01:37The board meeting, held on May 14, 2025, centered on an extensive update about the borough’s affordable housing strategy. The plan has been in the making for eight to nine months, involving collaboration among various stakeholders, including the borough council, planning and zoning boards, and the borough administration. The mayor highlighted that the strategy was not a “one-size-fits-all” solution, but rather a plan tailored specifically for Somerville. This approach takes into account the borough’s historical compliance with affordable housing requirements and recent changes in the housing market over the past decade.

06:03Chris Zanganger, the borough’s redevelopment and affordable housing attorney, provided a legal context, elaborating on the Mount Laurel doctrine, which mandates municipalities to provide opportunities for low and moderate-income housing. He explained the shift in 2016 when the responsibility for reviewing housing plans moved from the Council on Affordable Housing to the courts, which now oversee the process and offer mediation to avoid builder remedy lawsuits. This mediation aims to secure a certificate of compliance.

12:57The current housing element and fair share plan preparation timeline involves zoning for 74 prospective need units and rehabilitating 103 existing units over the next decade. The plan’s submission deadline is set for June 30, 2025, with a challenge period extending to August 31, 2025. Challenges can only be made against the specifics of the municipal plan, not alternative sites proposed by developers.

24:44Colin Driver detailed the process undertaken to develop this plan, noting that weekly meetings have occurred since October to finalize draft ordinances and plan documents. The focus was on creating a plan that benefits Somerville specifically. The plan aims to integrate affordable housing throughout the community rather than concentrating it in a single location, avoiding negative stigmas often associated with such developments.

19:52Additionally, a developer fee ordinance was discussed, which encompasses all development types, including those with fewer than five units, such as conversions to two-family homes. However, minor additions or renovations by residential homeowners are excluded. Fees are determined based on the equalized assessed value, with rates set at 2.5% or 1.5%. These fees will contribute to an affordable housing trust fund, facilitating the creation and rehabilitation of housing stock within the borough.

35:15The board highlighted the importance of public engagement and transparency, with a commitment to making documents available on the borough’s website and providing a concise summary sheet for residents. The plan will be presented at a public hearing on May 28, with council meetings scheduled for June 2 and June 6 to further review and discuss the documents.

Another innovative concept discussed was “incubator housing,” designed to support individuals in transitional situations, allowing them to stabilize financially before moving to permanent housing. This approach aims to empower residents and assist them in achieving independence. The board also addressed public misconceptions about the timeline for generating affordable housing units, clarifying that obligations are spread over a ten-year period.

39:38The meeting briefly touched on Ordinance 2764, pertaining to land use fees, which is intended to be submitted to the council for approval. The fees are seen as essential for funding future developments, particularly those with fewer than five dwelling units.

40:58The subject of basement apartments was introduced, with a growing interest from property owners in converting basements into rental units. Concerns about safety and legality, especially regarding life safety issues, were raised. The board acknowledged the presence of illegal basement apartments and expressed the need to proactively address this issue by reviewing construction codes and considering how other municipalities handle similar situations.

44:48The session concluded with a discussion on electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, with plans for future talks with fire marshals and engineers to address safety concerns related to the current EV ordinance. A local electrical contractor offered to present information on EV charging, highlighting both benefits and drawbacks.