USMS Invitational on Zoning Issues

[EricF]

Has anyone else in our neighborhood group received the following
invitation from USMS?

-Eric F
_____________________________________
You're invited to a discussion among active USMS members on the Union
Square zoning proposal on Monday, January 8 at 6:30 at the USMS offices
(CAAS conference room, 66-70 Union Square, upstairs from Toast.)

Since the public workshops and hearing in late November and early
December discussion has been ongoing about the Zoning Proposal among
USMS folks. But these discussions have been fragmented. While USMS
Board of Directors have voted to support the proposal and have
submitted written comments a number of active folks in USMS and other
residents have raised concerns about aspects of the proposal. In those
larger general meetings the format limited discussion.

Therefore, to foster discussion among active USMS members familiar with
the needs of Union Square you're invited to come share your views on
the zoning proposal and hear from others -- not with the intention of
shifting anyone's position but to have an open dialogue about the
opportunities and dangers of the proposal as we each see it. My goal is
for us to together review the range of possible outcomes and develop
informed ideas on how we might strengthen the positive and limit the
negative. This might spur discussion on possible responses such as
recommending amendments (maybe no more than 60% of the PUD-C-1 could be
built to the 12 stories? Maybe limit the c-1 to
8 stories?), initiatives of USMS (identifying and recruiting
independent businesses for these sites?), or other projects (gathering
partners to address ways to prevent displacement of low and moderate
income residents?
suggesting elements to include in the request for proposals such as
encouraging green buildings?) We'll not make any decision or
recommendations at this gathering -- just inform ourselves about
aspects we might not have considered. Some committees or individuals
may choose to follow up with specific initiatives or advocacy but that
would not be part of this meeting.

Joe Merkel of Strategic Planning and Community Development may be able
to join us but his schedule is tight. He is gathering information for
the Land Use Subcommittee on the feasibility and impact of potential
amendments such as decreasing heights and increasing the percentage of
affordable housing.
I've asked him to share that information with us.

Please let me know if you can attend so I can plan accordingly.

Have a good holiday --

Mimi

Mimi Graney
Executive Director
Union Square Main Streets
P.O. Box One
Somerville, MA 02143
617-623-1392 x119

Union Square: Somerville's Lively Historic Crossroads

[ELIO...@aol.com]

Eric - Not me. I don't know how many people are on the Gooogle group yet -
so I will send out the question with a note I plan to send later this evening.-
Stuart

[Molly O'Neill]

I haven't seen this invite either. but i'm not on the main streets
listserve. are you?