in engagement and in forming a consensus around the future of our City. It has worked before, and it will work again.

FOUR COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE APPOINTEES SUBMITTED TO ALDERMEN

City of Somerville holds unprecedented open and transparent process to select four public members for the committee that guides Community Preservation Act

An unprecedented open and transparent process has yielded four appointees for the public positions on the newly formed Community Preservation Committee, and Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has submitted all four appointments to the Board of Aldermen for final approval.

The typical process used in other Massachusetts towns and cities that have adopted the Community Preservation Act (CPA) has the executive or legislative body unilaterally nominate the public-member appointees for their Community Preservation Committee, which is tasked with evaluating needs in open space and outdoor recreation, affordable housing, and historic preservation, and making recommendations on how CPA revenues should be spent. The act, which Somerville voters overwhelmingly approved adopting in November 2012, will raise an estimated $1.5 million in funding annually via a property tax surcharge and state matching funds.

The City of Somerville instead held an open process led by a Planning Team consisting of three members of the Committee for a Stronger Somerville, the grassroots coalition that campaigned for passage of the CPA, and three City employees with area expertise. Each candidate submitted along with their application a cover letter answering three questions, a resume, two references and a 150-word summary of their qualifications, which was posted to the City’s website for public review and comment.

Incorporating public feedback into its review, the Planning Team narrowed down the initial tremendous response of 35 applicants to 11 finalists. Following an interview with each finalist, the Team checked the references of their preferred candidates before selecting four finalists that together represent a depth and breadth of knowledge in the areas covered by the CPA. The names of the selected members were then provided to Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, who will submit them to the Board of Aldermen on Thursday, Nov. 14 where they will be referred to the Confirmation of Appointments Committee (meeting not yet scheduled). If moved forward by that committee, the appointments will go before the full Board for final approval at its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 26.

The four appointees are (in order of length of term):

·         Uma Murugan (3-year term): Director of Projects and Fund Development for Urban Strategies, Inc., developing plans integrating human services with mixed-income housing, schools, community improvements and neighborhood services. Previously Chief Program Officer at Employment Connection, Inc. and Architect with Proencon Engineering Services in Chennai, India. Masters degree in social and economic development. Participant in the Somerville Academy for Innovative Leadership (SAIL), member of SAIL Education subcommittee.

·         Elizabeth Duclos-Orsello (2-year term): Director of American Studies program at Salem State University and scholar of American history and culture. Board member of the North Shore Community Development Coalition, Trustee at the House of the Seven Gables and Beverly Historical Society. Worked as Consulting Scholar for Old State House Museum and Nichols House Museum in Boston.  Previously affiliated faculty at Center for Economic Development and Sustainability, Fulbright Scholar and Visiting Lecturer at L’Université du Luxembourg, Lecturer and Thesis Director at Harvard University Program in History and Literature, adjunct faculty at Boston University American and New England Studies Program.

·         Ezra Glen (1-year term): Lecturer in MIT's Department of Urban Studies & Planning. Served in City’s community development office under Mayors Mike Capuano, Dorothy Kelly-Gay and Curtatone, and as Director of Community Development for the City of Lawrence. Has worked as a consultant in over 25 cities and towns on land use, open space, affordable housing, and infrastructure planning (including drafting Somerville's 2005 Open Space & Recreation Plan). Current board president of Somerville Community Corporation, former board member of Mystic River Watershed Association, Agassiz Cooperative Preschool, and Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association.

·         Courtney Koslow (1-year term): Development director at Beacon Communities, developing affordable housing. Previously worked for six years for the Somerville Community Corporation as Senior Project Manager and as Special Assistant for Policy at Massachusetts Housing Partnership. Served as member of Somerville Climate Action, City of Somerville Zoning Advisory Committee, City of Somerville Transportation Research Innovation and Policy Task Force, MassDOT Green Line Extension Design Working Group and City of Somerville Parking Solutions Task Force. Founder of Somerville Parking Advocacy and Reform Coalition.

