Councilors ask planning staff to draft transit‑oriented height and density bonus options for affordable housing

Councilors McLaughlin, Davis and Wilson introduced an order asking the Planning, Preservation and Zoning Department to draft zoning amendments that would provide height and density bonuses near transit in exchange for additional affordable housing and other enumerated community benefits.

Planning Department staff said Feb. 24 the department will explore transit‑oriented upzoning and bonus story approaches in the coming months, coordinating with the city’s long‑range plan (Somerville Vision 2040) and other ongoing studies. Staff cited recent regional developments, including Cambridge’s citywide zoning changes, and a forthcoming joint Somerville–Medford corridor study along Broadway, as context for why the city should consider targeted transit‑area upzoning.

Councilors discussed past conversations about bonus stories for affordable commercial space and the importance of aligning any proposals with the city’s planning goals. Councilor John Davis asked about expected timing; staff said reorganizations and staffing changes delayed prior work but indicated the topic is now on the department’s work program. Several councilors — including Davis and Matthew Wilson — urged that the evaluation consider whether higher‑rise options should be included in specific locations.

The committee left the item in committee for further development; no ordinance text was presented or voted on. Council liaison Samantha Carr, newly assigned to support the council on land‑use matters, was introduced at the meeting and will assist in coordinating this work with the Planning Department and the council.