S
omerville residents overwhelmingly approved a Community Benefits Agreement for the Somernova development project, with 71% of over 2,200 voters casting their ballots in favor. The agreement outlines community needs and benefits for the large development project in Spring Hill.

    The 7.4-acre plot, which houses several community staples, was initially proposed to be solely climate technology start-ups and local businesses. However, after two years of negotiations with the Union Square Neighborhood Council, Rafi Properties scaled down the project's size to 1.4 million square feet and 9-11 story-tall buildings.

    The agreement includes provisions for artist studios, music venues, community spaces, and housing, as well as a goal of 50% affordable housing units. Rafi Properties also committed to donating $1.25 million to housing, job training, and small business development.

    While some residents expressed concerns about the project's size and traffic disruptions, others saw it as a "net good for the city." The agreement will go into effect once the City Council votes to approve Rafi Properties' zoning request.

    The Union Square Neighborhood Council co-chair Matthias Rudolf praised the developer's willingness to listen and respond to community needs. Ami Bennitt, founding volunteer of the Art Stays Here coalition, said her organization advocated for a change in zoning designation to protect artist space Milk Row Studios.

    Some residents, however, voted against the agreement due to concerns about traffic studies, proposed height, and the short two-week period between its announcement and the vote. Kevin Foster, a barista living in Union Square, expressed concern that there is not enough proposed affordable housing for the number of people who work close by.

    The Community Benefits Agreement met the required two-thirds majority vote and will go into effect once the City Council approves Rafi Properties' zoning request.