“I am thrilled that this rigorous and thorough process that included public review and feedback has resulted in four outstanding candidates for the Committee Preservation Committee, and I’m pleased to present them to the Board of Aldermen for further review and approval,” said Mayor Curtatone. “We have such a great diversity of expertise among our residents and we’re using that strength to guide CPA funds toward the best possible uses, making our city more affordable, expanding our open space and outdoor recreation, and preserving the deep history of our community.”

The four appointees, if approved by the Board of Aldermen, will join the committee that also includes ex officio members Michael Capuano of the Planning Board; Michael Fager of the Conservation Commission; Dick Bauer of the Historic Preservation Commission; City Parks and Open Space Director Arn Franzen; and Paul Mackey of the Somerville Housing Authority. Committee members serve three-year terms, but initial appointments to the committee have been staggered.

The Planning Team that reviewed the applications for the committee consisted of: Meridith Levy, Deputy Director, Somerville Community Corporation; Chris Mancini, Executive Director, Groundworks Somerville; Ellen Shachter, Senior Attorney, Greater Boston Legal Services; Candace Cooper, Assistant Director of Personnel, City of Somerville; Dana LeWinter, Director of Housing, City of Somerville; and Hayes Morrison, Director of Transportation & Infrastructure, City of Somerville.

To find out more about the CPA and Community Preservation Committee, please visit the following websites:

http://www.somervillema.gov/cpa

http://www.communitypreservation.org/

SOMERVILLE NAMED TOP 10 CITY FOR WALKING AND TRANSIT

According to 2014 national Walk Score ratings, Somerville is now the 7^th most walkable city and the 9^th most transit-friendly city in the nation, regardless of population size. The new scores released in November reflect Somerville’s continued climb up the walkability charts, with the city rising three spots from number 10 last year to number 7 in the latest rankings—and with new Orange and Green Line MBTA stops on the horizon, the outlook is good for an ever higher transit-friendly score in the future as well.

Walkscore’s city page features scores for cities with populations above 250,000, but when all of the 2,978 cities ranked are considered, Somerville comes in as the 7^th most walkable city in the nation just behind New York City (5^th) and Cambridge, MA, (6^th) (instructions for viewing scores below). Meanwhile, an analysis of the most recent Census data reveals that 12.5 percent of Somerville residents walk to work, the 11^th highest percentage in the U.S. For transit, Somerville is ranked 9^th in the nation according to Walk Score, and the latest Census data shows that 30.4 percent of residents take transit to work, the 7^th highest percentage in the U.S.

Walk Score’s 2014 ranking marks the first time that the company used its new Street Smart Walk Score algorithm, calculating the Walk Score of every city block by analyzing walking routes, nearby amenities and pedestrian friendliness.

“It’s no surprise that Walk Score rates Somerville so highly under its improved methodology. As we’ve stated from day one—based on what the community has told us they value—we’re committed to making Somerville more walkable, bikeable and transit-oriented,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “It’s all about supporting an active lifestyle, building community and creating a sense of place. When we build crosswalks, inviting streetscapes, and bike routes, we’re creating urban rooms—active streetscapes supported by an active daytime population that support a resilient, self-sufficient economic base for our city. A walkable city means that residents can get their daily needs in their neighborhood without ever getting in a car, that local businesses get the foot traffic that’s essential for them to thrive, and that outside businesses want to invest here when they see a vibrant, active city with bustling streets.”

During Mayor Curtatone’s administration, the City of Somerville has committed to creating the most walkable, bikeable and transit-oriented city in the country. In the last three years, the City has updated or added pedestrian safety infrastructure such as street trees, curb bump-outs and ADA-accessible ramps, and begun work on the extension of the Somerville Community Path from its current end at Cedar Street to Lowell Street, with the City strongly advocating for the Path’s future extension to Boston. Under the new Neighborhood Street Reconstruction Program the City will use a data-driven methodology to improve street accessibility and safety for all users, balance transportation choices and foster a sense of community through smart design.

