Committee Report - Housing - 9-17-14 — File 197726

September 17, 2014 Housing and Community Development Committee Page 1 of 3 Printed 9/22/2014 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 Also present: Alderman Maryann Heuston, Michael Glavin, Ed O'Donnell, Hayes Morrison, Omar Boukili. Alderman Heuston discussed the public's involvement in the maintenance of tree wells throughout the city. 195679 - That the Director of SPCD meet with this Board's Committee on Housing and Community Development to discuss #195571, a proposed $500,000 bond to fund a major plan change to the existing Assembly Square Urban Renewal Plan.: Mr. Glavin spoke of his commitment to discuss this item with the Board of Aldermen. Chairman Niedergang questioned the timing of community meetings. RESULT: PLACED ON FILE 195248 - That the Director of SPCD appear before this Board to provide an update on the status of the Union Square renewal plan and any transactions that have taken place.: Mr. O’Donnell explained that the planning process would be similar to the Somerville by Design process and went on to discussed various areas of concern, including; test borings and site clean up by the MBTA; remediation at the former Kiley Barrel site, relocation benefits, the SRA’s conveyance of property, obligations of the Master Developer. Community groups and their concerns and uses of the parcels. Chairman Niedergang questioned the community benefits of selecting US2 as the developer for Union Square. A representative from Union United spoke about increased rents and various ethnicities, the lack of interpreters and the lack of a voice for people with no voice. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED

Committee Meeting September 17, 2014 Housing and Community Development Committee Page 2 of 3 Printed 9/22/2014 195906 - That the Director of SPCD appear at this Board's next meeting on December 12 to explain the Redevelopment Authority's procedure for designating a developer and taking property for the Revitalization Plan for Union Square, and provide the members of this Board with written information about the Plan's costs and funding sources by December 10.: See 195248 RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 196188 - That the Administration work with this Board to revise the Somervision Plan to provide more detailed goals with regard to affordable housing and the creation of a mix of housing units, especially those with more than 2 bedrooms, for long-term residents of all ages.: RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196287 - That the Director of SPCD, the Planning Director, and the Housing Director appear before this Board for an update on raising the inclusionary housing ordinance to promote development of more affordable housing.: OSPCD is aware of the need and Mr. Glavin requested that the item remain in committee until a new Housing Director is hired. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196366 - That the Director of SPCD submit a plan to create “Middle Class” housing.: RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 196886 - That the Administration provide this Board with an update, in writing and within 2 weeks, on accessibility and improvements to the West Branch Library.: Mr. Boukili informed the members that an architect and a project management firm should be hired by the end of October, with the design process commencing soon after. The project cost estimate is four to five million dollars. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197059 - Director of Capital Projects responding to #196886 re: improvements at the West Branch Library.: See 196886 RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE

Committee Meeting September 17, 2014 Housing and Community Development Committee Page 3 of 3 Printed 9/22/2014 197363 - That the Director of SPCD (Parks and Infrastructure) examine the parking lot of the old American Legion Post on Tufts and Glen Streets as a possible location for a park, with a theme of veteran's service.: The committee discussed possible housing development, the timing for disposition and the process of turning the parcel over to the SRA. Ms. Morrison stated that it would not be beneficial to the city. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197475 - That the Administration discuss with DCR, an agreement by which the City takes joint control of the DCR park area from Shore Drive to the riverbank so the City can maintain that area for the benefit and protection of its residents.: Mr. Boukili reported that there have been conversations between the city and DCR regarding possible management agreements. RESULT: KEPT IN COMMITTEE 197247 - That the Director of SPCD provide funding to address problems at the Milk Row Cemetery, including cleaning, repairs, resetting fallen obelisks and other cosmetic repairs and maintenance.: An application will be submitted for funding. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED 197477 - That the Administration explain its reasoning for not allowing residents to deny tree planting on or nearby their property.: Chairman Niedergang stated that he does not share the concern of the eight aldermen who sponsored this item and, since most of the sponsors were not present, he requested that Ms. Morrison prepare a memo on the subject for the Board of Aldermen. RESULT: WORK COMPLETED