Committee Report - Housing - 6-26-17 — File 203875

Housing and Community Development Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 6/27/2017 June 26, 2017 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 Maryann Heuston, Paula O'Sullivan - resident, Michael Glavin - OSPCE, Tim Snyder - Mayor’s Office, Rositha Durham - Clerk of Committees. The meeting took place in the Aldermen’s Chamber and was called to order at 6:00 PM by Chairman Niedergang and adjourned at 7:45 PM. Approval of the April 24, 2017 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 203709: That the US2 Master Developers use Area Standard Contractors for the construction of development parcels in Union Square. Chairman Niedergang reported that he has not received a response from US2 regarding his request for them to attend either tonight’s committee meeting or the one scheduled for July 10th. Alderman Heuston suggested that it would be a good idea to have the City Solicitor at the meeting to help guide the committee. Mr. Snyder read an article regarding organized labor, from the Boston Globe, dated November 20, 2016. Alderman Lafuente’s motion that the City Solicitor provide the Board of Aldermen with a written opinion on item# 203709, by the July 10, 2017 meeting of the Committee on Housing and Community Development, was approved. Brian Doherty from Metro Building Trades appeared with others from Local 6 and Local 3 trade unions. Mr. Doherty offered assistance to obtain legal opinions for fair standards and fair competition on this matter. Alderman Lafuente initiated a resolution for the attorneys for Metro Building Trades to provide written legal opinions on this item. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE

Housing and Community Development Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 6/27/2017 200135: That the Administration report to this Board about communicating with Federal 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. Mr. Glavin did not have information on this request but had made sure that FRIT was aware of it. He said that FRIT believes and has confidence in their general contractor and feel that the GC has been doing a good job. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203275: That the Director of SPCD update this Board on plans developed in 2013-2015 to redevelop the outdoor space at the Brown School, and work with the Superintendent of Schools, the Brown School Council and PTA, neighbors, and other stakeholders to improve the space. Ms. O'Sullivan and others representing the Brown and Kennedy Schools spoke about the much needed improvements for these schools. Ms. O'Sullivan read emails that dated back some years, detailing the conversations and proposals about improving the Brown School. In 2015, the School Committee planned to change to K-5 grade system to help alleviate some of the space needs. Mr. Glavin said there are a number of schools yards needing improvement and that the city has been exploring other resources for funding. Mr. Glavin will have the report on the Brown School updated. Alderman Lafuente asked about the status of the Winter Hill Community School and it's funding and Mr. Snyder said all funding was secured and the project is moving forward. Mr. Glavin said that there should be an informed decision about which schools needed improvement and the school committee and city should work together. Alderman Lafuente’s motion that the Administration provide a written response on the process for school playground and school area improvements, was approved. Questions were asked about the blacktop yard at the Brown School and whether it could be changed to some other use, asbestos and potentially moving children to other areas and whether projects to the schools could be done a little at a time to show some improvements over several schools. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202995: That the Director of SPCD redesign the asphalt front playground at the Kennedy School and work with all stakeholders to make it usable by more people for a broader range of activities. See discussion of item 203275. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202308: That the Director SPCD request a redesign and upgrade to the asphalt playground, tot lot and “cave” courtyard at the West Somerville Neighborhood School.

Housing and Community Development Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 6/27/2017 Mr. Snyder said that he and DPW Commissioner did a walk through and agreed on the work to be done to cut back the tree work. There was a question about the asphalt which will stay in committee to be addressed with the other school blacktop conversations in the future. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 203590: That the Director of SPCD and the Director of the Arts Council update this Board on the ArtFarm and any current uses of the former Waste Transfer station. Mr. Glavin told the members that the ArtFarm is a concept and a great expression for the city which will provide great growth for the Brick Bottom area. The administration is preparing for the Public Private Partnership event next month. This site will be looked at for potential public safety replacement. Mr. Glavin and the DPW are also looking at the sidewalk and repairs needed for safety. The city is looking into raised bed solutions for planting and no permanent building structures will be placed on the site. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203222: That this Board’s Committee on Housing and Community Development meet with representatives of Tufts University for an update on the conversion of wood frame office- houses into residential housing in Medford and Somerville. Alderman Ballantyne spoke about Tufts expanding housing into Somerville’s residential areas and said that residents do not want more Tufts housing in their community. Mr. Glavin talked about Tufts using their own land on campus for housing. There was a discussion about getting the Tufts Master Plan. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202972: Tufts University submitting its Spring 2017 University Accountability report. Mr. Snyder reported that ISD has not found a single property in violation, however, there are still properties that have not been inspected. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 202985: Harvard University submitting its Spring 2017 University Accountability report. Mr. Snyder reported that ISD has not found a single property in violation, however, there are still properties that have not been inspected. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED Handouts: • Boston Globe Article (with 203709)