Somerville is also on the verge of a tremendous expansion of public transportation with the Assembly Square Orange Line stop scheduled to open in 2014 and the second phase of the Green Line Extension now funded, with the first two stops in Union Square and Brickbottom scheduled to open in 2017. The City continues to work collaboratively with residents, businesses and all stakeholders in achieving the goals outlined in the 20-year comprehensive SomerVision plan in building communities around these investments, through programs and initiatives such as the Somerville by Design series that create a consensus around the community’s vision.

The new Walk Score rankings come on the heels of The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NATCO) adding the City of Somerville to its prestigious affiliate member list, which includes just 18 member cities and 12 affiliate members nationwide. NACTO officials lauded Somerville for its commitment “to sustainable transportation initiatives, aiming to strengthen cities and improve quality of life through better street design and transportation policy.” Somerville was also recently recognized by the League of American Cyclists with a Silver level Bicycle Friendly Community Award, recognizing a significant step up from Bronze in only two years. 

To view the full Walk Score rankings for all 2,978 cities, visit http://www.walkscore.com/cities-and-neighborhoods/  and scroll down to the map showing “All Cities”.  Below the map, move the population slider to zero, then select “Walk Score” to reorder the list by walk score rankings.

RESIDENTS SOUGHT FOR CITY BOARDS & COMMISSIONS

Better late than never..........due tomorrow

 

Vacancies to be filled on Design Review, Historic Preservation, Affordable Housing and Fair Housing Commissions

SOMERVILLE - The City of Somerville is seeking to fill vacancies on four essential Boards that are appointed by the Mayor and coordinated by the Mayor's Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development. The Mayor's office will be accepting applications for positions on these boards through November 25, 2013.

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.

SOMERVILLE ANNOUNCES AGGRESSIVE NEW RODENT CONTROL INITIATIVES

It’s war. A broad new Integrated Pest Management Plan will intensify existing City rodent control programs with an unprecedented package of aggressive and cutting edge initiatives, including providing free rodent control for qualifying residential properties and testing of rodent sterilization found highly effective as piloted by the New York City subway system, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced Friday. The plan also proposes uniform residential trash barrels with closed lid requirements coupled with increased trash ordinance enforcement; citywide dumpster tracking, inspection and enforcement; and the founding of the interdepartmental Rodent Action Team (RAT) to accelerate rodent control efforts. The Rodent Action Team began meeting in September and the additional new initiatives will be implemented over the coming months and into spring.

“Cities across the northeast are reporting the same trend: more rats. As our winters have grown warmer, the rat population has grown the past couple of years because the winters are no longer cold enough to decrease their numbers. This shift in conditions requires more aggressive approaches to rodent control,” said Mayor Curtatone. “These new initiatives will not only build upon the multi-tiered rodent control efforts we already have in place—they will allow us to tackle this problem from nearly every angle. With the participation of the community, Somerville will lead the way in municipal integrated pest management.”

The Residential Rodent Control Assistance Program is planned to launch early next year (2014) and will offer up to 2,000 homeowners per year free one-time rodent control services including baiting, dusting and trapping, reaching nearly one-third of owner-occupied one-to-three-family homes in the city. City Health inspectors will survey the property for evidence of rodents and provide educational materials on rodent prevention to qualifying owner-occupants, who must agree to take recommended rodent prevention actions (such as removing pet food bowls from outdoors or clearing debris from yards) in exchange for the recommended free rodent abatement treatment of their choice. Extermination services will be provided by a licensed pest control company and will go first to those with financial hardship, veterans, the elderly and persons with disabilities, and then to additional households. A request for proposals (RFP) for a service provider is expected to be issued by the end of the year.

