Zoning may not sound like the most fun topic to talk about, but it greatly affects life in Somerville. Zoning can be used to create more affordable housing, add more green space to the city, and keep the character of our neighborhoods intact.
The Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development has already held some conversations focusing on specific areas of the zoning code and more are coming. Please see the link below for an updated schedule, including some we added because of your interest.
The next session is planned for Mon., Jan. 25 to talk about residential neighborhoods. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. and will be at the VNA, 259 Lowell St.

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Zoning Overhaul Meeting Date Changes
The City of Somerville announced today several changes to the ongoing public meeting series surrounding the proposed Zoning Overhaul Process. An updated meeting schedule is included below, and important changes are:
The Mobility meeting has been changed from Mon., Feb. 8, to Mon., Feb. 22.

The Economic Development meeting has been moved from Mon., Feb. 22, to Mon., Feb. 8

A second Attainable Housing meeting has been added on Mon., Mar. 21, as a follow up to the Jan. 11 meeting.

A meeting about Sustainability has been added on Mon., Apr. 11.

All meetings will be held at the Lowell St. VNA, 259 Lowell St., beginning at 6:30 p.m. The meetings will discuss the ideas within the City’s new proposed zoning ordinance, respond to comments provided in the public review process, and propose changes to the ordinance based upon this feedback. The remaining meeting schedule is as follows:
Residential Neighborhoods
Date: Monday, January 25

Topics: Conserving neighborhoods, building types, lot dimensions

Economic Development
Date: Monday, February 8

Topics: Commercial development, job creation

Mobility
Date: Monday, February 22

Topics: Parking requirements, bike parking, mobility management program

Process
Date: Monday, March 7

Topics: Special permits, design review, neighborhood meetings, board process

Attainable Housing (Part 2)
Date: Monday, March 21

Topics: Inclusionary zoning, linkage, development bonuses

Sustainability
Date: Monday, April 11

Topics: Environment, building, technologies, urban development

 
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 contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Betsy Allen, at 617-625-6600 x2323 or BAllen@somervillema.gov.
– See more at: http://www.somervillema.gov/alerts/zoning-overhaul-meeting-date-changes#.dpuf