90 Washington Development Goals for CC - 10.23.25 — File 25-1596

90 Washington Street – Development objectives and program of uses Fall 2025 Prepared by: Economic Development Division, City of Somerville Somerville Redevelopment Authority (SRA) 90 Washington Street Civic Advisory Committee (CAC) 1. Recoup a significant portion of funds paid for the taking of 90 Washington Street. 2. Achieve a combination of some or all of the following land uses: a. New housing—Including owner-occupied and rental residences affordable to a range of incomes and available in a range of sizes. b. New commercial space—Particularly for retail shopping, food & beverage and personal service businesses in ground-floor storefronts, with outdoor dining/seating if possible. Grocery stores, markets, retail food businesses, restaurants and pharmacies are especially desired by local residents. c. New civic space—Particularly for non-profit organizations, community groups, social service enterprises. d. Green space—Active and passive recreation and gathering areas. 3. Meet the following development principles: a. Mixed-use building formats—The parcel should be primarily used for housing, but with a variety of ground-floor uses that address the commercial needs of residents and workers in the neighborhood. b. Dense development—Target building density that is consistent with the City’s Mid-Rise or High-Rise zoning districts and that introduces significant new housing units to the area, while concentrating density on the western portion of the site closest to the East Somerville MBTA Station. c. Flexibility in form or massing—Encourage architectural approaches that deliver High-Rise levels of density while allowing alternative typologies or configurations that advance community goals and enhance the public realm. d. Sustainable design—Compliant with Somerville’s new Stretch Building Code and demonstrate leadership in resilient design. e. No surface parking—Comply with Somerville’s Zoning Ordinance, which prohibits surface parking so near to transit stations (e.g. the new East Somerville GLX Station). f. Robust urban canopy and natural landscape—Incorporate landscaping that strengthens the urban canopy, enhances the public realm, and creates an appropriate buffer to Cobble Hill Apartments. Preserve viable existing trees where possible. g. Diversity, equity, and inclusion in the development process—M/WBE participation in the areas of development, financing, design, construction and ownerships; in workforce development programs; in contractor and supplies diversity programs; and in community outreach to underrepresented communities.