Green Space Resolution — File 205807

WHEREAS: Somerville is the most densely populated community in New England; and WHEREAS: The city’s SomerVision Comprehensive Plan calls for the creation of 125 acres of new open space; and WHEREAS: 77% of Somerville is covered with impervious surfaces; and WHEREAS: Somerville’s Climate Vulnerability Assessment states that “temperature is a ubiquitous threat throughout the city” and “increase in temperature will be exacerbated by the presence of factors that contribute to urban heat island effects, such as lack of tree canopy and limited open space, [and] high percentages of impervious surface”; and WHEREAS: Somerville’s Climate Vulnerability Assessment estimates that by 2030, we could have as many as 40 days with temperatures over 90 degrees and as many as 90 days by 2070; and WHEREAS: Somerville’s Climate Vulnerability Assessment estimates that by 2030, we could have as many as 40 days with temperatures over 90 degrees and as many as 90 days by 2070; WHEREAS: Green space cools and cleans the air, reduces flooding from higher tides and precipitation, and provides habitat for essential pollinators like birds, bees, moths, butterflies and bats, and offers city dwellers an opportunity to experience nature; and WHEREAS: A 2016 World Health Organization report on urban green space found that green spaces improve relaxation and restoration, social capital, the functioning of the immune system, enhance physical activity, improve fitness, reduce obesity, buffer noise, reduce exposure to air pollution, reduce the urban heat island effect, enhance pro-environmental behavior, optimize exposure to the sunlight, improve sleep, improve mental health and cognitive function, reduce cardiovascular morbidity and type-2 diabetes, improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce mortality rates; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That the City Solicitor draft an Ordinance such that the square footage of publicly owned and/or maintained green space in Somerville may never drop below the current amount and as more green space is created, the current amount will increase and if green space is removed, it must be replaced by at least the same amount and quality in another location in Somerville.