Committee Report - Housing - 10-28-15 — File 200302

Housing and Community Development Committee Page 1 of 4 Printed 11/10/2015 October 28, 2015 REPORT OF THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Mark Niedergang Chair Present Tony Lafuente Vice Chair Present Katjana Ballantyne Ward Seven Alderman Present Others present: Alderman Matt McLaughlin, Doug Kress - HHS, Nancy Bacci - HHS, Amanda Maher - OSPCD, Michael Glavin - OSPCD, Ed O’Donnell - OSPCD, George Proakis - OSPCD, Eileen McGettigan - Law, Rositha Durham - Clerk of Committees The meeting took place in the Committee Room and was called to order at 6:00 PM by Alderman Niedergang and adjourned at 7:55 PM. Document List: • Homeless Task Force Data (199126) • Building Permit Data (199866) 1. Approval of the June 30, 2015 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 199126: That the Director of Health and Human Services report to this Board on the increase in homeless families and unaccompanied homeless minors, the work of the Homelessness Task Force, and the possible need for city resources to serve them. Mr. Kress introduced the members of the Homeless Task Force and distributed copies of his presentation to the committee members and others at the table. Alderman McLaughlin asked why people would be kicked out of public housing and was told that failure to pay the rent could be one of the reasons. Alderman Ballantyne asked about the data being collected and was informed that the task force, as a group, is trying to organize the data. There were discussions on how to handle unaccompanied minors who are homeless. Alderman Ballantyne inquired whether there is a messaging campaign to share information on homeless and the laws that protect students.

Housing and Community Development Committee Page 2 of 4 Printed 11/10/2015 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 199896: SRA Special Counsel conveying an Amended Master Developer Designation Agreement. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 199725: Updating this Board on the shortfall in Green Line Extension funding. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 199866: That the Director of SPCD (Planning) and the Supervisor of Inspectional Services compile a list of properties citywide that have been granted Zoning or Planning Board approval or building permits in the last 24 months but have not completed construction, including the reasons why. Mr. Proakis distributed a document which will be discussed at a future meeting. That document will also be available on MinuteTraq. Alderman McLaughlin asked for updates on businesses in Ward 1. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 199657: That the Supervisor of Inspectional Services and the Director of Traffic and Parking coordinate permits for storage pods and project dumpsters, to avoid multiple bulk items on city streets. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198971: That the Administration detail plans for the Davis Square infrastructure project and confirm when the project will begin. Mr. Glavin reported that OSPCD did a lot work putting together a plan for surface improvements in Davis Square, however, they were not able to get any funding from the state for this project. The project has been delayed and OSPCD will probably come back to the Board of Aldermen with a different plan. OSPCD has plans to go out to bid in the spring. Chairman Niedergang requested that Mr. Glavin provide a timeline, in writing, to the committee before its next meeting. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196437: That the Director of SPCD (Economic Development) report on the development of and funding for the local hiring and workforce development First Source program, and report on the outcome of FRIT's recent job fairs for Assembly Square, including

Housing and Community Development Committee Page 3 of 4 Printed 11/10/2015 Somervillians getting jobs. Ms. Maher updated the committee on jobs in the city and spoke about partnering with the vocational school to understand what skills are needed for some of the growing businesses in Somerville and working with First Source to help people get well paying jobs, not just entry level positions. Approximately 50 retailers participated in the Assembly Row job fair. OSPCD is not sure how many were hired from the job fair. There were 1,400 jobs in Assembly Row with 70% considered entry level and according to FRIT, out of the 1400 jobs, 25% were filled by local hires and 30% are management positions. Ninety percent of employers at Assembly Row pay above the minimum wage. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198508: That the Director of SPCD (Transportation and Infrastructure) schedule with the Ward 5 Alderman a follow-up community meeting for March or April to report on safety improvements planned for the Lowell Street bridge area, since the Community Path Extension will open onto the Lowell Street bridge in the spring. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196214: That the Director of SPCD consider developing a plan and securing funding for infrastructure improvements along the full length of Murdock Street, especially sidewalks and trees. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 196221: That the Director of SPCD provide SomerVision updates twice a year, broken down by ward, showing progress made in residential, affordable units, jobs, public space, trips via transit, bike and walking, and development in transformative areas. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196368: That the Director of SPCD submit a plan on the use of city owned properties as it relates to projected growth identified in the SomerVision Plan. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 198088: That the Commissioner of Public Works investigate and report back on installing solar powered kiosks in our parks and playgrounds to communicate youth and family activities in our city. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200135: That the Administration report to this Board about communicating with Federal

Housing and Community Development Committee Page 4 of 4 Printed 11/10/2015 Realty Investment Trust regarding #199601, a request that FRIT provide the wages, hours and residency of everyone employed at the parcel 6 site, pursuant to the attached letter from Rand Wilson. Ms. Maher reported that some contractors have openings that pay $30 an hour or more. The SCC has been working to offer training, with some of the training being very specific to the types of jobs, for those with English as a second language. Chairman Niedergang asked about the status of the $100,000 committed from FRIT and how it would be spent. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200184: That the Administration provide this Board with a written update on the first report of the University Accountability Ordinance. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200186: That the Director of SPCD update the Ward 7 Alderman on the start date of the bike path project behind the Tannery Brook Condominiums. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE