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Renee Scott and Tori Antonino submitting comments re: #202853, Union Sq zoning.
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Official Text
To the Honorable Board:
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