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Wig Zamore submitting comments re: #202853, Union Sq zoning.
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To the Honorable Board:
Thanks Renée and Tori:
I would add a plug for a community, not private, green and open space percentage of 30%. We have made tremendous progress to get to a nominal 25%, which should of course include full direct engagement and dialogue between the US2 design team and the community of interest, as to alternate locations and forms of green and open space. US2 has not bought any land yet as far as the community knows, just rights to enter into land acquisition negotiations and and/or later completion of transactions when they decide to proceed. The land negotiations and pricing will reflect the Zoning and other context for development in Union Square. If the eventual real land prices reflect a little higher percent for public open space, and a little lower per acre price and just a little less total built gross square footage, we may end up with buildings of all types that are worth more per square foot, to the developers as well as the community, and a lot healthier community for all future residents and workers and visitors.
Best Regards,
Wig
Tori and I are writing to you to beg you to not vote on the zoning until more serious consideration has been given to the environmental aspects. Thanks to many of you, the planning department finally began talking about it, but it is way too little, too late. We need to get this right. We cannot hope that future zoning or BoA or the planning board will come through and remedy the lack of strict environmental standards as currently written. And, even if we are able to get stronger language later, we will have to pay for the change since it will put the developers out. This does not make sense.
We know you are all exhausted and want this to be over. We totally understand. But, this is the opportunity to get it right from the beginning, rather than leaving it to chance, public hearings, and the planning board.
Many of you last night pointed out that the planning department had not done enough. You are right. Please remember this.
Please delve into the vested rights and exactly what environmental performance and sustainability standards will be allowed to change.
We appreciate all of the time you are all taking. You are making Somerville proud.
Warmly,
Renée and Tori