May 15, 2017
Somerville Board of Aldermen
C/O John Long, City Clerk
City of Somerville
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143
To the Honorable Board of Aldermen:
Following review by board members and staff, our organizations would like to share the following points regarding pending matters related to the development of Union Square:
• We support the Community Benefits Ordinance and urge its adoption to advance responsible Union Square development and community benefits.
• We find the Covenant as written to be a sufficient indication of Union Square Station Associates’ commitment to a suitable role for the Union Square Neighborhood Council.
• We urge the Board of Aldermen to exercise its due diligence in May and adopt the Union Square zoning by May 31, 2017.
Sincerely,
Lindsay Neu, Chair, Union Square Main Streets
Courtney O’Keefe, Executive Director, Somerville Local First
Stephen V. Mackey, President/CEO, Somerville Chamber of Commerce