Committee Report - Housing - 9-25-17 — File 204275

Housing and Community Development Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 9/28/2017 September 25, 2017 REPORT OF THE HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Mark Niedergang Chair Present Tony Lafuente Vice Chair Absent Katjana Ballantyne Ward Seven Alderman Present Others present: Michael Glavin - OSPCD, Thomas Galligani - OSPCD, Tim Snyder - Mayor’s Office, Carrie Normand - School Committee, Charles Sillari - Clerk of Committees. The meeting took place in the Committee Room and was called to order at 6:00 PM by Chairman Niedergang and adjourned at 7:58 PM. Approval of the June 26, 2017 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED Approval of the July 10, 2017 Minutes RESULT: ACCEPTED 203877: That the Administration provide a written response on the process for school playground and school area improvements. Block and park grant funds were discussed and the committee was informed that block grants may be used for school yards, but that park grants cannot. The city has applied for design funds and there will be a small grants planning opportunity. The WSNS and the Brown School are moving forward. Criteria for prioritization, the Kennedy School’s gender equity and phases to make the school conducive to the community, the Community Preservation Act and its relation to the process, funding for incidentals and short term improvements, community organization and the length of the process were discussed. Chairman Niedergang encourage people to testify at Community Reservation meetings. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 202308: That the Director SPCD request a redesign and upgrade to the asphalt

Housing and Community Development Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 9/28/2017 playground, tot lot and “cave” courtyard at the West Somerville Neighborhood School. See discussion of 203877 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 203877 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 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. See discussion of 203877 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 202497: That the Superintendent of Schools share plans with the Ward 7 Alderman to mitigate the negative student enrollment at the West Somerville Neighborhood School caused by the proposed Clarendon/North Street Public Housing project. Mr. Snyder told the committee that final details have not yet been settled and that the intention is to keep children in Somerville schools. This is a top priority item. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 203749: That the Director of SPCD focus workforce development plans on vulnerable adults, determine if additional funds are needed, and provide this Board with a quarterly progress report. Mr. Galligani spoke about jobs linkage, the strategic plan, how to get individuals into careers, the new high school and how it fits into the plan and funding for certain projects. Alderman Ballantyne spoke about quarterly progress reports and Mr. Galligani will develop a set of metrics to gauge the success of the plan, which should be ready by spring. Chairman Niedergang commented that he doesn’t believe that the program helps those who need it most and he is concerned about finding workers at every level. Alderman Ballantyne inquired about workforce development and said she isn’t sure what SomerPromise is trying to do. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 201772: That the Administration provide this Board with an update on the Winter Hill Star Market site and the associated lawsuit.

Housing and Community Development Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 9/28/2017 Mr. Glavin explained the process and the approach and Mr. Galligani spoke about finding a developer and working with existing businesses, with the focus mainly on areas on Broadway and Mystic Avenue. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 203996: That the Director of SPCD develop a comprehensive plan to redevelop Cross Street, including lighting, vegetation and traffic calming. Mr. Glavin discussed the program in place. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 203563: That the Director of SPCD provide bi-annual progress reports on Assembly Square, Gilman Square, Lowell Street, Winter Hill, and future planned neighborhoods as they are completed. Mr. Glavin discussed being able to measure progress and setting up for economic growth. Alderman Ballantyne gave her perspective on the affordability piece. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 203980: That the Director of SPCD report to this Board why even the top priority recommendations of the Sustainable Neighborhoods Working Group have not yet been implemented after almost two years, and consider hiring additional staff to effectively address the affordable housing emergency. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 200700: That the Director of SPCD report to this Board on the plan and timeline for implementing the recommendations in the recent report of the Sustainable Neighborhoods Working Group. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 204187: Community Preservation Committee responding to #203735 re: prioritizing affordable housing funds for municipal workforce housing. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 203593: That the Director of SPCD provide a bi-annual progress report on the 100 Homes Initiative, specifically relating to the new affordable off-site housing units granted by the Planning Board to FRIT on May 18, 2017. See discussion of 208563 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE