Dear Mayor Ballantyne and Somerville City Council,

I would like to introduce myself as the new Property Manager for Cobble Hill Apartments. You likely know Ms. Evelyn Ortiz retired in July after working at Cobble Hill for over 20 years. In time, I hope to earn the level of trust and support she received from the Cobble Hill community.

As we transition, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you wish to discuss any Cobble Hill Apartments concerns.

Separately, I am also new to Cobble Hill’s struggle to retain their green space, 37-space parking lot and the alleyway behind 84 Washington Street that we use for emergency access and trash removal. In time, hopefully I will make sense as to why a beautiful acre of green berm and mature trees are being taken by the city for new development. It seems unlikely that affordable residents would benefit from having these assets being stripped unless the city’s plans include quality of life benefits that are targeted to all residents of Somerville. Frankly, I find it unsettling that people are making decision that are not community based.

In time I hope to come to a more nuanced understanding. In the meantime, I plan to carry on Evelyn’s tradition of circulating the thoughts and words of the Cobble Hill residents. Similar to Ms. Ortiz, I too will try to be their advocate for the change they would like to see for our community.

Attached please find a letter from Bill Mahaney. Mr. Mahaney lives at 84 Washington Street and has served on the 90 Washington Street Civic Advisory Committee as Cobble Hill’s Community Representative since January 2023.

Many more residents have expressed a desire to contribute their thoughts as well. I will circulate their letters when they are ready.

I am available to anyone on this circulation to discuss any of your concerns.

Thank you,

Kevin Wiggins
Property Manager
Cobble Hill Apartments