Somerville Zoning Board Discusses Easter Seals Group Home Expansion Proposal

Overview: The Somerville Zoning Board recently reviewed a application by Easter Seals to expand a group home to include two additional bedrooms and a handicap accessibility ramp. The application sparked a discussion on the facility’s operations, resident needs, and neighborhood impact.

Somerville Planning Board Tackles Residential Fencing Regulations

Overview: The Somerville Planning Board convened on July 10th, 2024, to deliberate on proposed adjustments to the zoning regulations pertaining to residential fences, a topic garnering considerable attention due to its impact on privacy, aesthetics, and safety. The board grappled with the intricacies of fencing on corner lots, the potential establishment of a committee to review non-standard fence heights, and the implementation of a clear and accessible application process for residents.

Somerville Borough Council Rejects Bids for Borough Hall Restoration

Overview: In a development during the Somerville Borough Council meeting, the council announced the rejection of all bids for the Borough Hall entry portico and exterior restoration project. The lowest bid was disqualified for not including a required page containing unit prices, while the other bid exceeded the estimated costs and available grant funds. This decision mandates a repeat of the bidding process as per resolution 206.

Somerville Planning Board Grapples with Fence Ordinance Issues

Overview: In an effort to address the fencing concerns of local residents, the Somerville Planning Board convened on June 26, 2024, to deliberate on potential amendments to the town’s fence ordinance. The discussion was sparked by a resident’s challenge to the denial of their request to install a 5-foot fence, citing privacy needs due to having a daughter with special needs. This led to a broader debate on the existing ordinance’s transparency requirements, particularly for corner properties, and the possibility of involving the Architectural Review Board in the review process for such lots.

Somerville Zoning Board Greenlights Downtown Revitalization Project

Overview: In an effort to revitalize the downtown district of Somerville, the Zoning Board of Adjustment approved a project on June 19, 2024, that will transform a vacant property at 35-37 North Bridge Street into a mixed-use building. The property, which has been unoccupied for approximately four years, is slated for renovation to include office space for a real estate development company on the ground floor and a two-bedroom apartment on the second floor.