“Offering financial assistance will allow us to increase extermination services in our neighborhoods and provide more opportunities for public education around rodent control. Both are crucial,” said Goran Smiljic, Superintendent of Inspectional Services. “Inspectors will walk private properties with owners identifying the contributing factors many never notice, such as fallen fruit, a leaky faucet, or improperly stored trash. And we know that while everyone wants to reduce rodent numbers, the cost of treatment can be prohibitive for some of our residents. By offering financial assistance, we will expand our efforts to increase quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

For the proposed uniform residential trash barrel program, which is in development for a launch next spring, residents would be required to dispose of household trash in city-issued plastic trash bins with attached lids, similar to zero-sort recycling toters. Currently trash must be kept in bins with lids while being stored. But bins may be placed on the curb for pickup without lids (because the lids are often lost during trash pickup). To remove this food source for rodents, the new bins would have attached, fitted lids, and the requirement that the bins be kept closed at all times will be strictly enforced.

“Uniform trash bins and increased enforcement of trash disposal rules is a logical next step in both our rodent control efforts as well as for keeping our streets looking clean and attractive,” said Alderman-at-Large Jack Connolly. “Combined with the other rodent control efforts in this package of initiatives, and with the Board and the Mayor united in their determination to address this issue, I believe residents will begin to see a greater impact on the problem.”

The City’s new Code Enforcement Officer hired by Inspectional Services in October has already begun an inventory of dumpsters citywide. As part of Comprehensive Dumpster Inspection and Enforcement, all dumpsters will be licensed and regularly inspected to ensure they do not provide food sources for rodents. Businesses and property owners with dumpsters will receive guidance on sanitation requirements and how to reduce rodent access to the dumpster.  The City’s Rodent Action Team is reviewing current local health regulations and recommendations to ensure dumpster -contractors, business and property owners maintain dumpsters and clean them properly.

“Dumpsters can be a significant food source for rodents, but this is a problem you can’t always see,” said Smiljic. “We regularly inspect food establishments for any rodent activity, but we also need the cooperation of the dumpster contractors to guarantee dumpster maintenance and cleaning. The enforcement officer will be working with both businesses with dumpsters as well as the dumpster contractors to ensure this happens.”

Following the lead of New York City, which has piloted the testing of Rodent Fertility Management in the United States, the City has been in talks with biotechnology company SenesTech, Inc., regarding the use of this humane and cutting-edge approach for reducing rodent populations. SenesTech is currently preparing a proposal for Somerville for limited testing of rodent fertility management that reduces (but does not eliminate) rodent populations by suppressing their reproductive capabilities. According to SenesTech’s research, the bait used is not lethal, does not affect other species or humans and does not enter the food chain because it is metabolized by rats within 15 minutes. The technique has been used with success by the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority and in numerous Asian agricultural areas where rats pose a serious threat to rice harvests.

“SenesTech has been fielding requests by cities and entities across the globe, but they were particularly impressed by the extensive data that the City analyzes and maintains on rodent sightings and control efforts. So we were able to interest them in considering Somerville for their next efforts, which also include other locations in New York,” said Mayor Curtatone. “We are looking forward to SenesTech’s proposal.”

Finally, an interdepartmental Rodent Task Force, known as RAT for Rodent Action Team and composed of City staff and Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston as the Board of Aldermen’s representative, was founded by Mayor Curtatone and has been meeting twice-monthly since September. The team’s mission is to accelerate rodent control efforts, research best practices and develop new rodent control initiatives and outreach plans. Members include staff from Inspectional Services, the Health Department, the SomerStat performance management office, Communications, Constituent Services (311) and the City Solicitor’s Office.

“We have been working diligently to attack this problem, and in my own ward I’ve heard from residents that our efforts are helping. But we still have more work to do and this package of new initiatives is going to give us even more tools to have an impact,” said Alderman Heuston. “But this is a partnership. The City is putting significant time and resources into this quality of life effort, and if residents in affected areas work with us by participating in the rodent control assistance program, maintaining their properties, covering their trash bins and reporting issues to 311, we will tackle this together.”