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Union Square Station Associates submitting comments re: #202853, Union Sq zoning.
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Official Text
To the Honorable Board:
Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the zoning process and for allowing the opportunity for residents and business owners to provide feedback on the zoning ordinance you are currently reviewing. The proposed ordinance benefitted from the dialogue and better reflects neighborhood sentiments and the Neighborhood Plan as a result. I am writing to support the approval of the Union Square zoning amendment.
US2 was selected almost three years ago as the City’s Master Development Partner for Union Square. We have been working with the City and the Community since to craft a future for Union Square that acknowledges and preserves the past while positioning the Square and the City to take advantage of development opportunities in the square far into the future. Today’s zoning envisions an exciting evolution for the square that will accomplish many SomerVision goals. It will make Union Square an even better place to work, play, live and raise a family - while maintaining the Square’s unique character.
60 percent of new development will be commercial space (incl. office, lab and innovation) that will generate over $10 million annually in new tax revenue and create over 5,000 permanent jobs. New open spaces and transportation upgrades will create a more livable neighborhood. Mixed-income housing, creative economy uses and new services will enhance neighborhood vitality. And lastly, redevelopment will provide critical resources to address transit, utility and traffic issues that have plagued Somerville for decades.
Community benefits are a high priority for many. We are committed to providing community benefits from the redevelopment and have committed to negotiating a Community Benefits Agreement with local stakeholders. Our plan is to work closely with stakeholders to finalize a community benefits program that helps mitigate displacement and builds upon this fantastic community.
Neighboring cities are moving quickly to attract cutting edge companies and leverage regional economic growth. However, few -if any - have a plan as thoughtful or as community-driven as ours. The plan preserves what is great about the square, it helps the neighborhood grow responsibly; and it will attract companies that are leaving Kendall Square and elsewhere in search of amenity-rich, mixed-use and transit-oriented places.
US2 is here as your partner. We stand at the ready to move forward and will do so with enthusiasm, energy and resources once zoning is passed. All that is needed is a clear, predictable process for moving forward and zoning approval will go a long way to providing this predictability.
We encourage you to look favorably on this zoning amendment and to move Union Square forward.
Sincerely,
Greg Karczewski, President
Union Square Station Associates